English · Travel & Places
language barrier
/ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ ˌbær.i.ər/
[/ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ ˌbær.i.ər/]
problem of different languages
Advancednoun
Definition
The difficulty of communicating when people do not share a common language.
Example
Despite the language barrier, the friendly locals used gestures to help the lost tourists.
Despite the language barrier, the friendly locals used gestures to help the lost tourists.
Etymology
A compound of 'language' (Latin 'lingua') and 'barrier' (Old French 'barriere').
How & Where It’s Used
Used in travel and intercultural contexts.