tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092918.post5443809526619193535..comments2023-10-30T03:14:52.933-05:00Comments on Library Stories: Libraries & Librarians in the News: Language Barriers: How Do You Handle Them?Adrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725007436340764187noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6092918.post-43865680797216119612007-04-08T21:51:00.000-05:002007-04-08T21:51:00.000-05:00As a person who has lived in countries where Engli...As a person who has lived in countries where English was not the national language, I know what it's like to be the one who doesn't understand. I know what it feels like to have people think I'm stupid just because I don't understand, and I also know what it feels like for people to be so pleased when I try to use the language - even if I butchered it! My best advice if you are helping a non-English speaker - be kind and patient. Try to empathize. And try to learn another language! If you have many Spanish speakers, try to learn some Spanish. They won't care if you don't speak it well. They will just appreciate the fact that you are trying. Trust me - I've been there!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com