What is difficult for non-native speakers of English?

Many non-native speakers of English do not want to use their native languages in the UK. They want to learn and use English and be part of English-medium multi-ethnic churches. This does not, however, mean that "they are fine" or "they have good English". Many, if not most, speakers of English as an Additional Language (EALs) achieve a certain level of English - enough to survive/cope - and then "plateau". By way of example, the recent "messaging" surrounding Covid-19 presents major challenges to non-native speakers of English, who in many cases are not aware of the rules. It is very common for people who have been in the UK for ten years or more to continue to make basic mistakes and sound very "foreign". 

It would be helpful to share some of the challenges of non-native speakers of English and what can be done to help them to access the gospel and also Christian discipleship in a language which is not their own. 

Some of the things non-native speakers of English find challenging

• Humour and jokes
• Cultural references - such as quotes from Burns or Shakespeare, adverts or lines from songs. In many cases the wording of these might not be obvious. 
• Puns or plays on words
• Words and expressions which rely on allusion or connotation. For example saying "challenging" when you mean "problematic". 
• Anything which relies on what appear to be self-evident values shared by most people in a culture
• Realising or admitting that they, non-native speakers of English, are not getting things 100%. 

Here are some things to bear in mind when working with non-native speakers of English:

• Listen carefully to what they are saying and try to pick up on any misunderstandings, dealing with them sensitively to clarify and correct. 
• Try to speak a bit slower and more clearly - both in terms of "accent" and clear sentence structure etc. 
• Try to think what you mean and say it in the most unambiguous way possible 
• Create opportunities to hear back from them what they have understood, not assuming that smiles and nods mean they have understood 
• Don't rely on them to admit (or realise) they do not understand; they may find this embarassing or fear they are inconveniencing you in this way. 
• Remember what "works" and what "doesn't work" when it comes to getting points across. 
• Find simple illustrations they can relate to and which make it easier to get things across. 
• Learn what people's preconceived ideas are and beware that, by default, people will revert to these or seek confirmation for them in what they hear
• Rely on other native speakers of the same language to assist you, especially if they have good English. 

Acts 2:11 Edinburgh