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BILC Conference2011. Vilnius
Study Group 1
Guidelines for native speakers
to enhance communication
with non-native speakers
Study Group 1.Tasking
SG 1. was tasked
- to develop guidelines for English native speakers during operations
- to identify how to self-monitor language use and choices
- to facilitate comprehension/interaction with non-native speakers
Study Group 1.Finding
Be considerate
Thank you for your attention!
Study Group 1.Concerns
SG 1. was concerned about the:- target population of guidelines (officers, NCOs,
enlisted, …)- context (operational?)- non-native speaker’s/receiving person’s
characteristics:educational background, rank, first language, level
- native speaker’s/communicating person’s characteristics:educational background, rank, regional dialect
- NNS’s level (STANAG 2 and above?)- standard English ???- awareness of communication breakdowns
Study Group 1.Guidelines
SG 1.’s interpretation of guidelines
= to provide concise, common sense reminders to raise NSs’ awareness of how to enhance communication and to avoid or repair breakdowns with a STANAG level 2 or above NNS receiver
= to give short, common sense tips to help NSs to improve communication and to avoid or repair breakdowns with a STANAG level 2 or above NNS
Study Group 1.Tips
1. Communication-related issues
2. Language-related issues
3. Context-related issues
Study Group 1.Communication-related tips
• Know your audience• Be sensitive to your audience
- Be empathetic, open, patient, considerate- Establish trust with the listener- Make yourself accessible- Encourage a positive atmosphere
• Avoid irony, humour, sarcasm, cynicism• Be culturally aware• Don't assume that you're understood • Use concept checking questions• Keep your topic focused (avoid digressions)• Use gestures and body language
Study Group 1.Language-related tips – 1.
• Choose high-frequency, short-syllable words• Use clear, short sentences (avoid complex
sentence structure)• Pay attention to sentence stress• Control/Reduce use of phrasal verbs, use single-
verb phrases• Use active voice, not passive (tenses)• Avoid contractions, weak forms
Study Group 1.Language-related tips – 2.
• Avoid regionalisms, colloquialisms/slang and idioms
• Use plain English expressions• Stay in the concrete:
- avoid implied meaning- avoid padding- avoid semantic ambiguity
• Restate at a slower pace, next reword
Study Group 1.Context-related tips
• Understand whether the conversation context is general or specific
• Take into consideration environmental factors
Study Group 1.
„Communicate to express, not to impress.”
With the cooperation of colleagues from:
AustraliaBosnia and HerzegovinaCanadaDenmarkEstoniaGeorgiaItalyLithuaniaPortugalSpainSwedenUnited Arab Emirates
Thank you!