Last weekend we had a couple visit from Germany with their adorable daughters.  Herr Bergemann is the conductor for a Children's Choir group from Hamburg, and my husband and I decided it would be a great experience for our family to share our home for the weekend as they began their US tour. 

Never say that language is a barrier that cannot be overcome.  Our own 4 year old son had a blast playing with their 2 and 4 year old children, and even though ours spoke exclusively English and theirs spoke exclusively German, the kids got along great, played hide and seek, played with balls and frisbees outside, played on the jungle gym, ate snacks, shared books, songs and stories and made themselves understood in 2 languages. 

We adults also got on just fine - although Herr and Frau Bergemann spoke some English  - and it made me wonder why language has to be such a barrier to communication?  I was able to point out many things in our home and community regardless of language, and the Bergemann's were able to ask many questions, albeit with much gesturing and pointing. We learned a lot from each other, including the fact that what we call goulash and what they call goulash are two entirely different things, and their appliances are very different from ours.  We also learned a lot about Hamburg (even though we don't speak German) and they learned a lot about Northwestern Wisconsin and Chippewa Valley life.

So why be afraid of  working with clients who don't speak your language?  There are so many resources available, including interpreter services, that language and culture shouldn't be seen as such a barrier.   Do a little research when you get that new client, learn one or two or five words in thier language, figure out a system to communicate and make sure that you are paying attention to cultural differences (did you know that in some cultures crossing your legs and showing the sole of your shoe is a sign of disrespect?) and be adventurous. 

I know my family had a great experience with our visiting German family, and I hope that we can continue a relationship.  It has renewed our own interest in learning - and makes the world a little bit more awe-inspiring in it's diversity of language and culture.