How to Support Non-Native English Speakers at Work

Dina shares a couple of practical ideas

Both of us (Dina & Yana) have experienced being foreigners in an English-speaking environment and have shared ideas on how to become more comfortable with the language. However, much of this comfort actually stems from the environment and team dynamics. With a little extra help from native-speaking colleagues, adapting to a new language can become much easier and faster.

If you are reading this and have team members who are not native speakers, here are a few ways you can help your colleagues feel welcomed and included:

1. Be Mindful of Cultural References and Slang

I didn't grow up in the United States, so I often don't understand references to '90s commercials or children’s books or TV shows (SNL classic skits is a good example). If you use cultural references in conversation, check if your foreign colleague is familiar with them. If not, provide some context. This approach also applies to slang and idioms, which are prevalent and sometimes hard to notice when you’re using them.Being aware and ensuring your colleague understands their meanings will go a long way.

2. Involve Your Foreign Colleague in Conversations and Team Activities

If you notice someone hesitating to speak, invite them to share their opinion by asking a direct question. This helps them feel included and gives them a chance to express themselves. Engage in non-work-related conversations as well - ask them about their favorite music, a recent movie they watched, or a book they read. Encouraging them to talk about personal interests can help create a safer environment, which in turn helps overcome the language barrier and builds their confidence in using a different language. If you’re going out for a drink after work, invite your colleague and make sure to spend a few minutes chatting with them. Human interaction is important and can help your colleague boost their listening & speaking skills and overall confidence.

3. Don’t Judge a Person by Their Language Proficiency

There is a stereotype that Eastern European people are rude.  In reality, what may seem like rudeness is often just a limited vocabulary. Many non-native speakers mentally translate sentences from their native language before speaking, which can sometimes result in a loss of intended meaning or tone, possibly coming across as rudeness. Avoid making judgments about a colleague’s personality based on their way of communicating. This applies to both verbal and written communication. Frankly, I am a little cautious giving this advice, as sometimes people are simply rude regardless of language, culture, or nationality.  

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If there's one thing I want you to remember from this post, it's the importance of simple awareness. Recognize that some of your colleagues might not fully understand you due to unfamiliar words, pronunciation, or cultural references. By being aware and making a small effort to foster a safe work environment, you can greatly improve both communication and the outcomes of your collaborative efforts.

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Yana’s 2 cents:

I’ve never worked in an environment where I was the holder of the native language, and my colleagues were not. So it’s quite difficult for me to put myself in the position of a native speaker and offer advice. If I could ask for one thing from native speakers, it would be “slow down” - not only because of the need to translate some of the words on the go but also because fast speaking alters pronunciation and accent.  
Additionally, it's important to consider the power dynamics that can exist in language proficiency disparities. Encouraging an environment where multiple languages are valued—not just English—can further enhance inclusivity. Workshops or shared language learning sessions might also be beneficial, allowing native and non-native speakers to learn from each other and reduce language barriers together.

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Have you found ways to help colleagues with language barriers? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments.