Language Barrier: the Challenge of International Students

Language barrier is one specific challenge facing students in transition at the University of Bristol and in this challenges of language barrier essay I will discuss what problems usually arise in the life of an international student. 

Introduction

As it is shown in the OECD statistics, the UK attract a large number of international students all over the world, especially for Chinese students, which  were the largest group of international students studying in the UK from 2012-2013. However, the language barrier can be the most specific challenge that most Chinese students faced. According to Lin and Yi half of the interviewee found it is difficult to express themselves to American due to the language barrier. Therefore, as the medium for communication, language plays a vital role both in life and study. This essay examines the problems caused by language barrier in two aspects, relationship and study methods, and suggest some possible solutions.

Problem

The problem arising from language challenge can be generated into two fields. On the one hand, the language barrier result in the relationship problem — loneliness. The research which was funded by the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements at Monash University, Australia. Sawir interviewed 200 international students from more than 30 different nations and asked them one question: Have you experienced periods of loneliness or isolation? A total of 130 students (65%) answered “Yes” to this question. This result illustrates that more than half of the international students suffer from loneliness, which is possible occur under circumstances like deficits in social networks. The social network is always established by the communication. However, as the difference between social and cultural environment, international students generally have tendency and preference to interact with someone who communicate with the same language. Moreover, the difference between lifestyle may give rise to this type of loneliness. For example, it was common for Chinese students to stay in the room to study or play video games for a whole day, but lifting weight at gym and running were not as prevalent in sports. Such lifestyle difference can make it hard for the international and local students to find a common topic.

On the other hand, international students may be confused to face the problem in study methods. It can be concluded with using English for academic work and adapting the classroom environment. For the first issue stem from most international students are not familiar with finishing an essay with a clear deadline. In addition, it is a extraordinary challenge for them to write and communicate in the university where English is the primary language. For the second issue, keep in pace with the class tutor is a arduous task for foreigners. In term of Chinese students, they have been used to siting and listening to the teacher obediently. If the teacher does not ask the question, they will not take the initiative to make any interaction, which is extremely different from the class in the UK. All in all, that is why language barrier is the major challenge that international students faced in transition.

Solutions

Essentially, solutions are supposed to considered in two aspects. Firstly, as for international students, it is of great significance to take a general picture of western civilization. As Michael Agar mentioned in Language Shock, communication requires knowledge of another’s culture due to difference in meaning. It could be a long process and requires patience and desires to learn by the host culture. Secondly, it is the responsibility for the university to help international students to live through this transition. The university can launch some activities like welcome weeks gathering schoolmate together to provide an opportunity to get to know each other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, for most international students, who may be the first time to leave the homeland where have lived for more than ten years, the difference in language is the first vital difficulty that they need to overcome. This situation, which has serious impact on both students’ life and study, needed to be addressed through the joint effort of individual and the university.

Bibliography

• Lin, J.C.J.,& Yi, J.K., 1997, Asian international student adjustment: issue and program suggestion, College Students Journal, 31, pp. 473-479
• Journal of Studies in International Education, 2008. JSIE299699. [online] Available at: [Accessed Sep 13, 2008].
• International Student Experience Journal, 2014. The Chinese international students experience in a time of increased enrolment at the university of California. [online] Available at:< http://issuu.com/chrislima90/docs/isej_vol2_issue2_full_0cccdde2924682> [Accessed 2014].
• The Guardian, 2014. International Students in the UK; who are they really. [online] Available at:< : http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/13/-sp-international-students-in-the-uk-who-are-they> [Accessed Mon 13 Oct 2014 10.07 BST].