Relating and working with people still learning English | The Communication Blog

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Relating and working with people still learning English

By Carl Hudgens


Potential clients who are living here in England from other countries, and possibly still struggling with the language, may seek out smaller businesses if they are in need of a particular service. It is possibly they may find larger organizations or companies intimidating, and would feel more comfortable in a smaller setting.

This is of course good new to people looking for business. There are of course challenges to working with another language but they should not put you off. Kindness and understanding goes a long way when working with someone who's feeling daunted and not confident.

With English being a widely spoken language, we as native English speakers often have little idea what it feels like to be in a position where you need a service and cannot communicate it as well as we'd like to. We can go on holiday or go anywhere for business and we are often provided with translations and people who speak English as a matter of course.

Depending on the situation, the need for language may be great or small. If you are giving someone a massage, a price list and a smile may be all that's needed. However, if you are giving someone a more complex treatment, or selling something particular, more information may need to be communicated. It is really all about discerning what the client's needs are and helping them to feel listened to and building trust.

When it comes to the really important matters, like documents that need signing, or information you want your client to have that is crucial to the services or treatment, then it may be wise to call in the services of an expert translator. Someone who speaks in the mother tongue, and can really help translate the full meaning of what you need your client to know, not just the words. It can be a much more reliable method than simply hitting a translate button the computer.




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