Communication Barriers at Work

Abstract

The world has become one big village and with the movement of people to different countries, English has become a vital form of communication. So much emphasis is given on speaking English very well but is mastering the language enough to be accepted at your work in another country? This study reflects on a group of professional migrants with a university degree moving to Australia in 2007 to start a new life. Upon arrival, these migrants realize that English alone is not satisfactory in search of a new job or to create a harmonious existence in a new culture and new environment. They find out that often their problems are related to the social aspects of communication in the workplace. Migrant workers often blame their accents but there are many underlying causes for the fact that they end up eating lunch alone. Interview data from L2 immigrants will be shared, as well as a description of some Innovative Communication in the Workplace programs that have been designed not only for immigrant staff but for employer awareness as well. The presentation will finish with a short videotape at migrants’ workplaces.