How to Resolve a Dispute with Someone Who Doesn’t Know Your Language

As the international business environment is quickly expanding, companies are merging and are therefore helping create a global workplace setting. The more diversity in the workplace, the higher the chances of a conflict. If disputes are not being handled effectively in this environment, it can damage relationships and the overall workflow. That’s why you must know how to handle a conflicting situation when it pops up. Misunderstandings are common, but a lack of a resolution will hurt both parties involved. 

Here are some of the best ways in which you can resolve any conflicting situation with someone who doesn’t speak your language. Check these next ideas out and let us know what you think. 

1. Hire a translator 

The first thing you should do is hire a translator. When business becomes globalized, you need to make sure that employees understand each other perfectly. Even though English is the established work language, employees who don’t speak it well might have trouble communicating, especially when it comes to a conflict. You need to make sure that you can address problems effectively within the workplace.

First, determine your translation needs. Then establish the qualifications of the translator, making sure that you’re hiring the best one in the field. However, go for the smartest option. For example, you could choose a freelance translator and not be bound by any contract, if that makes it easier for your practice. They could come in only when you need them. If you go with this option, please carefully verify the expertise of the translator and their credentials. 

2. Address the problem openly with the help of a translator 

Now that you’ve got a translator ready to help you out, it’s time to address the problem. The conflict should be addressed immediately. You shouldn’t be waiting around before you speak out. The more you avoid confrontation, the tenser your relationship becomes. 

Speak out and let them know what bothers you. If they didn’t show up on time, for example, ask them nicely to not repeat that mistake again. If you’re the one who didn’t show up on time, apologize and make sure you won’t do it again, argues dissertation help specialist, Danny Rocks. In any case, keep communication open, and ask variate questions. Then wait for an answer, don’t try to control the whole conversation. Make sure your statements are based on facts and can in fact be proven. 

3. Set your intentions and expectations 

The next step is setting expectations. Since you already set the goal of communicating freely and clearly, you should receive clear replies in return. Do not interrupt the other person when they’re speaking, even when you don’t understand their language. Wait for them to finish, then wait for the translator to finish, and only after that reply. 

Do not be rude, think of how harder this conflict is for your colleague who does not speak English well. Try to empathize and ask your co-worker to set their own expectation and goals for your talk. If you’re not on the same page, conflict resolution cannot be addressed as effectively. 

4. Actively listen to the other party

The next step is actively listening to your co-worker, even if the language their speaking is not English. Look at them when they talk, even if you don’t understand what they are saying. Listen to their words and check out their body language. This shows you respect them enough to follow their speech and movement even when you’re not aware of their message. Plus, following these traits might give you at least a 10% understanding of their message anyway, according to essay help director, John Bowler. You’ll understand whether they feel sorry, ashamed, or angry, for example. It’s all in the body. 

5. Respect personal and cultural differences

Opposing behaviors and viewpoints are normal and they should be respected, especially when two people come from two different backgrounds. If you have clashing personalities, this could be solved by addressing the problem, as we’ve explained below. If you’ve got different ways of interacting because of cultural differences, however, this might take a bit more work. 

Each one of us experiences the world differently, so having the translator explain your point of view first is a must, Katie at assignment help advises. The next step should be asking for theirs. How do they resolve conflicts in their culture? Is there anything you need to know before opening up? Is there anything they need to know? Be aware of cultural differences and openly discuss them.

                       

John Peterson

John Peterson is a journalist with 4 years of experience working for the London magazine “Shop&Buy”. He was a straight-A student and recently earned his master’s degree in psychology. When he is not writing interesting articles on the internet, he provides his talent to an essay writing service. John loves… MORE >