It can be incredibly vexing not being able to locate a much-loved item of clothing. Even when seeking the help of one’s roommates, they may still remain none the wiser as to its precise position. This linguistic impasse among housemates can prove challenging. So the question is, how can we transcend it?
With the rise of virtual teams in the wake of the 2023 pandemic, it is clear that having a shared language alone is no longer sufficient for successful communication. Oftentimes, it is necessary to reiterate oneself more frequently than anticipated. This highlights the importance of managers being cognizant of the obstacles presented by linguistic barriers in virtual team settings. For more information on hiring product managers, please visit Works.
Distributed development teams that are remote, multicultural, and geographically dispersed pose unique challenges. Developers often work together with professionals from other fields, like Sales and Marketing, to tackle any issues that may crop up during product development. As effective communication is crucial for any team, it becomes even more imperative when working remotely. To overcome any linguistic barriers and ensure all team members are on the same page, it is vital to take appropriate measures. For information on hiring remote developers, check out Works.
In the Context of Software Development Teams, What Does the Expression “Language Barrier” Specifically Mean When Working Remotely?
In distributed teams, communication is often asynchronous with the exception of video conversations. To guarantee successful collaboration, it is crucial that written communication is coherent and well-organized since language barriers or inappropriate word selection can lead to misunderstandings and setbacks.
Moreover, if there isn’t a shared language among all team members, the language barrier can hinder the documentation of projects and the quality of work completed by remote teams.
Individuals who aren’t native speakers may experience extended time to read, write, and understand materials because of language barriers, which may cause delays, missed chances, and inter-team tensions.
How Prevalent are Language Barriers in Development Teams?
Various groups can face communication obstacles caused by language barriers. Studies have shown that successful communication doesn’t require having a shared language or background.
Rather than dedicating attention to eliminating obstacles, it is better to focus on minimising language barriers within development teams to achieve superior results. The communication challenges faced by a team member are not as significant as whether they are employing language as a justification to avoid hard work.
Distributed software development teams may be composed of individuals from various regions worldwide. Building internal team communication can be time-consuming, particularly during the early stages of onboarding. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that all communications use neutral language and that jargon and unfamiliar terms are avoided. Native speakers may find it difficult to understand regional dialects, such as Texan and Scottish, for example. It’s crucial to remember that colloquial expressions or jargon used by your team may not be understood by people in other regions. Using jargon doesn’t always lead to effective communication, and promoting colloquialisms has little value if the marketing team is unaware of the progress in the development team and vice versa.
By uniting the team and ensuring that everyone is on the same page, it will be feasible to differentiate between those who are genuinely having communication difficulties and those who are using language barriers as a justification.
Assisting Your Software Development Team to Bridge Communication Gaps Across Languages
1. Provide English Teaching and Reference Resources
Enhancing the proficiency of your software development personnel in English must be a top priority. Enrolling them in an English as a Foreign Language course or setting up a private tutoring program within the company could aid in accomplishing this.
The most effective method of fulfilling the critical competencies necessary for your company is to provide a course tailored to the organisation’s requirements. Furthermore, you could offer additional learning chances for the team to improve their writing and presentation abilities. Using a tool like Grammarly, personnel can further enhance their grammar and language skills beyond the classroom setting.
Providing your staff with formal training opportunities to develop their knowledge and communication abilities is crucial. This will motivate your remote team and enhance internal communication.
2. Onboarding and Training
As a global industry leader, offering translation services for contracts and other legal papers to clients could be a profitable enterprise. Moreover, translating onboarding resources can provide a better comprehension of internal procedures, notably for new hires. To obtain the maximum benefits from English language training, a combination of translated and original materials should be utilised.
3. Visual Aids for Enhanced Understanding
Incorporating visual communication techniques can assist in surpassing language barriers. Combining text and images, as well as interactive elements, can aid in better demonstrating objectives and explanations. Providing supplementary textual details and procedures alongside visual materials will enable your team to comprehend the project and other departments more efficiently.
