Feeling silenced as non-native speaker? Here's how to improve speaking up.

This week has served as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants grappling with language barriers. For me, residing in Spain, it's a daily struggle navigating through the linguistic maze of Spanglish. There's a pang of shame in admitting that, despite the passage of years, my proficiency falls short of my aspirations.

In a recent conversation with a new client, the resonance was striking. Despite his confident manner and a charming accent that hinted at his journey, he confessed to feeling perpetually on the outskirts, even amidst the familiarity of family and friends in the UK. It's a sensation difficult to articulate — the sense of being muted in a crowd that speaks your language, yet feeling alienated. Despite the kindness and inclusivity of native speakers, the gap remains palpable, stirring up internal doubts and insecurities.

His anguish stemmed from a desire to reclaim his authentic self, to bridge the divide between his inner richness and the limitations imposed by language. It's a sentiment echoing the universal struggle of immigrants striving to find their voice and their place in a new linguistic landscape.

Here are five suggestions to help handle feeling silenced as an immigrant, non-native speaker and improve speaking up:

1. Embrace Vulnerability: Recognise that it's okay to feel vulnerable when expressing yourself in a new language. Acknowledge your feelings and understand that many others have faced similar challenges. Being vulnerable can be a strength, allowing you to connect more deeply with others who may empathise with your experience.

2. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge the courage it takes to communicate in a language that is not your native tongue. Instead of being critical of your mistakes or shortcomings, practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same understanding and patience that you would offer to a friend facing similar difficulties.

3. Seek Support and Community: Surround yourself with understanding individuals or communities who can offer support and encouragement as you navigate language barriers. This could include language exchange groups, cultural organisations, or online forums where you can connect with others who understand your experiences firsthand.

4. Utilise Resources for Improvement: Take advantage of resources available to improve your language skills, such as language classes, online tutorials, language learning apps, or conversation partners. Consistent practice and exposure to the language will gradually increase your confidence and proficiency in speaking up.

5. Find Your Voice: Remember that your experiences, perspectives, and insights are valuable, regardless of the language in which you express them. Take small steps to assert yourself in conversations, whether it's asking questions, sharing your opinions, or participating actively. Each time you speak up, you are reclaiming your voice and asserting your presence.

So in conclusion, by embracing vulnerability, practicing self-compassion, seeking support, utilising resources for improvement, and gradually finding your voice, you can navigate the challenges of being an immigrant with limited language proficiency and empower yourself to communicate more confidently and effectively.