Reflections:
Although Australia is an English speaking country, I definitely experienced some language barriers when I lived there for 3 months. The accent of my host family was very thick and they used terms of which I was unaware. I remember it becoming clear quite quickly that we definitely had some troubles understanding one another. As a visitor, I quickly learned to stop and ask if there was a term of which I was unfamiliar. My host family would then patiently explain in another way so I was able to understand. I did the same for them. We also learned that slowing down our rate of speech was important to aid in understanding one another. I am fortunate to still be in touch with my "host parents" and they have visited the states many times since my student teaching experience. It is a commonality that our communication changes when we talk, so understanding is made.
My sister has also hosted three different exchange students over the past three years, and we have experienced some of the same issues as she has welcomed students from China, Germany and Korea. Another common adaptation is pointing to objects and using hand motions to help bridge the language gap. I am always excited to learn a bit of their language and culture while they are here as well; thus, giving them an opportunity to share their culture for mutual learning.
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