With over 6,500 spoken languages in the world today, we will encounter many situations where there is a language barrier. Here are some tips on how to navigate those moments:

Speak clearly and slowly

Don't speak louder — that doesn't help anyone understand better. Instead, avoid slang, keep sentences short, and enunciate clearly. Simple, direct language is the most effective way to communicate across language barriers.

Be patient

Frustration makes things worse for everyone involved. Don't speak faster or louder when you're not being understood. Take a breath, slow down, and try rephrasing what you're saying.

Use other forms of communication

Get creative with how you communicate. Use notebook drawings, gestures, phone pictures, and context clues from your surroundings. Sometimes a simple point or sketch can convey what words cannot.