OVERCOMING LANGUAGE BARRIERS IN COMMUNICATION IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Abstract

The purpose of this article is twofold. Firstly, it aims to elucidate the prevailing scenarios in which language barriers manifest, thereby impeding the efficacy of communication in the course of international cooperation of cadets and students pursuing military higher education; secondly, it suggests strategies for overcoming language barriers in such situations. When choosing a research method, preference was given to observation. The participants of the study were cadets and students of the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technologies. The findings indicate that the most common scenarios of language barriers encountered in the course of international cooperation by cadets and students pursuing military higher education are as follows: the employment of a substantial quantity of specialized terminology and jargon; the fact that the participants are engaged in communication across different time zones; and lack of cultural awareness. The elimination of language barriers that arise when using a lot of technical terminology and professional jargon involves several strategies. First, the use of visual methods to explain complex concepts is essential. Second, repetition is crucial. Third, patience, self-control, and tolerance for those who face language difficulties must be cultivated. Finally, active listening in the form of open dialogue and questioning is paramount. Some ways to eliminate language barriers caused by time zone differences include: scheduling meetings and discussions in advance, using asynchronous communication tools, using tools such as World Time Buddy or Google Calendar to help coordinate across time zones, scheduling a few hours of overlap when team members in different time zones can collaborate in real time, and recording meetings for those who cannot attend due to time zone differences. The elimination of language barriers resulting from a lack of cultural awareness necessitates several measures. Firstly, the personal time of participants from abroad must be respected. Secondly, cultural awareness must be cultivated among cadets and students, thus facilitating a comprehension of divergent perspectives and behaviors during interactions. Thirdly, it is essential to maintain transparent communication and equip teams with the tools to navigate cultural customs.