If English isn’t your native language and you regularly have to work with individuals with whom it is the default medium of communication, fitting in can be difficult. Unfamiliar with the nuances the language entails (even after you’ve completed a language software course), it’s easy to commit mistakes that may cause rifts when unattended to.
There are a few things you can do to guarantee positive interactions, though.
1. Keep it simple
Use straightforward language constructs. Avoid parlance and jargons whenever possible – these things have a way of setting you up in a compromising way, especially when the implications of certain expressions is not 100% clear to you.
2. Clarify points
Since you’re not a native speaker, most people will understand when you take the extra time to clarify if the communication has been understood correctly both ways. In fact, many will appreciate the effort. Don’t be afraid.
After discussions, follow it up with “If I understand what you said…..” and “Let me rephrase what I said to see if we’re on the same page…..”
3. Don’t act like you understand (when you don’t)
If there are things you don’t understand, speak up. Quit acting like everything’s going well. If I was your co-worker, I’d rather explain the same thing five times till you get it, than have to deal with results that aren’t what I’m looking for.
Courteously, ask the speaker, “Can you repeat what you said about…” or “Sorry, but I don’t understand. Can you explain it again?”
4. Write stuff down
When you’re given instructions, write them down. If your co-worker has the time, you can ask them to verify what you’ve written to see if you got everything as it should be.