Language
Barriers
As an international student, I was very excited about trying new things at the beginning of the term, but as a “non-proficient” speaker of English, I felt constantly frustrated by the language barrier which hindered my access to information and ability to communicate with my class.
My frustrations contributed to a deep sense of loneliness which became the focus of my research. I became interested in personal perspectives of loneliness, in particular those of non-native/proficient speakers of English.
This digital space contains interviews conducted with international students in London. Through a series of playful Interactions in typography, it aims to facilitate empathy and an understanding of the challenges that communicating in a second language presents.
AN INVISIBLE
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I didn’t find it as hard as arriving at a new school in a new city could be, but I do remember comparing myself with perfect English speakers and thinking ‘I could never be as comfortable as they are’. I felt a bit like a fish out of water in that respect, but this was probably just my perception of the situation. The people I was comparing myself with were maybe not any more comfortable than I was.
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I don’t really find it difficult to socialise in English.
Because English is not my native language I found it difficult to socialise using English when I first arrived in the UK. I felt intimidated and shy when I didn't understand the sense of humour, dialect or lack of directness.
A muted situation. Mostly I feel really frustrated and embarrassed. The environment was not a safe space or a comfortable occasion for me anymore. I decided to ‘mute’ myself. Stop sharing, stop talking, stop smiling. Just listening, be silent.
I don't know much about the social contexts and cultural backgrounds of the UK. Everyone is from different countries and it's hard to find a general understanding sometimes. I try to use easy words and repetition to describe one thing which is bothering me.
I was not always used to speaking in English before I arrived in London. I felt extremely nervous. Because I still found it hard to understand what the native speakers were saying.
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