How to Overcome the Language Barrier: Six Actionable Tips

Each person learns languages ​​in his own way, and almost everyone faces certain difficulties. Only those who learn a foreign language can do without communication problems, just as a child copes with this task - spontaneously and unconsciously, in endless interaction. If you start studying with a textbook and do not move on to real practice for a long period, there is a great risk of becoming a victim of the language barrier. How it can be overcome, the publication said. Travel ask.

Psychologists call a language barrier a panic fear of conducting a conversation in a foreign language. As a rule, this is a psychological state when a person unconsciously blocks communication, feeling uncertainty and stiffness of speech. On the other hand, this is a lack of tools to convey your thoughts, a lack of understanding on the part of the interlocutor.

Modern linguists and psychologists have identified several working schemes for overcoming the communication barrier, overcoming the fear of communicating in a foreign language.

Chat with those who know the language worse

To consolidate new knowledge, the brain needs positive reinforcement. When communication takes place in the presence of those whose knowledge of the language is higher, or who are higher in status, a stressful situation arises, which negatively affects the process of mastering new material. Therefore, it is recommended to practice with those who are taking the starting steps in learning the language. It can even be children, the main thing is to communicate comfortably, without clamps and embarrassment.

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Talk to foreigners

In order to communicate with a native speaker, you do not have to look for him personally; for this, many services have been created. So you can just talk with foreigners, or even find those who are studying Russian.

“You will feel thrilled when you apply your skills to explain the rule or meaning of a phrase in your native language. With practice, you will understand what words you lack for effective communication. You will speak intuitively, gradually replenishing the stock of the necessary phrases and expressions, ”say some experts.

Do not be shy to let your imagination run wild

To do this, for example, you can parody the characters. It is helpful to play the part by reading the lines out loud. It’s not a bad idea to put yourself in the shoes of the cat from "Shrek" and come up with expressions for him that he can use in arguments with an unbearable donkey.

Imitate foreigners

The language is learned well by imitating the intonation, facial expressions and pronunciation of native speakers, for example, actors in films. It is worth watching TV shows and videos without translation, monitoring intonation, imitating speech style and pronunciation. You can do the following exercises: while watching the video, conduct a dialogue with the main character, from time to time clicking on pauses. Comment on what has been said, simulate a discussion. Write down interesting words and phrases that are used in the video, and immediately try to apply them in your speech.

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Try to keep it simple

If it is not clear how a word or phrase is translated, do not panic and fall into a stupor. It must be remembered that even using a limited vocabulary, you can effectively conduct a conversation. To begin with, it is important to learn how to apply the knowledge that you already have. If you try to jump over your head and fit everything in your memory at once, motivation will quickly be lost and only a mess in your thoughts will appear. Remember to systematically improve your vocabulary rather than staying at a basic level. This is done gradually, as you master the learned phrases and improve your skills.

Surround yourself with tongue

It is important to listen to the radio, watch movies and TV shows, and read books in the original language. But at the same time, do not overload with content in an incomprehensible language, the main thing is to systematically study and have fun.

It is worth trying to find inspiration in the culture, set a goal to visit the country of the target language. Yes, so that you do not have to use a translator or dictionary, but your knowledge and skills of live communication.