This informal CPD article, ‘8 Key Strategies for Learning in a Multilingual Team’, was provided by iAM Learning, who are transforming the way your workforce trains and retains, using high-end animation, lovable characters and captivating stories to make even the most serious subjects appealing and unforgettable.
8 Key Strategies for Learning in a Multilingual Team
Imagine your first day at high school. You’re ready to embark on a new learning journey. As you take your desk for your first-ever German lesson, you’re apprehensive. You won’t hear the familiar sounds of English, but something completely unfamiliar to you. “Guten Morgen, Klasse!”
Luckily for you, you’ve got a great teacher. They’re there to guide you through your learning adventure. But some people don’t have that luxury. There’s no denying that learning is more comfortable in your native tongue, and in this globalised world, many people don’t have that option.
Language barriers can pose a significant challenge. They can hinder effective communication and comprehension during learning, which is a big deal, particularly when they are learning health & safety or compliance topics. It can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and failure to grasp key concepts. This may result in confusion, disengagement, and frustration.
To overcome this obstacle, L&D teams must tailor their approaches to suit the diverse linguistic backgrounds of their workforce. But how? Here are 8 key strategies to help your multilingual team.
Embracing diversity is the first step towards creating an inclusive learning environment. By recognising and celebrating the rich tapestry of languages and cultures within a team, L&D professionals can foster a sense of belonging and promote open-mindedness. Clear channel communication that accommodates different languages is also important. Try using interpreters, translations, or providing multilingual learning materials.
Flexibility is key when it comes to learning resources. It offers many formats. These include videos, audio, and writing. They can cater to different styles and languages. Also, consider a language exchange program. In it, team members who speak different languages are paired. Providing they share a common second language, this may provide a valuable opportunity for practising language skills while learning new concepts.
Encouraging multilingualism within the team can have numerous benefits. Not only does it promote cross-cultural understanding, but it also enhances cognitive abilities and fosters a more inclusive work environment. Cultural sensitivity training can further equip teams with the knowledge and tools to navigate cultural differences and communicate effectively across linguistic barriers.
Cultivating a learning culture and a supportive environment is essential for successful multilingual learning. You can do this by communicating openly, actively listening, and adapting to individual needs. Regular feedback from learners can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the learning strategies employed, allowing for continuous improvement and refinement.
As you’ve seen, there are many ways L&D Professionals can create a more inclusive & effective learning environment for multilingual teams. These include embracing diversity, facilitating clear communication, offering flexible learning resources, and considering language exchange programs. Of course, encouraging multilingualism, providing cultural sensitivity training, cultivating a learning culture, and actively seeking feedback are all useful too. By breaking down language barriers, businesses can unlock the full potential of their diverse workforce and foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iAM Learning, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
