How many times, as a non-native speaker of English, have you really struggled to understand what a native speaker is saying? Do you think that it is always your fault? I know it may sound crazy, but it’s not!
Most non-native speakers of English leave meetings wondering what the native speaker was talking about. Often, it’s not the fault of the non-native speaker, it’s the fault of the native speaker. Why?
According to Jennifer Jenkins of the University of Southampton, it is native speakers who have “difficulty understanding and making themselves understood”. There are a few reasons for this, but the most important is this, native speakers of English use “language” that is too complex, and they speak it too fast.
Often, native speakers that work in international contexts have never considered that the non-native speaker may actually speak a different type of English than they do. There is a sub-conscious expectation by many (though not all) that if you speak English, even if it is as a foreign or second language then you are going to understand all the complexities of idioms, colloquial language and the bending of grammatical rules that native speakers use in their everyday business conversations. The truth is, that the native speaker and the non-native speaker have learnt their English differently, they speak different types of English. Because of this, there is work for the native speaker to do to be more understood.
Native speakers of English use language that is too complex, and they speak it too fast.
Developing your English skills will always be of benefit to you as you continue to work with people from other countries. Working with those whose English is also a second or foreign lanaguge can sometimes seem easier than working with native speakers. Still, continuing the development of your language skills is something that you shouldn’t stop doing, You need to keep those skills current and fresh. I always ask employers to ensure that there is an ongoing basic level of language training so that staff maintain their language abilities.
However, non-native speakers need training too. They need to firstly be aware that the way they speak can actually prevent them from being understood, and that is not always the fault of the listener. Removing idioms (cut-throat, game-plan, hands are tied etc ) and using more simplistic, clear and concise English in meetings, phone calls and conversations will mean they are more understood. This will not only benefit them, but also those with whom they are doing business.
So, native speakers of English that do business internationally need to think about whether they can simplify what they are saying. More concise, focussed and accurate communication is ultimately better and more effective communication, regardless of the individual that is listening. As a non-native speaker of English, you are probably working twice as hard as the native speaker, and they can help that process by being much more controlled with how they communicate with you.
In the end, working together, understanding each other in deeper ways ensures that we consider each other when we are communicating.
Better communication means better business!
