What are the chances that you can start afresh in a new country with an EB3 vs EB2 Visa? But beyond securing either of these visas, how do you tackle the challenge of the language barrier when relocating?

Statistics show that around 20% of migrant women experience language barriers in a new country especially when trying to access healthcare services. 

This poor communication with medical professionals prevents the doctors from getting the essential information they need to treat these women and has made these women not get the adequate prenatal care that they need.

This is one of many case studies that show how language barrier hinders successful integration into a new society. An immigrant suffers a language barrier when they cannot speak the dominant language of their new country.

This then hinders them from communicating effectively when trying to find employment, access services, participate in communal activities or interact with authorities.

At the end of this article, you will understand the challenges face due to language barriers, strategies for overcoming language barriers and how important language interpretation is in accessing vital services in a new country.

The Impact of Language Barriers on Daily Life

What challenges do immigrants face due to language barriers when starting fresh in a new country?

Not knowing how to properly speak the dominant language of a new country properly can have a certain negative impact on an immigrant. Some of the negative impacts can be felt in the following areas – social life, access to services, education, and housing.

When you cannot properly communicate your feelings, experiences and thoughts to those around you, it can affect how deep the relationship goes because of misunderstandings, frustration and lack of connection.

Anything that affects the immigrant’s ability to build social networks will lead to social isolation leaving them feeling lonely and alienated. This is a terrible thing to happen to anyone, especially as it can affect their ability to participate in community events.

Furthermore, imagine having a health crisis in a new country and you can’t explain to the medical professionals the symptoms you are feeling. This can affect the diagnoses, medical instructions, treatment plans and health information about you.

When medical professionals find it difficult to get proper information about your health, it can lead to negative health outcomes, delayed care and poor treatment adherence.

Aside from medical services, an immigrant can find it difficult to understand legal documents and processes which can put them in trouble with the law. Since ignorance of the law is not an excuse, if an immigrant breaks the law he/she may not be exonerated just because they don’t understand what it says.

If they are not careful, they may enter into contracts they don’t understand and will probably be taken advantage of. They could even miss out on something as simple as government services which they have a right to.

If the immigrant wants to continue their education or take a professional course, the language barrier could affect their ability to learn. If the immigrants are parents, their children will struggle in school due to language differences.

Some landlords have taken advantage of immigrants because they can’t read the housing contracts and don’t understand housing regulations. While others simply experience difficulty in communicating with landlords and neighbors.

Language Barriers and Employment

When an immigrant relocates to a new country, it is ideal that they search for a suitable job to sustain themselves especially if they come with dependents. 

But how will they write resumes and cover letters in the country’s dominant language?

Google Translate will definitely not cut it, so what is the way forward? Even if they successfully apply for the job, how will they pass the oral interview?

Most jobs require that you interact with customers one way or the other, so when you can’t fulfill that language requirement, you will have limited access to job opportunities.

Despite the few job opportunities available to you, when you finally land one, you will still experience difficulty in communicating with your colleagues or understanding instructions from your supervisors.

When a workplace meeting is going on, you will not be able to share any ideas or make presentations which can limit you. When ideas are not shared, no one will see your capability, which means you will rarely move forward in your career.

To get certain jobs, you need to have some professional licenses, but how can you pass the professional exams when you rarely understand the new language?

Strategies for Overcoming Language Barriers

There is no challenge known to man that cannot be overcome especially if you put your mind to it. So, how do you overcome language barriers in a new country?

For those relocating with an EB1 or EB2 visa, they can enroll in ESL classes to improve their English language skills. With the help of textbooks, online resources, and English tutors, they can move from basic vocabulary to fluent speaking and writing.

Aside from the formal education they can receive, they can utilize free sources online. Watching movies, listening to news and playing music in the new language can also help one’s learning.

Another great way to learn is to build connections with immigrants facing the same challenge. There is no better way to pick up on a language fast than cracking jokes about how hard and confusing it is.

If you are actively using the language, then you can take advantage of language learning and translation apps, and online dictionaries to check the meaning of simple words or phrases.

Most immigrants are not quick to learn new languages and this can cause anxiety. Such people can seek therapy with language specialists.

Importance of Language Interpreting Services

While you try to overcome these language barriers, you can utilize language interpretation services to access major things such as employment, healthcare, legal proceedings, social integration and education.

With the help of proper interpreters, an immigrant can help the people involved to communicate clearly and directly. A more skilled interpreter can read the room and explain the context and underlying meanings in statements made.

If you need the finest interpreters even with a budget, simply look out for the interpreter’s history – like reviews from previous clients attesting to the quality of the interpreter’s work, his/her working skills and how they support their client.

What Are Host Societies and the Role They Play in Helping Non-Native Immigrants?

Immigrants should also look out for host societies that receive and accommodate newcomers like them and help them adapt to their new environment.

Some host societies offer free or affordable ESL classes which immigrants can take advantage of. Also, there might be interpreters who belong to these societies, so being one of them gives you free access to translation and interpretation services.

Some host societies take it upon themselves to create awareness about the challenges immigrants face. Educating the public makes stakeholders in society accept diversity in workplaces and communities so that immigrants can feel included.

Host societies encourage immigrants to be proud of their native language while still trying to learn the new language. Thus, they encourage bilingualism to help immigrants preserve their language and culture even while living in a foreign land.

Milos Milosevic