ABSTRACT
Effective communication skills allow people not just to clearly understand one another, but to respect each other's culture and differences and develop meaningful relationships. This chapter discusses the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication in another country, learning key words in a local language, preparation for language learning, prior to departure and while in-country and effective strategies to work with interpreters. Language competence can at first seem like a pretty simple concept of retaining linguistic or grammatical competence but in fact, the term is much more holistic, including aspects of sociolinguistic/sociocultural competence and contextual competence whereby understanding, meaning and practical application play key roles in acquiring language competence. Learning a local language can build social capital and both personal and professional relations, opening up opportunities for meaningful, mutually beneficial and long-lasting connections, friendships and camaraderie.
