Business Communication
Business Communication for English as a Second Language Speaker
In the 21st century, businesses have increased cultural interaction in the workplace. Most places of work have become a haven of multicultural association due to the positive impact it has on running business. Despite the multicultural benefits, there has emerged certain issues that my cause miscommunication in the offices. Employees who speak English as a second language (ESL) bring about most of these issues in communication. Stephens, SiIbert, and Hasson (2010) argue that though they might have learnt to speak English elsewhere, the native speakers often have a different dialect that may cause misunderstanding of information, or total confusion during meetings. As a result, these valuable employees will probably underperform due lack of understanding and confusion in the workplace. It is therefore very important to develop strategies that may help the situation therefore improving performance of the workplace.
O’Sullivan (2013) suggests that the first and most important strategy is the use of proper English. Native speakers may have developed slang or substitute words that may be acknowledged throughout the country but the English as a second language speaker may not have caught up on these substitute words. Filters and colloquialism are examples of incorrect words that may contribute to the confusion of the new employee. Words like ‘um’, ‘totally’, and ‘like’ are some of the words that an ESL speaker might confuse with vocabulary or misunderstand. Employees should also avoid running words together. An example is ‘do-ya wanna go for-a-movie’. Hazan, Kim, and Chen (2010) suggest that the pauses between words help the ESL speaker comprehend the information that is being passed along. The native speaker also needs to be explicit when answering questions. For example, it is advisable to say yes or no instead of ‘uh huh’ or ‘uh uh’.
Secondly, even when using correct English, the speaker needs to use simple words instead of hard vocabulary. For example, an ESL speaker has a better chance of following a conversation if one uses ‘make’ in place of ‘manufacture’. O’Sullivan (2013) however argues that for ESL speakers that have a romantic language, as their first language will better understand vocabulary instead of simple words. These languages include French, Spanish, and Portuguese among others. Stephens, SiIbert, and Hasson (2010) states that the ESL speaker may ask a speaker to repeat their statement in case they have trouble understanding. The other employees should be patient and repeat the phrases while substituting the hard words with more simple ones. Though this may seem tedious, it is much more helpful compared to an employee completing a wrong assignment because they had problems understanding instructions. Native speakers should also interpret phrases in the ESL’s native language if they understand it. However, translators should also be careful not to use the wrong words to avoid further confusion.
Finally, the use of non-verbal communication should be embraced since it constitutes for over 90% of communication leaving language with only 10% (Stephens, SiIbert, and Hasson 2010). Employees should embrace this advantage and train on how to use non-verbal communication skills with the aid of simple language to pass across messages to the ESL speakers. Another valuable skill that should be acquired is that speakers should avoid covering their mouths when speaking. This is because mouth movements help an ESL speaker put words together and therefore following the conversation. People should also avoid baby talk and speaker loudly. Misconception that speaking loudly and baby talk helps an ESL understand better is a lie. It only further confuses them. In addition, Hazan, Kim, and Chen (2010) insist that employees should be aware of the different cultural opinions about touching and use of personal space. Stoking and different body language may come out, as offensive to some cultures and native speakers should be aware of these factors when trying further emphasize on certain communication.
Overall, businesses should not be afraid to employ people who speak English a second language because of the fear of miscommunication that may lead to underutilization of their employees. Employers should offer training to the native speakers as well as managers to equip them with skills that will aid communication between different cultures in the workplace (O’Sullivan 2013). It may seem as a tedious and expensive activity but it should be viewed as an investment. The English as second language speakers might also catch up fast on the native colloquial using the assistance and understanding of the whole team therefore eliminating the effort used to communicate to the English as second language speakers.
Reference
O’Sullivan, K. (2013). Understanding ways: Communication between cultures. Retrieved from: http://legacy.communitydoor.org.au/resources/etraining/units/chccs405a/section3/sect ion3topic10.html
Stephens, G. J., SiIbert, L. J., & Hasson, U. (2010). Speaker-listener neural coupling underlies successful communication. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America, 107(32), 14425-14430.
Hazan, V., Kim, J., & Chen, Y. (2010). Audiovisual perception in adverse conditions: Language, speaker and listener effects. Speech Communication, 52(11/12), 996-1009.
