Figuring out how to overcome language barriers in remote team communication is a much-needed skill.
Without proper communication, conflicts arise, which cause teams to become less productive. Not to mention, it leads to a poor working environment.
In this article, we’ll discuss four strategies to overcome miscommunication in remote teams due to language barriers.
Stick around to learn about all the details!
#1. Use Translation Tools
Thanks to technology, we now live in a world where AI tools can help businesses in many niches. Among those are translation tools.
You can use speech-to-speech translation apps during meetings.
Those applications can help bridge the linguistic barrier between employees from different countries.
Consequently, it’ll enhance communication.
The best part is that those tools detect the spoken language and even dialects! So, you don’t have to worry about miscommunication when setting up a meeting with a diverse group of employees.
Not only that, but you can choose to activate other features, like speech-to-text. That offers a transcript of the call that you can edit before sending it.
That said, those translation technologies are still emerging, and they might lack some features.
For instance, some apps don’t provide a space to access previous conversations. That’s because record-keeping requires a lot of storage. You might also have some difficulty translating your documents from the mobile interface.
#2. Hire A Translation Service
From the above, you can see computers are still limited in translation.
On many occasions, the app can misinterpret the speech. Plus, most speech-to-speech applications fail to detect voices with background noise interference.
Aside from accuracy issues, those apps take a while to translate real-time talk. Such delays can impair the flow of the conversation.
Not to mention, voice assistants make communication less human and cold, which is the exact opposite of what you want to build in a working environment.
That’s when translation services come in handy.
Using qualified translators will help you overcome the problems you face with AI translation tools.
That can help limit misunderstandings and overcome the language barrier during remote communication.
Even without professional interpreting services, chances are you can find a language expert within your team. After all, 43% of the world’s population is bilingual, and around 17% are multilingual.
Having a team member who is proficient in multiple languages can help facilitate communication. It might even ensure everyone is on the same page better than professional services.
Unlike the latter, your team member understands work-related jargon and has more experience in the field.
#3. Take Actionable Steps
Setting communication guidelines and protocols can help you run smoother meetings where everyone engages in the conversation.
Here are a few ideas that you can incorporate into the guidelines:
#3.1. Use Different Communication Tools
Instead of calls, you can use videoconferencing for meetings. The former allows team members to see each other and encourages non-verbal communication. Facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language make for effective social interactions.
Generally, using videoconferencing can help convey thoughts better and reduce misunderstandings.
That’s especially true in situations where limited language proficiency is a problem.
#3.2. Incorporate Visual Communication
Aside from video conferencing, other visual tools can help you communicate better with your team.
Images, diagrams, presentations, and interactive designs can help break down complex ideas so that everyone in your team understands the project better.
Combining that with audio and written documents targets various learning styles. As a result, it assists you in overcoming the language barrier challenge.
#3.3. Use Of Clear And Concise Language
Even for native speakers, it can be hard to understand vernacular language, let alone those who speak English as a second language.
For that reason, avoid using idioms and complicated vocabulary that could lead to misunderstandings. Instead, opt for common words and simple terminologies.
Additionally, try to speak slowly and clearly, as fast speech can be challenging to understand.
#3.4. Make Room For Casual Talks
Initiating casual conversations during virtual meetings can be handy for breaking the ice. That’ll build camaraderie among team members and encourage non-native speakers to interact more.
However, avoid sarcasm and humor until you get to know your members better.
Sure, laughter is the best medicine, but it can also be a double-edged weapon.
Because of cultural differences and the lack of language proficiency, your team members might take offense at some jokes.
So, it’s best to prevent the awkward situation from happening in the first place.
Additionally, try to learn a few phrases from the foreign languages spoken by your team members. It’s safe to say that most non-native English speakers would appreciate the effort of trying to speak their language.
That’ll make remote communication more personal, which improves the team’s dynamics.
#3.5. Repeat And Summarize
To ensure your team members are on the same page, always repeat and summarize important decisions after agreeing on them.
Additionally, dedicate a few minutes to questions. For shy team members, ask them to type it in the chat box. You can also follow up with a written report, recapping the information said in video calls and meetings.
#4. Provide Language Training
Of course, improving the language skills of your team is the most effective way to break the language barrier. However, that requires a lot of time and effort, which is why it’s vital to incorporate the above strategies along with English training.
English classes, online courses, or language learning software are some of the methods you can provide to help your co-workers improve their language proficiency.
Aside from training classes, schedule regular check-ins with the entire team to address miscommunication incidents.
That way, you can improve the overall quality of remote communication.
Conclusion
Figuring out how to overcome language barriers in remote team communication can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
You can use speech-to-speech translation tools or professional services. Alternatively, you can provide language training to your team members.
Other actionable steps that help overcome the linguistic barrier include incorporating visual communication.
Using clear and concise language, as well as repeating and summarizing important decisions, also helps.
By following these strategies, you can improve your remote team’s communication.
Ultimately, that’ll enhance productivity and contribute to overall team success!
