The language barrier

We will start by analysing international communication and the problem of the language barrier.

There are several ways of getting around the barrier formed by lack of knowledge of the foreign language:

1. Increase the number and availability of translating and interpreting services. Translation (written medium) and interpretation (oral medium). The aim of translation is to provide semantic equivalence between source and target language, however, it has the inconvenience of that exact equivalence is impossible.

2. Develop an auxiliary language that everyone will understand.

3. Develop an existing language that everyone will understand while using a natural language as lingua franca.

4. Provide increased motivation and opportunity to learn foreign languages and promote the teaching and learning of languages in a variety of child and educational settings. It is high recommended by the Council of Europe, as they think is the most realistic way of reducing some of the power of the language barrier.

This way, when talking about Foreign languages and international communication, David Crystal's The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Language appraise Foreign Language Learning (FLL) as an international communication means.

Some of the reasons of why teaching and learning foreign languages is so important are:

- Foreign Language Learning (FLL) is not a luxury in an international world. If a country is to exercise a role in world affairs, it really becomes a necessity. Learning a foreign language in Europe is a criterion of responsible international membership.

- Foreign Language Learning (FLL) promotes understanding, tolerance, and respect for the cultural identity, rights, and values of others.

- Learning a foreign language is the only way to fully appreciate your own language.

- Foreign Language Teaching (FLT) has an essential role in preparing our pupils to cope with an ever-changing environment.

- Success in international commerce is becoming dependent on Foreign Language Teaching (FLT).

As we can see, some of the most important reasons have to do with international communication, but this has to do not only with knowing the linguistic aspects of the language, but also with knowing about the culture the language is a vehicle for.