English

What Are Language Barriers And How To Overcome Them

The article covers language barriers for ESL students in LA, citing challenges like disabilities and dialects, and offering solutions such as therapy, tailored teaching, exposure to English, and enrollment in reputable language schools.

What Are Language Barriers And How To Overcome ThemWhat Are Language Barriers And How To Overcome Them

The term "language barrier" refers to the difficulties people or groups who natively speak different languages deal with when trying to master a new language or even just communicate effectively in their day-to-day lives.

Language barriers can be especially problematic for ELL students who are trying to learn English in Los Angeles, CA. But what exactly are these barriers? How do they occur, and are there any effective ways to deal with them?

That's what we'll be discussing in this article. Read on to learn more about the different types of language barriers, how they affect learning, and how to overcome them.

Contact us online and get a quote today or call us via WhatsApp!

Get a Quote

WhatsApp: +1 619 519 5835

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF LANGUAGE BARRIERS?

Language barriers can be anything from a complete inability to speak a language, to more nuanced issues that make communication difficult or impossible even if both parties have a working knowledge of the languages.

The two most commonly-encountered language barriers include:

LINGUISTIC DISABILITIES

Stuttering, hearing loss, dysphonia, articulation disorders, expressive language disorder, receptive language disorder, and other language disabilities can all prevent an individual from expressing themselves or understanding others. This is especially the case if they're speaking a foreign language the disabled person isn't particularly familiar with.

DIALECTS

Dialects can have a huge impact on how a language is spoken, written, or even phrased in day-to-day communication. For instance, a person who has a reasonably strong command of Cantonese may still have difficulties understanding a Mandarin speaker.

HOW DOES LANGUAGE BARRIER AFFECT LEARNING?

Language barriers can be a considerable hurdle to students. In fact, according to a 2008 research conducted by UNESCO, more than 50% of all students who dropped out of school did not speak their school's primary language.

The reasons for this disheartening statistic are clear. On top of all the usual challenges associated with learning a new language, the students also have to deal with language disabilities, unfamiliar dialects, and other problems.

This can often cause even older students to become frustrated, lose interest in education, and mentally distance themselves from the learning process.

WHAT ARE 4 WAYS TO OVERCOME LANGUAGE BARRIERS?

As frustrating as language barriers can be, they can be overcome through a combination of additional work on the student's part and by making a few adjustments to the way they're taught.

Here are 4 ways to do it:

  • If the student suffers from a linguistic disability such as stuttering, lack of hearing, receptive language disorder, etc., their best option is to attend speech and language therapy sessions. Starting as early as possible is highly advised.
  • Teachers should adjust their approach. This includes using plain language when speaking to the student, using visual methods of communication, using an efficient translation service, and not shying away from repeating a concept multiple times.
  • Getting as much exposure to the language. Watching English-language movies without dubs or subtitles, renting English-language books from Richard J. Riordan Central Library, playing online games where communication is crucial, and so on, are all great ways for a student to get as much exposure to English as possible.
  • The student should consider taking extra classes at a reputable English language school that teaches small groups (no more than 12 students), uses state-of-the-art teaching equipment, and has an optimized learning environment.

WHERE CAN I QUICKLY LEARN ENGLISH IN LOS ANGELES, CA?

If you're looking to learn English at a first-rate Los Angeles school, don't hesitate to reach out to the College of English Language. In addition to top-of-the-line English courses taught by certified teachers, we also boast multiple schools throughout California and offer our students extracurricular activities designed to help them see the region and make friends.

Give us a call today if you'd like to enlist or ask further questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patrick
Patrick
Himmelberg
CEO
Patrick
English
Becoming Fluent In English: How To Improve Speaking And Writing Skills

Becoming Fluent In English: How To Improve Speaking And Writing Skills

Improve your English speaking and writing skills effectively at the College of English Language in Los Angeles, with personalized instruction, modern teaching methods, and a supportive learning environment.

English
What's Your Purpose In Studying Abroad?

What's Your Purpose In Studying Abroad?

Before selecting a destination for studying abroad, it's essential to define your learning goals and evaluate how the experience will benefit you in the future.

Local Life
CEL San Diego Downtown New Location

CEL San Diego Downtown New Location

CEL Downtown in San Diego, housed in a historic building, provides modern facilities including themed classrooms and a student lounge, ensuring a comfortable and conducive learning environment.

Séjour linguistique à l’étranger
Séjour linguistique USA – CEL simplifie votre aventure américaine

Séjour linguistique USA – CEL simplifie votre aventure américaine

CEL simplifie votre séjour linguistique USA : accompagnement complet, démarches faciles et immersion totale à San Diego et Santa Monica.

Sprachaufenthalt im Ausland
Gastfamilie oder Gemeinschaftswohnung? Wie deine Unterkunft deinen Sprachaufenthalt prägt

Gastfamilie oder Gemeinschaftswohnung? Wie deine Unterkunft deinen Sprachaufenthalt prägt

Entscheidungshilfe für deinen Sprachaufenthalt in Vancouver oder San Diego: Wie Gastfamilien und Gemeinschaftswohnungen deinen Lernerfolg wirklich beeinflussen.

USA & Kanada
Die Kultur der USA erklärt: 7 Dinge, die dich während deines Sprachaufenthalts überraschen werden

Die Kultur der USA erklärt: 7 Dinge, die dich während deines Sprachaufenthalts überraschen werden

Filme zeigen dir nur die halbe Wahrheit – ein Sprachaufenthalt USA enthüllt die echten kulturellen Überraschungen. Hier erfährst du 7 Dinge, die dich wirklich erwarten!

CEL 학생 이야기
북한에서 캘리포니아까지: 자유와 배움, 그리고 CEL 샌디에이고에서 다시 시작된 나의 삶

북한에서 캘리포니아까지: 자유와 배움, 그리고 CEL 샌디에이고에서 다시 시작된 나의 삶

북한에서 태어나 자유를 찾아 한국으로, 그리고 더 넓은 세계를 향해 샌디에이고로 떠난 맹효심의 이야기. CEL San Diego에서의 어학연수와 인턴십을 통해 영어 실력뿐 아니라 삶의 속도, 자신감, 그리고 다시 꿈꾸는 법을 배워간 진정성 있는 성장 기록이다.

Sprachaufenthalt im Ausland
Die Wahrheit über Sprachaufenthalte: Was niemand dir erzählt

Die Wahrheit über Sprachaufenthalte: Was niemand dir erzählt

Ein Sprachaufenthalt in den USA – für viele ist es der Inbegriff eines aufregenden und bildenden Abenteuers. Von San Diego bis Los Angeles locken endlose Strände, pulsierende Städte und renommierte Sprachschulen. Doch was steckt wirklich dahinter? Was wird dir oft verschwiegen, wenn du deinen Traum von einer Sprachreise planst? In diesem Artikel erfährst du die ungeschönte Wahrheit über Sprachaufenthalte und wie du das Beste aus deinem Aufenthalt herausholen kannst.

2025-09-23
2025-09-23