Navigating Language Barriers with Ease
When you travel to places where you don’t speak the language, creativity becomes essential for communication. Relying solely on translation apps can diminish the human element and lead to misunderstandings—sometimes amusing, other times awkward. As airline flight attendants, you are frequently in situations that require effective communication in foreign lands. Here’s how you can leverage non-verbal communication to overcome language barriers and connect with locals more meaningfully.
Use Gestures to Communicate Basics
Imagine you are on a recent trip to China, You find yourself in a small noodle shop in Beijing. Your Chinese vocabulary was limited to "ni hao" (hello) and "xie xie" (thank you). Faced with a menu in Chinese, you pointed to a picture of noodle soup on the wall and gestured to outline the shape of the smaller bowl rather than the large one. The cashier understood your request. She then pointed at some peppers, to which you shook your head. The cashier pointed at onions and garlic, and you nodded. Finally, when you mimed drinking, she pointed to a cooler of bottles. This silent exchange was successful, and you shared a smile for sidestepping spoken language.
As flight attendants, you may find yourself in similar scenarios in airports, local eateries, or even with passengers who don't speak your language. Mimicking actions, using props, and employing gestures can be incredibly effective.
Start with the Subject of Your Question
When communicating, start with the subject of your question. For example, if you need a massage at a spa but the attendant speaks limited English, mime the action of getting a massage. Once they nod in understanding, move on to the next part, such as the cost, by mimicking a money exchange.
This method, called “topic-comment,” is common in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). It establishes the topic first, making the conversation easier to follow.
Draw a Picture
Visual aids can be incredibly helpful. Once, while staying at a German resort, I wanted a hard-boiled egg but kept receiving soft-boiled ones despite using a translation book. Finally, I drew a chicken, an egg, a pot of water, and a clock showing 15 minutes. This visual representation conveyed my request clearly, and I got my hard-boiled egg.
For flight attendants, drawing can clarify directions, specific food requests, or even special instructions for passengers. A quick sketch can bridge the gap where words fail.
Act It Out
Sometimes, you need to act out more complex ideas. At a conference in Finland, I wanted to avoid eating reindeer. By flapping my arms for poultry, forming a snout for pork, and outlining horns for reindeer, I communicated my dietary preference. The waiters understood and served me accordingly.
This technique can be handy when explaining in-flight procedures or safety demonstrations to passengers who don’t speak English. Acting out scenarios ensures that everyone understands, enhancing overall safety and comfort.
Learn from the Deaf Community
The Deaf community excels at cross-cultural communication. Deaf individuals often use gestures, drawings, and physical demonstrations to communicate across language barriers. Adopting these techniques can enrich your travel experiences and improve your interactions with diverse populations.
At international Deaf conferences, attendees use a mix of their native sign languages, gestures, and drawings to converse. This approach can be invaluable for flight attendants who travel globally and encounter numerous languages and cultures.
Practical Application for Flight Attendants
- In-Flight Situations: Use gestures to demonstrate actions like fastening seat belts or locating emergency exits. Visual aids can be particularly helpful during safety briefings.
- Layovers: While exploring new cities, use topic-comment techniques at local markets or restaurants to ensure you get what you need without language barriers.
- Passenger Assistance: If a passenger doesn’t understand English, use drawings or act out instructions to ensure they comprehend safety procedures or service offerings.
Embrace Non-Verbal Communication
Following the lead of Deaf individuals, who are masters of non-verbal communication, can help you connect with people around the world. Embracing gestures, drawings, and acting out scenarios will not only make your travels smoother but also enrich your experiences by fostering genuine human connections.