4. Collaborative Communication Among Native and Non-Native Speakers
Remote teams could take advantage of the chance for casual discussions. To improve communication, consider blending native and non-native language speakers. For instance, Slack offers a feature called Donut that pairs personnel at random. In the same vein, you could arrange periodic coffee chats for the team, allowing them to participate in free-flowing conversations. This could be especially beneficial for non-native English speakers, as it could enhance their confidence and expand their vocabulary.
5. Speak Clearly and at an Appropriate Pace
It is crucial to keep in mind that even proficient speakers may be unaware of their speaking pace. It is recommended to remind colleagues (and oneself) to speak at a moderate pace and to avoid the use of colloquial language. Additionally, it is advantageous to observe facial expressions and head movements during conversations to avoid any potential misunderstandings.
6. Avoid Assuming That They Understand
It is critical to refrain from making assumptions when communicating with your audience. It is imperative to ask questions to ensure they are comprehending your message. Although this may appear daunting initially, it is important to keep asking questions and presenting the project’s procedures. For instance, if a developer is unfamiliar with remote work, further training may be necessary to guarantee the team’s success. Although this may seem unnecessary at present, its benefits will extend into the future.
The Team Leader’s Responsibility in Overcoming Communication Barriers
Communicate Clearly and Succinctly
As a team, it is crucial to set the tone when speaking by adopting a unhurried pace. When introducing yourself to new colleagues, it is crucial to communicate with simplicity and clarity. It is crucial to prioritize clarity and transparency over technical jargon. We want to assist all team members in their language acquisition journey. Nonetheless, it is essential to bear in mind that language proficiency is a continual process, and more intricate discussions should be postponed until a later stage.
Humour Based on Sarcasm and Irony
When discussing national teams from other countries, it is crucial to acknowledge that jokes and sarcasm can be misconstrued easily. Such interactions can either cultivate stronger team connections or create tension. Therefore, it is vital to be mindful of cultural norms and expectations in such occurrences. It is worth mentioning that not everyone may be comfortable with humour derived from cultural preconceptions. It is advisable to establish clear policies on the use of humour in the workplace to foster a positive corporate culture. Although jokes are welcome, any offending remarks must be removed, and an apology issued.
Please Be Understanding of Non-Fluent English Speakers
Therefore, the use of humour may not always be fitting. There are instances in which the English language of a non-native speaker may be employed in an offensive manner. It is crucial not to become offended by any remarks made, as different cultures possess different linguistic nuances, vocabularies, and humourous inclinations. If someone is using improper language, it is best to provide them with guidance on how to use it correctly, without causing distress.
Send a Follow-Up Letter
The team leader should provide updates on team meetings and video conferences. It is commonly believed that reading something enhances the likelihood of retaining it. To guarantee that your team is capable of comprehending your aims and objectives, transmit frequent, comprehensive email or update reports without any spelling or grammar errors.
Prevent Miscommunication by Hiring an Exceptional Remote Development Team
When collaborating with a remote team, it is inevitable that communication barriers may surface. Despite the obstacle, it is feasible to surmount any language-based difficulties that the development team may face. In order to do so, it is crucial to devote the necessary time, effort, and resources while bearing in mind the team members’ abilities and sensitivities. In the long term, these linguistic challenges can be tackled through team building initiatives, English language lessons, and meticulous record-keeping.
Recruitment plays a pivotal role in the success of any organisation. To minimise communication difficulties among international teams, it is crucial to consider employing engineers with adequate English proficiency. Nonetheless, when making a selection, it is important not to confine oneself to a candidate’s technical expertise and language skills. Even if a candidate shares the same language as oneself, it does not necessarily guarantee similarity in thinking.
It is imperative to appoint a candidate who will integrate seamlessly with your current team before hiring any new employees. Our firm is available to assist you in securing the most competent personnel for your project. We specialise in recruiting the top IT professionals from across the world and overcoming any language barriers. Our recruiters will find the ideal remote worker to match your requirements.
