The Language Gap

This summer, I had the opportunity to do some travelling to countries where French is the primary language spoken. Although I took French all through high school, the time between graduation and today was just too big for what I had learned to be of much use to me.

What caught me off guard was my desire to find someone who spoke English. When I did, it made whatever I was trying to do that much easier to complete. I felt like time wasn’t being wasted interpreting.

When I didn’t have someone to interpret, entire conversations took place without me understanding any of it. I found myself looking at the other person’s body language to try and get a handle on the nature of the conversation.

But body language isn’t always reliable. The willingness to join in may cause us to laugh at an inappropriate joke, or a comment made at the expense of someone’s feelings, without even realizing what’s been said.

When I found someone who spoke English, I took great comfort in simply being able to converse without any of the hang ups that come with interpreting or reading body language.

As I navigated my way through city centres, restaurants, and tourist traps, my experience being with others who didn’t speak my language sometimes left me feeling isolated. To be understood is such an important part of feeling like you belong. Language is the key to our self-identity. It enables us to express emotions, share feelings, tell stories, and convey complex messages and knowledge.

Experiencing this language gap while on vacation made me imagine just how much more isolated those who come to Canada to achieve a better life for themselves and their families must feel. They have to secure a job, live in a new community, and interpret different cultural norms while trying to grasp different conversations in a strange language happening all around them.

As a union rep, I regularly talk in labour relations jargon and legalese. I sometimes forget that such words and phrases can be difficult enough for members who speak English but are well beyond the understanding of a member for whom English is a second language.

Labour relations can be complex, and it’s very important to take the necessary time to ensure that everyone fully understands what’s going on. Hasty decisions made without full understanding can lead to regret, or worse, distrust.

I had a great vacation—and have the pictures to prove it. But more than just the memories, I gained valuable insight into the language gap that some of my members experience.