In English-speaking Countries, Should Manuals, Benefits Information, Safety Instructions, etc. Be Provided in the Language(s) of Employees Who Don't Speak Much English?

Information about procedures, benefits and safety is important to a smoothly functioning workplace. Should translations into the native languages of employees who don't speak much English be provided (in majority English-speaking countries)? Alternatively, should this information be provided in group or individual meetings? Should employees just be told to get someone to translate or explain the information to them? What do you think?

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog. It's designed to help enhance communication at workplaces. For now the main focus will be on beginning to solve problems caused by people who work at your company not being able to really use the language of the majority of customers or others at the workplace. We can also explore other communication issues. Just ask.

My academic specialty is language acquisition and I'm a highly experienced ESL/EFL teacher. I've been working with businesses to help with communication problems for around 20 years. You can find out more about my business, Prince Language Associates, by going to our webpage, PrinceLanguage.com.

For now, I'd really like to hear from you about what issues you'd like to discuss or ask about. I hope you'll feel comfortable posting your questions or comments on this blog, but in case you don't you can write to me at either seileenprince@gmail.com or Eileen@princelanguage.com. If you choose this option, I may discuss your issue on this blog (unless you ask me not to in which case I'll write back to you). In the discussion I will not mention your name or your workplace. I know that sometimes people are fearful of mentioning any problems at their place of employment so your identity is safe with me.

I look forward to hearing from you!