How to break through language barrier

With the invention of the airplane, the world got a whole lot smaller, and that meant learning to communicate with each other - and why not then learning the beautiful french language? Whether it is for business, pleasure or just a casual encounter, your chances of having to communicate with someone who doesn't speak English are greater than they have ever been before. But how do you break down that language barrier that is preventing you from understanding or being understood? It is possible, as long as you follow a few simple steps.

In order to break the language barrier, you need to:

- Show a willingness to communicate. Put the other person at ease by how you present yourself. He is already self-conscious and uncomfortable by the fact that you are having difficulty understanding him. Be encouraging and supportive to the other person. Let him feel there is nothing to be afraid of because you are trying your best to understand and communicate.

- Speak slowly. If the other person knows how to speak and understand English, chances are she is not very familiar with all the words you will use and how you will pronounce them. It will help her digest better what you are trying to say when you speak to her a little bit more slowly than your usual conversation. This gives her the time to process the information in her head. Avoid using any slang terms or idioms, as well. These terms are usually colloquial and are confusing to someone who is learning English in a classroom setting.

- Use body language. Act out what you're trying to say or teach. French people are not bad at that, I should confess... Words backed up with body gestures help a lot in expressing yourself. You may feel silly, but you will get your point across. And so many words and expressions to act in the french language!

- Use visual aids and your manual communication skills. This is most helpful when asking or giving directions to someone who is having trouble understanding you. Draw or use pictures or things to represent ideas, persons or places. It will help make communicating more efficient if you use images that both of you can relate to.

- Keep trying. Sometimes it takes a little bit more effort to communicate, but if you both keep on trying until you get it, it's worth it. Also, remember to have a sense of humor to make the ordeal a bit lighter and the whole experience fun instead of stressful. And the french language is also full of funny things to learn, believe me !