How do you show respect for non-english speaking clients?

Answer 1

First, put yourself in their place. They are in a country that is confusing, new and down right scary. Most people try to learn English, but it is a very difficult language and it takes years. Most non-English speakers are very self-conscious about speaking English wrong, they don't want to offend us or embarrass themselves. Ask if they speak any English at all. They may say "a little". Be polite and say "good" and then make sure you are speaking clearly and slowly so they can follow you. It may surprise you just how much they understand, and you may understand some of what they say in broken English. Be patient and kind, it will get you far and help them in the long run.

Just remember, somewhere in our past, as Americans, some of our relatives came here scared, confused and probably not speaking the language.

Answer 2

The Short Answer: the same way you do your English-speaking clients.

The Long Answer:
(1) Remember: they are human, too. They have just as much
right to be receive kindness and courtesy as anyone else.

(2) Do everything in your power to make them feel comfortable.
SMILE at them (of course, be sincere as you do - they can
smell a phony in ANY language). Let your expression and
body language show that you are not threatened - and that
you won't either.

(3) Remember: as a customer/client, they come to you for
support/help, so be positive in how you deal with them;
being critical is NOT a good strategy. Think positive!

(4) Obviously, if someone else is available that can speak their
language, bring them in - but (important) stay with them a
moment or two longer. Granted you may have other work
to do, but you DON'T want the customer to feel they've
been "handed off" or branded as a problem. If you do have
to leave them, make a point to check later before they leave
the store/office/etc. - make sure their needs or concerns
have been addressed.

(5) As to cultural differences - I'll go out on a limb and state that
in all the years I have worked (sales, tech, office work, field
work) I have NEVER been given a problem - or seen one -
due to cultural issues (and being where I live, there are
many, many different cultures). I HAVE (unfortunately),
however, seen minor differences turn into major
problems due to one thing - plain old BAD MANNERS.
In point of fact, I have had to fire employees under me for
refusal to understand one rule: there is NO excuse for
rudeness - None!

Answer 3

When I first realize that the client and do not speak any of the same languages. I say sorry, and try to speak slow (NOT LOUDER, different language does not mean they are deaf). I also try to use a lot of body language.

Do you know any other languages? When I went to France (1996), I tried to learn a traveler's amount of the language. I would start every conversation in French:
Do you speak english?
If they said no. If they said yes, I would say thank you.
Then in french again, I would ask if they spoke spanish (which I speak fluently).
If they said no again.
I would say sorry (which was my way of saying that I knew that I was going to botch their language beyond recognition, and I apologize ahead of time), and then try my best in french.

So maybe the best thing is to try to get a working knowledge of the most popular language besides english around you. The reality is that we do not all speak the same language, and it is narcissistic to think that everyone should speak english (as I saw some the other answers suggest).

Answer 4

If they are accompanied by an interpreter, remember that you are still talking to them - make eye contact and address them directly (ask "What would you like?" instead of "What would she like?" to the interpreter).

Recognize that not knowing English is not the same as being incompetent to make a responsible decision. Find out the relationship between the interpreter and the client.

If no interpreter is available, speak slowly and distinctly (but not more loudly). There are a number of telephone interpretation services businesses can use to bridge the gap for technical conversations.

Don't laugh about not being able to pronounce the clients' names. They probably don't find it amusing.

Answer 5

Give them a present from the USA. Be humble to them, if they speak broken English, you might try using pictures to explain what you are saying. Also you might try using small words, instead of elongated words like friendship, nationality etc. If they can't speak English at all, they might be able to read it. ESL is big in foreign countries. Most Asian types can read English and understand it, before they can speak it.
Good Luck!

Answer 6

Treat them as you would like to be treated if you were in THEIR country and going to THEM for help.

Just because someone doesn't speak English... by this I assume you mean AMERICAN... doesn't make them a lesser person... hell... Americans don't speak English and you probably help them all the time... in fact, most Americans don't know HOW to speak English... all they can talk is American... so does this make them someone to whom you would not show respect.

Answer 7

When you use a translator, look directly at the client when you ask questions and while they are responding to you. If possible have written materials available in the language/s your non English speakers use.

Answer 8

Clients as customers are always right, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. A person is a person no matter where they are from. if they want a service from you then do your job to your best ability

Answer 9

Say, "Please, learn English". Unless of course you are not in an English speaking country. They don't have respect for YOU if they expect you to understand their language in an English speaking country.

Answer 10

By treating them the same as everyone else.

Have an interpreter so they feel comfortable.
Learn a little about their culture.
Express interest in them personally.
Do not assume or assert any whole cultural "views" on to one person of that culture. They are just that: one person, an individual.