Living Abroad… How Language Barriers Can Protect Your Heart
Introduction
Many people who have lived abroad may notice something in common: not being fluent in the local language isn’t just a challenge, it acts like a “shield” that helps us control our words.
This is my seventh month in France, and my French is still slowly growing from day one. The language barrier remains the hardest part — even something as simple as making small talk about the weather or trying to make new friends can feel like climbing a hill. And yes, it’s challenging.
But over time, I realised something surprising: not being fluent has actually made my life a little kinder. You know what? It gives me more time to think before I speak, and it pushes me to search for better words — even if my vocabulary is still limited.
The pause before the words
Back home, I could fire off a reply in seconds — whether it was a friendly joke or a sharp comeback when I felt annoyed. But here? Every conversation is like a mini puzzle: I need to think of the words, translate them, and arrange them so they make sense. That pause often lets my emotions cool down before my mouth jumps in.
💙 Limited language skills = more time to think before speaking
Less room for angry words
In situations where emotions run high, not being able to fully express yourself right away in another language can actually give your feelings time to calm down. It’s like having a pause button that stops you from immediately saying something hurtful.
💙 Cooling down because you can’t express yourself instantly
Choosing kindness by default
Since I’m not confident in my French yet, I tend to stick with simple, polite phrases — s’il vous plaît, merci, excusez-moi. And I’ve noticed something: politeness opens doors faster than perfect grammar ever could.
💙 Choosing polite words more often
Becoming a better listener
Struggling with a new language forces you to listen differently — not just to the words, but to the tone, gestures, and pauses. I’ve become more patient, more curious, and more willing to understand before responding.
💙 Listening more carefully
Final Thoughts: What I’ve learned
Living in another country taught me that a language barrier isn’t always a wall — sometimes it’s a gentle filter that slows you down just enough to choose your words with care. And in that space between thinking and speaking, kindness has room to grow.
