Vol. 16, Issue 1, Jul-Dec 2023

Page: 22-32

Language Barriers And Their Impact On Effective Communication In Different Fields

Dr. Al-Mutairi Forat Zaki Salih

Received Date: 2024-05-29

Accepted Date: 2024-08-20

Published Date: 2024-08-23

Language barriers are obstacles that hinder effective communication between individuals or groups who speak different languages. In today's diverse and interconnected world, language barriers can impede the exchange of information, ideas, and emotions, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and communication breakdowns. This abstract explores the impact of language barriers on personal relationships, professional interactions, and organizational dynamics. The types of language barriers, including linguistic differences, cultural nuances, and non-verbal communication challenges, present unique challenges to effective communication. Linguistic differences encompass variations in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, while cultural differences influence communication styles and expectations. Non-verbal communication barriers, such as body language and gestures, can further complicate cross-cultural interactions.

Back Download PDF

References

• Baker, C. (2011). ‘Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism’. Multilingual Matters.
• Bernstein, K. S., & Salgado de Snyder, V. N. (2008). Impact of language barriers on mental health. ‘Transcultural Psychiatry’, 45(1), 91-113.
• Collier, V. P., & Thomas, W. P. (2004). The astounding effectiveness of dual language education for all. ‘NABE Journal of Research and Practice’, 2(1), 1-20.
• Creswell, J. W. (2013). ‘Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches’. Sage Publications.
• Crystal, D. (2003). ‘English as a Global Language’. Cambridge University Press.
• Cummins, J. (2000). ‘Language, Power, and Pedagogy: Bilingual Children in the Crossfire’. Multilingual Matters.
• Feely, A. J., & Harzing, A. W. (2003). Language management in multinational companies. ‘Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal’, 10(2), 37-52.
• Flores, G. (2006). Language barriers to health care in the United States. ‘New England Journal of Medicine’, 355(3), 229-231.
• Gass, S. M., & Selinker, L. (2008). ‘Second Language Acquisition: An Introductory Course’. Routledge.
• Giles, H., & Johnson, P. (1981). The role of language in ethnic group relations. In J. C. Turner & H. Giles (Eds.), ‘Intergroup behavior’ (pp. 199-243). Blackwell.
• Gutas, D. (1998). ‘Greek Thought, Arabic Culture: The Graeco-Arabic Translation Movement in Baghdad and Early ‘Abbasid Society (2nd-4th/8th-10th centuries)’. Routledge.
• Harzing, A. W., & Feely, A. J. (2008). The language barrier and its implications for HQ-subsidiary relationships. ‘Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal’, 15(1), 49-61.
• Harzing, A. W., & Pudelko, M. (2013). Language competencies, policies and practices in multinational corporations: A comprehensive review and comparison of Anglophone, Asian, Continental European and Nordic MNCs. ‘Journal of World Business’, 48(1), 87-97.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). ‘Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations’ (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
• Johnson, J. S., & Newport, E. L. (1989). Critical period effects in second language learning: The influence of maturational state on the acquisition of English as a second language. ‘Cognitive Psychology’, 21(1), 60- 99. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0285(89)90003-0
• Karliner, L. S., Jacobs, E. A., Chen, A. H., & Mutha, S. (2007). Do professional interpreters improve clinical care for patients with limited English proficiency? A systematic review of the literature. ‘Health Services Research’, 42(2), 727-754.
• Katz, S., & Alegría, M. (2009). The role of interpreters in mental health services. ‘Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research’, 36(1), 48-58.
• Krauss, R. M., & Morsella, E. (2006). Communication and conflict. In M. Deutsch, P. T. Coleman, & E. C. Marcus (Eds.), ‘The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice’ (pp. 144-157). Jossey-Bass.
• Krashen, S. D. (1985). ‘The Input Hypothesis: Issues and Implications’. Longman.
• Lewis, R. D. (2018). ‘When Cultures Collide: Leading Across Cultures’. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
• Patton, M. Q. (2002). ‘Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods’. Sage Publications.
• Piller, I. (2017). ‘Intercultural Communication: A Critical Introduction’. Edinburgh University Press.
• Sapir, E. (1921). ‘Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech’. Harcourt, Brace.
• Schwei, R. J., Del Pozo, S., Agger-Gupta, N., Alvarado-Little, W., & Jacobs, E. A. (2016). Changes in research on language barriers in health care since 2003: A cross-sectional review study. ‘International Journal of Nursing Studies’, 54, 36-44.
• Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1986). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. In S. Worchel & W. G. Austin (Eds.), ‘Psychology of Intergroup Relations’ (pp. 7-24). Nelson-Hall.
• Whorf, B. L. (1956). ‘Language, Thought, and Reality: Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf’. MIT Press.