English Language is said to be a dialect as it has varieties which are mutually intelligible with one another. But even when there is mutual intelligibility among them, sometimes some linguistic features posit threats to any form of communication breakdown. How would you cope with the communication breakdown If, one day, you find yourself In a situation where both English (yours and & your Interlocutor’s) seem not to understand each other? The English language plays an important role in shaping up relations between people of different races, cultures and traditions.As a dialect, English has its varieties which are closely connected to each other, only with differences in linguistic characteristics. These varieties, which are often based on geographic locations, are the different kinds of English used around the world. These varieties tend to show dissimilarity In certain features such as morphology, phonology and syntax. Despite the fact that most speakers of different English varieties can understand each other, there Is still a big tendency In experiencing communication breakdown.
The Issue has grown In Importance to many countries, as the purpose of business between speakers of English varlets Is inevitable. This paper seeks to remedy the communication breakdown brought about by the linguistic assortment in the varieties of English language. Initially, listening to your interlocutor’s phonemes can lessen the burden of communication breakdown. In connection to this, phonetic realization of phonemes differs from one English variety speaker to another.In American English, for example, the pronunciation of /?/ turns out to in British or Australian English. At some point, you might find It confusing to understand what your Interlocutor is trying to point out because speakers of different English varieties often use the pronunciation Tyler of their native language.
First, vocal features such loudness, pitch, and flexibility varies from speakers to show Intent and emotion. Next Is the stress, which plays a very important role in carrying information. Lastly, observing how to pronounce a word by its spelling.Pronunciations in the English language are based on sounds, not spelling, which makes it harder because some sounds in the English language are nowhere to be located in other languages. Awareness in your interlocutor’s pronunciation can help in fixing gaps made by English varieties. Second, considering the various social interaction norms between speakers of unlike English can change the way you or your interlocutor can apprehend what the other party is trying to say. Social interaction norms vary greatly In different cultures, as do the way In which emotions are to be disclosed.
Initially, deferent cultures have contrasting practices In spacing when conversing. Arabians, for example, do not believe In the Idea of “personal space” which Americans highly consider. Stepping back or leaning away when talking to Arabians is considered offensive. Further, cross- look at your interlocutor’s eyes also varies from one culture to another. Most cultures agonize looking at their interlocutor’s eyes when he/she is talking is showing a sign of “interest” while other thinks of it as disrespect.Being mindful such norms can lessen misunderstandings bought about by unlikeness of social interaction practices.
Next is by paying attention to foreign words and asking your interlocutor what it means can be a possible way in easing the communication breakdown gap. Foreign words are those of which phonic shape does not accommodate to the natural phonemic pattern of the language. It is a word taken from another language which is relatively unchanged.
You can tell by pronunciation, stress or etymology that it is not of your language’s native origin.Initially, an American English speaker might not be able to understand what “Monte,” “bedspread,” or “melodic” mean because these words are used by Philippine English speakers. It would be better for one speaker to explain it to his or her interlocutor in order to avoid confusion brought about by foreign words. As what people imply, there is no better tool for effective communication than asking. In such case, it will be better to ask or explain what those foreign words mean and if possible, use substitute terms which can also mean he same thing.Another is by opting to use simple words than to complex ones can ease the burden of communication problem.
It is practical to consider your interlocutor’s background on learning English language, especially if the person you are talking to is a non- native English speaker. Using basic words equates to the chance of better understanding between you and your interlocutor. Initially, for example, “big” is preferable than to “enormous. ” Second, choosing to use the word “make” than “manufacture” makes it less confusing especially to individuals of lower proficiency levels.By analyzing it closely, English as a Second Language (SSL) users may be able to interpret complex words better than English as a Foreign Language (FEEL) users which can lead them to a great deal of frustration. Use of simple and clear words can help you and your interlocutor to understand each other better. Fifth, communication breakdown is least lightly to happen if you have the willingness to respect the diversity and otherness of your interlocutor. Culture as they say, is diverse and it can be viewed as learned, shared perceptions and traits involving emotions that are changing and Jumbled.
