Working backwards and in heels: navigating work in a second language

Working in a second language can be exhausting! And it's easy to forget this as a native speaker.

Listening to some of our clients who are improving their business English with us, we are sometimes reminded of that expression,

"It's one thing to dance like Fred Astaire, but Ginger Rogers did it backwards in high heels."

They danced incredibly complex and complicated steps, but Ginger Rogers had to make every move with added challenges, easily overlooked!

In the same way, working permanently in a second language, rather than our mother tongue, adds a whole different layer of complexity to what is already a challenging job. Those who speak a second language will know how exhausting and frustrating it is sometimes. But for those that don't, it can be easy to assume that your colleagues have no problems at all. After all, their English is so good, they express themselves so well … we can almost forget they're not speaking their native language!??

But when we ask non-native English speakers what it's like working in a different language, the feedback can be pretty striking.?

Here are a few reflections:

- It can take longer to get ideas across or to process what has been said

- Sometimes, there isn't time to formulate an answer before a conversation has moved on

- There can be a fear of being undervalued by employers or colleagues?

- Regional accents can be very tough to decipher

- Slang, subtle nuance, idioms and jokes (especially sarcasm) can be easily missed or misunderstood

- Not understanding specific cultural references or jokes can lead to feeling left out of a group. It can be hard to avoid feeling like an outsider sometimes.

- Reading, writing, listening, and expressing yourself in a second language is generally more tiring, especially if you're already tired at the end of the week!

But we've come up with a few suggestions of ways you can help your colleagues thrive and feel a strong sense of belonging at work.??You can really make a difference!

1. Listen carefully, trying not to rush to prepare your response while the person is still speaking. Give the speaker time to get their opinion across. Ask specific questions if you need clarification on what they mean.?
2. Be aware that some cultures may be embarrassed to admit they've not understood and will nod and smile along despite feeling completely lost (we've all been there!). Check that you've been understood and consider rephrasing in short, simple terms to create a second chance for them to hear your message.?
3. Try not to let native speakers dominate the conversation.?
4. Leave a pause before filling a gap in the conversation to allow a non-native to formulate an answer; it may take a little longer to process what they've heard and respond.
5. Take time to explain the background if someone needs help understanding a cultural reference to films, places or events so that everyone feels included.
6. If appropriate, why not ask how they find working in English.
7. Be careful with humour, as it only sometimes translates. In particular, avoid irony and sarcasm, which might appear condescending or rude.
8. Simplify your language by avoiding idiomatic phrases and using straightforward phrases instead of complex ones. For example, 'What have you been doing?' might be easier to understand than 'What have you been up to?'
9. Take a walk in their shoes - empathise with non-native speakers by learning a bit of their language! They will appreciate your effort, and you will experience how useful it is for you when they speak more slowly and clearly!?

So spare a thought for your non-native English colleagues when you find work tiring – they're doing the equivalent of dancing backwards in heels! Awareness of potential difficulties or extra fatigue will create a more supportive and empathetic workplace where everyone can thrive.

Do contact our team here for any enquiries about English language tuition.

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