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Communication barriers -

Language differences can create significant communication barriers in a relationship. Indeed, these differences can result in many misinterpretations and misunderstandings with couples, which is actually quite a common occurrence.

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Cultural divide -

Language is often intertwined with culture, so differences in language can highlight broader cultural divides. Sometimes learning a language requires learning a culture, which can feel like an insurmountable obstacle in any relationship.

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Inequality in communication - When multilingual partners communicate with each other, one partner may feel disadvantaged or inferior due to differences in language proficiency. If partners aren’t aware of this feeling, they are at risk of unconsciously developing resentment towards each other.

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Isolation -

One or both partners may feel isolated or left out in social settings where their language is not spoken. This is especially true for people who live in the home country of their partner and have not learned the language yet.

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Difficulty expressing emotions -

It can be challenging to express complex emotions and thoughts accurately in a non-native language. Sometimes, relationships like this can fail over time because multilingual partners do not feel that they are receiving proper communication from their significant others.

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Power dynamics -

Constantly grappling with language barriers can lead to frustration and resentment. This could even be exacerbated if one partner holds more linguistic power, which can impact the balance of the relationship.

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Loss of identity - Partners may feel a loss of identity or struggle with maintaining their cultural identity in a relationship where their language is not dominant. In the case of immigrants, feelings like this can be worsened when partners do not visit their home country.

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Family dynamics -

Language differences can complicate relationships with extended family members who may not speak the same language. Partners might feel even more isolated, ostracized, or misunderstood in situations like these.

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Education -

If multilingual partners have children, language differences require them to make decisions about education and language instruction, which can become sources of tension.

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Limited shared experiences -

Since people with different linguistic backgrounds have noticeably different upbringings, couples may find it difficult to connect with each other’s experiences, since there is sometimes very little overlap between them.

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Different humor -

Humor and nuanced expressions may not translate well from one language to another, which could lead to missed connections. At the more extreme end, it could also lead to conflict, since humor in one culture can be perceived as hostile in another.

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Increased effort -

Maintaining a relationship requires a lot of work and patience, but doing so across language barriers is even more difficult. Multilingual partners may experience burnout far quicker than those couples who have the same native language.

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Reliance on non-verbal communication -

When the pressures of verbal communication becomes too much, multilingual partners sometimes gravitate to more non-verbal cues as ways of communicating. But body language and gestures can sometimes be ambiguous, and partners risk causing unnecessary tension.

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Difficulty resolving conflicts - Resolving conflicts effectively becomes more challenging when language barriers exist. Certain cultures may have different ways of engaging with conflict and tension, and miscommunication could cause this to worsen.

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Lack of individuality -

In public settings, partners may feel inhibited from expressing themselves fully due to language constraints. This is especially true if a person is an immigrant in their partner’s country.

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Open communication -

If you are in a multilingual relationship, one of the most important steps for maintaining the relationship is to encourage open and honest communication so that language gaps can be bridged. Always try to exercise patience and understanding with each other.

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Use of translation tools -

Another way to reduce any negative effects of language differences is to utilize translation tools when necessary to facilitate understanding. Modern technology has certainly assisted in crossing the boundaries of languages and helping people care for each other.

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Language learning -

Although this is quite a difficult option and some people are not always able to do it, both partners could commit to learning each other's languages to enhance communication.

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Non-verbal communication -

Pay attention to non-verbal cues that supplement verbal communication. Sometimes, body language can provide an indication as to whether your partner’s words are meant in a hostile or friendly way. Learning to read their non-verbal cues can help ease tension.

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Active listening -

Practice active listening to help develop comprehension and validation of each other's perspectives. When your partner communicates issues that arise from language differences, it is important to understand how your partner may feel.

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Shared language -

It is also possible to develop a shared language or set of phrases that both partners understand. In fact, when a multilingual couple lives in a country that neither partner hails from, studies have shown that the relationship can develop stronger as both partners learn their resident country’s language together.

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Empathy -

Cultivate empathy for each other's language challenges and frustrations. It can be quite a difficult experience for both partners, and there are days when tempers can flare. By allowing empathy to navigate a relationship, these language differences can act as lessons rather than divisions.

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Conflict resolution skills -

Learn effective conflict resolution skills to address issues that may arise. Indeed, these skills could also be applied to other areas of life where conflict is present.

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Quality time together - Multilingual partners might find it beneficial to spend quality time together engaging in activities that don't heavily rely on verbal communication. This could help in the development of trust and intimacy that moves away from verbal language.

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Celebrate differences -

It's important to celebrate the richness of having different languages and cultures in a relationship. Indeed, having such differences can broaden your understanding of the world and help open your horizons to new experiences.

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Encourage individual expression -

This advice applies to all relationships, but it is more crucial for those that have language differences. It is important to allow space for individual expression and identity within the relationship, especially since cultural differences can have a deep impact on comfort and lifestyle.

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Shared goals -

Identify shared goals and values to build a strong foundation for the relationship. Successfully navigating language differences alongside unified goals can lead to personal growth and a stronger, more resilient relationship.

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Love and respect -

Above all, maintain love and respect for each other, regardless of language differences. Whatever problem arises as a result of linguistic discrepancies, it is important to remember that you and your partner can face the issue together.

Sources: (The New York Times) (StoryLearning) (RTÉ) (EF Education First) (The Conversation)

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