Language Barriers

Hello, my name is Katie Lyle and I am a Senior Music Therapy student at Georgia College. Currently, I am studying abroad in Heidelberg, Germany. It has been a great experience so far and I know there is more to come. In just under a week I have learned so much. We have traveled so many places and biked everywhere. It has been fun seeing new places and learning about a new culture. One thing that has greatly stood out to me personally is the language barrier.

It has been strange to be in a place that I do not speak the language. I can't understand what people are saying. I can't even read the menu to order food without help. I do not understand what the signs are saying. It has been a new experience that has put many things into perspective. It has been frustrating at times but also a learning experience. I have found that I can figure out to read some words. I have picked up on a couple of phrases. I am already learning in such a short time.

It makes me think of what I do in music therapy. Sometimes there are people music therapists work with that are nonverbal or low functioning. They cannot read or they have trouble talking. But talking and reading are not the only ways to communicate. Communication can be many things. It can be a smile to the person helping you at the store. It can be nodding when you do not otherwise know how to say yes or no. I have found that pointing to what I need can be helpful. These are things that people I could work with may have to do as well.

People in Germany are patient and helpful when you do not know their language. I have gotten help from many people and made a few friends where communication was difficult. Just because it is difficult to communicate does not mean it is impossible.  I should be this way as well. Patience can go a long way and with it you can eventually understand what someone is trying to tell you. I cannot wait to see what else I learn on this trip and how much of the language I can pick up.