Name: Soe Thiri Swe Class: Emerald Year 9 Subject: Global Perspectives

Research Question: Do languages cause communication barriers

Introduction

Communication barriers are mostly caused when two individuals speak different

languages or have different accents, which might be hard to understand. However, are

languages the real factor causing communication barriers? Or are there more objectives

that influence such interactions? Communication barriers might affect a person’s day-to

day life in instances where they could not understand. Some causes could be strong

accents that prevent, and misinterpret meanings, as well as the unclear tones used in

such languages.

Causes

One of the primary causes of language barriers is the variety of languages, the variety

of tones used in these languages, and the accents that influence pronunciation.

Typically, language barriers occur when two speakers of different languages cannot

understand one another, resulting in a breakdown in communication (Cathy Habas

2020). The tone used to express certain characteristics of these languages is another

factor. Some languages may have the same pronunciation but distinct tones, resulting in

different meanings. Accents are produced when speakers from different regions or
countries speak a language that is not their native tongue. Their native language will

influence their pronunciation of foreign words. This makes it difficult to comprehend

what is being said (Oi Misaki 2018).

Consequences

Generally, language barriers emerge when two speakers of different languages cannot

comprehend one another, which results in a breakdown in communication. They can

also be caused by physical linguistic impairments, such as stuttering, articulation

dysfunction, and hearing loss. Moreover, language barriers can lead to mental stress

and hinder a child’s capacity to study or progress. Parents may also not speak the

language which the child’s teacher speak. When parents are unable to comprehend

their children's schoolwork in order to help them complete it, this hampers growth even

further. According to UNESCO, language is a two-edged sword (Kieran McConville

2019).

Global perspective

In the modern world, it is impossible for a country to do well on its own without

cooperating with or talking to other countries. As a result, the use of language is

frequently a significant and contentious aspect for this action. Communication and

language barriers are a big problem in places like Africa, the United States, and Asia. In

fact, people all over the world speak different languages and have distinct cultures.
Because their cultures and main languages are so divergent, these communities often

have trouble communicating with other countries. This can lead to problems and

messages that are misunderstood or misinterpreted (Unknown Author, 2016).

National Perspective

The Japanese consider their language to be one of the primary factors that distinguish

their society from that of other nations. In addition, they believed their language to be

completely unrelated to any known language branch. They frequently perceive

themselves as inferior to Western culture. During the Meiji period, when Japan's elite

were attempting to modernize the nation, they frequently had trouble communicating

due to a language barrier. It is possible that the power and wealth of European nations

were projected onto their languages and cultures, which might result in change (R.

Jeffrey Blair 1997).

Comparison

As we compare these two perspectives, we can see the divergent ideas and viewpoints

originating from each other. Globally, language barriers are regarded as a significant

problem that impedes communication and leads to misunderstandings between

individuals. In addition, they perceive it as a factor that cannot be changed due to the

diversification of languages. But the Japanese don't think of languages as a problem.

Instead, they see them as a source of national pride. They perceive it to have distinctive
characteristics and factors. However, they also consider languages to be barriers

between nations.

Cause of Action for Language Barriers

Communicating with different languages will be hard; therefore, in order to solve this

issue, you can ask a person to clarify what they just said. Even though they do not

speak the same language, they will still be able to communicate with you using simple

terminology and gestures. Some gestures include hands, such as bowing, sign

languages, or even physical body language. You could try questioning them or

confirming what they are saying by the tones of your voice. In addition, you can utilize

Google Translate to convey to the other person the meaning of the words or phrases

you are trying to indicate. Utilizing Google Translate gives a clearer opportunity for

people communicating in different languages. Even if you are explaining something in

very basic terms, you still need to make sure that what you are saying is very clear and

covers all the relevant points. Additionally, you need to have patience with the person

you are conversing with; failing to do so may cause them to perceive you as impolite or

disrespectful. (I.A.S BUARQOUB 2019)

Personal Perspective

Before I did any investigation on this subject, I had the biased notion that different

languages were hurdles to communication. My perspective has evolved slightly as a

result of the realization that languages may also bring a nation together and contribute

to the process of national unification. Before doing research on the topic, I was

adamantly opposed that differences in language do not create barriers to

communication. Nevertheless, it shifted into something that I call "unification." This

issue may have arisen due to the fact that I was examining only the overarching

viewpoint rather than taking into account the more specific and consequential

viewpoints. Even if it has had a sizeable effect on communication on a worldwide scale,

it has also led to more personal connections between people of other nationalities,

which is something quite localized and particular.

Conclusion

Globally, language barriers impede communication and lead to misunderstandings, but

the Japanese are appreciative of them. Multiple languages, tones, and accents

contribute to linguistic barriers, resulting in a breakdown in language and

communication. Utilizing Google Translate or asking someone to repeat themselves

can help you communicate with people who speak different languages.

Reference List

Brandi Gratis (2022), “Overcoming language barriers to communication” Online:

https://nulab.com/learn/collaboration/overcoming-language-barriers-communication/

(Accessed on: 27, 01, 2023)

Cathy Habas (2020), “Cultural & Language Barriers in the Workforce” Online:

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/cultural-language-barriers-workforce-11928.html

(Accessed on: 20, 1, 2023)

I.A.S BUARQOUB (2019), “Language barriers to effective communication” Online:

https://www.redalyc.org/journal/279/27962177008/html/ (Accessed on: 27, 01, 2023)

Kieran McConville (2019), “LANGUAGE BARRIERS IN THE CLASSROOM: FROM

MOTHER TONGUE TO NATIONAL LANGUAGE” Online:

https://www.concernusa.org/story/language-barriers-in-classroom/#:~:text=Students%20

learning%20a%20second%20language,affect%20their%20ability%20to%20learn.&text=

Parents%20may%20also%20not%20speak%20the%20language%20used%20in%20sc

hool. (Accessed on: 14, 01, 2023)

Oi Misaki (2018), “Language Barriers”, Online:

https://www.nagano-c.ed.jp/someyahs/ics/tokusyoku-ics/2017%20oimisaki-Language%

20Barrier%20FORMAL.pdf (Accessed on: 20, 1, 2023)

R. Jeffrey Blair (1997), “The Role of English and Other Foreign Languages in Japanese

Society”, Online: http://iteslj.org/Articles/Blair-EngJpn.html

(Accessed on: 14, 01, 2023)

Unknown Author, (2016) ‘Globalisation and Language Barriers: The Translation

Perspective’ Online: https://www.idosi.org/mejsr/mejsr24(8)16/20.pdf (Accessed on:

14/01/2023).