In addition, communication is defined to be yeoman, unintentional and receiver-oriented. The established connection between culture and communication is complex because they influence and reinforce each other. It is recommendable to be more conscious to what culture groups you and your interlocutor belongs to.
In some cases, curiosity about your interlocutor’s cultures enables better interaction. Critical knowledge of your interlocutor’s and your own can be a skill in intercultural competence. It is ideal to appreciate other perspectives rather than one’s own in communication to avoid disintegration. O be able to relate it to one’s own can somewhat comfort communication breakdown. For example, an American English speaker who happens to watch a sports-related game in the Philippines may not be able to comprehend what the sports anchor meant when he said “captain ball. ” Scrutinizing the situation better, it is logical to consider that not every American English speaker understands what “captain ball” means.
In this case, it is practical to explain to the tourist and equate him that “captain ball” equates to “team captain,” a term they use often in American English.As a dialect with a number of varieties, each and every place has established its own lexicon of English. It is vital to be able to translate words to your interlocutor’s own. Another way to ease communication breakdown is by avoiding attitudinal and behavioral tendencies. This pertains to the process of rigidly categorizing others, be it in a positive or a negative remark. Meanwhile, prejudice aims on the negative prejudging of others on the basis of little or even worst, no experience.
Attitudes like stereotyping and prejudice may lead to behavioral barriers such as discrimination, which obviously lessens the tendency of the speaker and the interlocutor to understand what they meant when they say such things. For example, calling Asian people “oriental” still seems to come from a Resurrection point of view, which is an insult if the speaker is talking to a Philippine English user. It is good to practice speaking up when someone tells a hurtful comment about the other to avoid further racist comments.Good understanding means to have interest in what the other party is trying to say and losing your interlocutor’s interest by releasing hurtful and racist comments can change the way he or she views what the speaker is trying to imply.
Checking out behavior in such cases can lessen breakdowns in communication. Next, by noting what your interlocutor tries to imply by using the word they are used to in their English language variety. Such difference between speakers of unalike English can change the way you and your interlocutor can apprehend what the other party is trying to say.One example is when an American English user refers to the water-based frozen snack as “popsicle.
” It is for sure that a British English user would pertain to it as “ice lowly,” and Australian English user would call it “ice blocks,” which can mark confusion between users of different English varieties. British English is of course well understood throughout the English speaking world, and in some cases, using British English could help give a touch of “European chic” to some European products marketed throughout the world whereas most products benefit from the familiar “local” feel, which is the commonly used American English.Going back, some products (like these ‘ice leslies’) thrive on a foreign feel but still mean the same thing. It is highly recommended to notice words of same meaning in English varieties. Another tool that can help in overcoming communication breakdown is by o perceive, you might as well need the urge to change it, as well as the grammar. In the cases of non-native English users, they express things grammatically according to how they also do with their language.It will become easier for your interlocutor to comprehend to what you are trying to point out or emphasize by paraphrasing.
Changing some texts can might as well help in removing the communication breakdown. Lastly, is to go with your educated guess as things will follow naturally. The point is to see most communication problems as questions with possible answers. Make an educated guess at the meaning of a message your interlocutor is trying to emphasize and proceed confidently as if you understand it the way he or she does.If not, your interlocutor will open up naturally and explain further what he or she meant. There is no harm in trying to guess, as things will follow the way they are supposed to be.
This paper has given an account of some strategies that can be used when communication breakdown occurs. Returning to the question posed at the beginning of this study, it is now possible to state that there are appropriate ways on how to ell with communication breakdown brought about by the varieties of English language even if they are mutually intelligible.The most obvious finding to emerge from this study is that English varieties, despite being intelligible, possess linguistic differences and may seem not to understand speakers of other English varieties. An implication of this is the possibility that communication breakdown might happen anytime between speakers of different English varieties.
The empirical findings in this study provide a new understanding of better inter-cultural communication that is happening in every part if the world.
