In times of change or transition into something new or unknown, we often are faced with the situation where we don’t speak the language of known. For example – if you are in a new role, you could face the language, tone, speed of things/people around you, new and different. Or in a new city you could face language barrier, or in a new locality where no one knows you. A new campus, school, country, office, city or community, spectrum of unfamiliar experiences is vast. In such a setting do you feel overwhelmed, or do you try to find a way through?

I often navigate in such an environment where I don’t speak the language with the following approach–

Listen with your eyes. As its said, when God takes one sense, a special sense is gifted to us. Similarly, I believe when we are in a new set-up and unable to understand the language spoken or written, we have to use our most important sense ‘Eyes’ to hear things. Yes, eyes to be used for not only seeing things but also understand things in a nonverbal manner. Eyes to listen with our heart! Like in the new city, I don’t find overwhelming to move around, understanding with my eyes is the key. I also focus more on the body language and what is not said. This makes me a better listener, observer, and communicator.  All must have traits for navigating an uncertain, conflicting or challenging situation, both in personal and professional space.

Talk through smile. Like they say, smile says it all. If you can’t speak the language, just smile and many things will be conquered. I learnt from my parents to always keep chin up and smile. A virtue to see and acknowledge everyone around you. It’s a great tool to connect and communicate without saying a word. My morning ritual in Bangalore is running around the park with a smile. Every passer by knows me, not by my name but they know the girl who run at 6am. We kind of have a routine to follow – run, smile, connect and greet each other. When I returned after a month-long summer break, to my surprise so many neighbors stopped me to find ‘where the hell have you been’. Similarly, lack of my smiling chirpy self, calls for many inquiries, ‘Are you okay?’. This is simply feels good. In a new city or organization my smile helped me embrace new relationships. If language was a barrier to my communication, smile helped me connect. So, if you ever get cold feet, in a new or unknown situation, just smile your way forward.

Connect with heart. A great way to integrate into a changing environment is to find heartbeat of that place, observe rituals, and learn what locals do. I walk back from work to home, witnessing the rush of local flower and vegetable market. Fragrance of flowers, crowd buying local vegetables, eating street food, all scream – try me, embrace me and I shall hug you back. People are generally nice and what to do good. Opening oneself and connecting with heart helps you fall in love with the place and people faster. Connecting with heart also signifies that we don’t judge others. We accept them as-is.

In the end, what matters is how much you try from your heart with all senses involved. If you are a keen learner and curious at heart, most people will be patient and try to understand you. Many doors will open for you to enter and make a beginning!