language barrier

American  

[lang-gwij bar-ee-er] / ˈlæŋ gwɪdʒ ˌbær i ər /

noun

1. difficulty in communicating due to the lack of a shared language.

   International adoption is not easy, especially when there is a language barrier.

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Etymology

Origin of language barrier

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

It “also emphasized how underreporting is common because of mistrust, cultural stigma and language barriers.”

From Los Angeles Times

Despite Southern California having the world’s largest Thai population outside Thailand, Thai Angelenos face stigma, language barriers and limited resources when accessing mental healthcare.

From Los Angeles Times

He pauses before answering - and it might not be the language barrier this time.

From BBC

Often these workers do not receive sufficient safety training, and language barriers mean they cannot communicate with the captains – further compounding the dangers.

From BBC

Not only was there a language barrier between him and his new club, but the rookie also built walls around his personality.

From Los Angeles Times