language barrier

[lang-gwij bar-ee-er]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of language barrier¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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

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

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

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