It's NOT a 'barrier'!

bar·ri·er

ˈberēər/

noun

noun: barrier; plural noun: barriers

1. a fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access.

   synonyms:

   fence, railing, barricade, hurdle, bar, blockade, roadblock "the barrier across the entrance"

   • a circumstance or obstacle that keeps people or things apart or prevents communication or progress.

     
     

     "a language barrier"

     
     

     synonyms:

     obstacle, obstruction, hurdle, stumbling block, bar, block, impediment, hindrance, curb "a barrier to international trade"

   • the starting gate of a racecourse.
   • British

     a gate at a parking lot that controls access by being raised or lowered.
   • a long narrow island lying parallel and close to the mainland, protecting the mainland from erosion and storms.

     noun: barrier island; plural noun: barrier islands

Origin

late Middle English (denoting a palisade or fortification defending an entrance): from Old French barriere, of unknown origin; related to barre.

 It's even in the example from  the definition: 

"Language Barrier"!!!

If I had a dollar for every time I've heard this in the educational setting- well I'd be a rich woman!

From late Middle English - "defending an entrance". 

Doesn't that give a nice welcoming visual of the front lobby of a school? And yet, when we see a new family entering the building - and think to ourselves - there is a 'language barrier' here with the family, we do one of two things/sometimes both!

1) Fortify a wall that divides you (possibly fortifying a wall of bias), and if not, just feeding negative thoughts into your mind:

• I won't be able to understand them
• I wish they spoke English
• This is going to take long!
• I wish we had bilingual staff
• Do they have to enroll here?

2) We make a difference in language - something greater than it is! It's certainly not a barrier (the great divider. Differences - our diversity is what makes our unity stronger. I know that sounds odd, but think about it~

Today in our leadership retreat, we learned about the Character strengths that make up our identity. If we had a room full of people with LOVE as their strongest trait - that would be lovely - but we might not put that into action with those with 'perspective' or 'teamwork' or 'creativity'. (Thanks to viacharacter.org for your sharing today!)

When we call anything a barrier (not just language differences) - we feed a fixed mindset that limits the way we view ourselves, each other and the 'challenge ahead of us'. The initial reaction to a challenge puts us through a maze ~including many dead end turns~ as we fight to find a way out.

My challenge to myself, my team and you is this~
Stop calling it a "language barrier" - stop using the word "barrier" altogether.

• Let's use words that denote passable gaps - not fortified walls that divide us! In fact, I like 'gap' a whole lot better.

• Let's use a growth mindset of possibility and passion and compassion -

 Let's rewrite our vernacular - and send me the new term you're using and how it's rippling out in positive ways!