7 Facts Every Immigrant Should Know to Overcome Barriers

It’s completely normal to feel like you don’t belong when you move to a new country. There are so many differences in this new culture, and every single one of them feels like an impossible barrier. You don’t know the words, the customs, or even what they mean when they use specific phrases. English is the universal language of communication. It’s also one of the most significant barriers to effective communication for immigrants and refugees. In fact, research shows that a lack of English fluency is one of the top reasons why immigrants struggle to find employment after they arrive in the U.S. This doesn’t mean you can’t make friends or have a social life as an immigrant or refugee who isn’t fluent in English. But there are ways around these hurdles that will make your adjustment easier and quicker than ever before. You just need to be strategic about how you communicate with others so that you understand them.

Meetups Are Your Best Friend

Meetups are the perfect place to start building your social life in your new home. You can find meetups for every interest and hobby, both online and in your city. You can even find language meetups. These are gatherings for people who are also learning English as a second language. It’s a low-pressure environment to make friends, meet people who are going through the same thing as you, and practice your English skills. If you don’t see a language-specific meetup in your area, you can also join an English as a Second Language class through your local library or community center. You can find tons of resources online or through organizations like the International Institute of Virginia (IIVA). They offer free English language classes and social programs to help immigrant populations thrive in the Virginia community.

Start With a Group Class

If you’re nervous about meeting people at a language meetup, start with a group class. This comes with built-in friends and a very clear focus on your language development. You will be surrounded by other people who want to practice their skills and understand the language as much as you do. There are options for every level of English proficiency. You can find classes for people who are brand new to the language and classes for advanced English speakers. Most local colleges and universities offer free or low-cost English classes. You can also search for English language schools near you. These are private language learning centers that offer group classes, one-on-one instruction, and even online classes for a reasonable price.

language Group Class

Immigrant-Friendly Apps

There are tons of language apps out there to help you with English language skills and cultural understanding. These apps will help you navigate American culture and meet new people who are also learning English. You can find immigrant-friendly apps at the App Store or Google Play. You can look for apps that promote intercultural understanding and language learning. One of the most popular and helpful apps is ChatterFox. 

Understand the Culture

Learning about the culture will help you understand why people behave the way they do. You’ll be able to blend in more easily at work, in social settings, and in your daily life. You can find tons of free online resources to learn more about American culture. Do some research on the history of your new home. What are some of the biggest events that have shaped the culture? Knowing the history of your new home will help you understand why people act the way they do. It will also help you fit in and avoid some common faux pas when you’re out and about.

Live and Participate

Your best learning tool is getting out and actually using the English you know. This will help you practice and internalize what you’ve learned about the language. It will also help you make friends and meet new people who are going through the same thing as you. There are tons of ways to live and participate in American culture without spending money. You can volunteer at your local library or animal shelter. You can attend events held by your city or neighborhood group. You can even go to a park or public space in your city and observe the people around you. 

Communicate using body language

Body language is a universal language. It’s how you communicate with people even if you don’t speak their language. You can use body language to help you communicate with people who don’t speak your language. You can also use it to help people understand what you’re trying to say when you do speak. Eye contact is the most important thing you can do when communicating non-verbally. Eye contact helps you maintain eye contact even when you’re trying to communicate something. When you’re speaking in your native language, you need to be very deliberate with your hand gestures. This will help people understand what you’re trying to say.

Conversation Strategies

There are a few key strategies and tips you should keep in mind when you’re having a conversation. This will help you understand other people, as well as help them understand you. – Does your partner speak slowly? If so, try to slow down your speech and match the cadence of their speech. This will help them understand you better and will make the conversation flow smoother. – Are you having trouble understanding your partner? If so, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat themselves or to ask them to use simpler words. Also, don’t be afraid to ask them if they understand what you’re saying, as well. – Can you see yourself having trouble keeping up with a fast-paced conversation? If so, don’t be afraid to slow it down a little bit. You can ask your partner to slow down a bit, or you can wait for your turn to speak.

Bottom line

Communication is the key to understanding each other in any situation. This can be even more important for immigrants who come from a different culture and may speak English as a second language. Remember that although communication barriers may seem impossible, they are not. You can overcome these barriers by finding meetups, participating in American culture, and using communication strategies to help you understand others.

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