Breaking Language Barriers Through International Dating

International dating is basically a guide for men who are looking for ideal partners across the globe. Your potential bride may just be hiding behind the REGISTER button.

Some of you may ask, what are the common problems men face when they enter the world of international dating? Some might say that language barrier is the number one hurdle they usually have to go through.

So our question for you is, are you invested enough in finding love to break the language barrier?

If so, we will happily guide you on your journey. Here, you can read about the common causes and effects of language barriers, as well as how to overcome them.

Causes and Effects of Language Barriers

1. Difference in language

The most common problem with international dating is that you don’t always speak the same language, which can lead to total silence and awkwardness because there are no conversations or interactions happening. The date can’t possibly progress without any talking points or messages to deliver.

2. Accent and no clear speech

Every race around the world has different kinds of accents and dialects. It may be difficult for you or your date to follow through with the conversation. There are also people who have difficulty in expressing themselves through words and tend to speak in a soft or lower tone, making it hard to hear the exact words spoken.

3. Cultural differences

In every country you visit, you’ll notice that everywhere you go, there will be differences in languages and cultures. It can pose a problem if you don’t have the basic knowledge of how things work and the way people live. It can also mean no following dates if both you and your romantic interest are ignorant about each other’s culture.

4. Word choice

Remember, everyone has their own primary language, and English may not be one of them. It is understandable that you or your date may find your choice of words confusing. A word can sound the same but have a different meaning or context.

5. Literacy and linguistic ability

Not everyone can speak English. Correcting your grammar and spelling is a difficult task to achieve overnight. Conversations with a foreign lady may not be an option if you can’t understand one another.

6. Poor communication skills

Of all the types of language barriers, this one is the most difficult to overcome. In a tour, you get to meet all kinds of people, including introverts and extremely shy ones, but we can’t really stop them from desiring love, can we? When a person doesn’t know how to interact, the barrier can be tough to crack.

7. Use of slang and jargon

It is not a good idea to use street slang in your conversations. In fact, it is better to avoid it altogether. Both you and your lady come from different neighborhoods, and you might cause irritation or annoyance if you make use of terms that she is not familiar with.

8. Dyslexia

Although this is rare, it can also be a barrier to communication. Dyslexia is a reading disability, a learning disorder that involves difficulty in reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and decoding letters and words.

How to Overcome Language Barriers

1. Be respectful and interested

Respect is a powerful thing when overcoming language barriers. Even though you can’t understand each other, at least respect the time spent preparing for your date. Act interested and show that you are willing to learn more with her guidance.

2. Be empathetic

Try to understand where she came from. She may not speak English or have the best English literary skills. Instead, focus on building an emotional connection with her and be grateful that she showed up for your date.

3. Use simpler words with fewer syllables

When overcoming language barriers, using words that are easy to pronounce helps your lady understand you better.

4. Take your time

Yes, take your time. You are not running a marathon. Feel the evening as it progresses and slowly grasp the means within your surroundings that can help. For instance, you can create an origami with a table napkin to impress and grab her attention. Even the simplest things can make a big difference.

5. Use repetition

Overcoming language barriers can also be done by repeating the words you are trying to deliver. It may sound dumb, but if it works properly, it isn’t.

6. Show and tell

Visual aids can also help in having effective communication. That doesn’t mean you have to lay out charts and graphs. You can simply point to a glass and tell your lady that it’s called glass. Instinctively, your lady will respond and repeat after you with respect for your effort.

7. Pay attention to nonverbal cues

Paying close attention to her body language is one way of establishing mutual understanding. She may not know the terms or names of things, so she can make use of hand signs or act it out to make you understand.

For example, she points to the food and does an “okay” hand sign, she’s basically asking, “Is the food okay?” or, “How’s the food?”

8. Increase your ethnocultural awareness

When you venture to another part of the world, try to learn a few basic words or phrases that might be useful. This would definitely leave a good impression. Do some research ahead of time before you travel to the country of your choice.

9. Never raise your voice nor over-enunciate words

She’s not deaf, she just can’t understand you. Raising your voice or pronouncing your words slower won’t exactly be that helpful.

10. Find a reliable translating service

If you want a translator included in your package, find a dating service that provides one. It's a real game changer because a translator can break the ice and help initiate a conversation.

The impact of language barrier and cultural differences in international dating is quite big. There may be disadvantages, but there are a lot more advantages. You get to experience different types of excitement and thrill. The enjoyment you feel as you join our singles tours can give you a whole lot of appreciation for your own culture.