If you do not share a language with a learner, it can seem quite a difficult challenge to communicate with him/her.

There are software packages available that can act as a translator, but unless you are able to monitor the accuracy of the translation it is not an ideal solution. Likewise, interpreters are not always available when needed, and expensive to buy in. There are times, too, when you want to have a confidential conversation,
1:1 with a learner, and having a third person in the room may inhibit that process.

A simpler solution is to make use of Communication Bridges – low-tech, everyday communication strategies
that help learners to develop their English as well as facilitate communication. These strategies draw on a range of visual, auditory and physical resources to help you elicit information from learners, as well as tell them what they need to know. They can be used with learners who have communication impairments as well as language learners and are portable and adaptable to any situation.

If you would like to find out more about these communication strategies, have a look at the Spring 2012 page to see when there is a session running in your region. Or perhaps you would rather organise a session in-house, just for your team? You can find out how on the bespoke training page.