Since social networks and dating apps entered our lives, it is not uncommon to find couples where each of the two speaks a different language.
But that doesn't mean such relationships aren't challenging.
In their book "Lessons from Interlingual Romance - Conflicts and Cultural Innovation of Intercultural Couples", Jayeun Kyer, a professor of Korean at the University of Oxford, and Hyejeong An, a lecturer in languages and sociology at the Universities of Melbourne in Australia and Nanyang in Singapore, present conclusions from interviews with couples from different backgrounds.
We enlisted the help of Forefront to summarize them.
When dating someone whose native language is different from yours, effective communication is key.
Language barriers can pose challenges, so it is very important to pay attention to the communication between you.
When you speak, and especially when your partner speaks in his native language, maintain eye contact, and make gestures that show that you are listening and understand as much as you can.
Ask clarifying questions if necessary.
Be patient during the conversations and keep in mind that misunderstandings stem from language difficulties.
Express yourself differently if necessary to ensure full and correct understanding between you and your partner.
Try to learn each other's language together by watching programs with subtitles in both languages together, or by using language learning apps, with each helping the other learn their language.
At the very least, try to learn key phrases, such as polite words and basic phrases, in your partner's native language to show respect for your partner's culture.
Get to know each other's friends and family.
Spending time with loved ones who share your partner's culture and language allows you to fully experience it and win their approval.
Try even to travel together to their home country if possible, immerse yourself in the environment where they grew up and understand their background.
Keep an open mind.
Be curious about cultural differences and be willing to understand different perspectives, traditions and ways of communication.
Appreciate how your partner's upbringing has shaped them.
Such an understanding will allow you to overcome linguistic difficulties and barriers.
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