One of the main problems that international couples face is the language barrier. If each partner speaks their native language, which language should be used in the family so that both feel comfortable and understand each other?

In this blog, we will look at several options that can help in choosing a language in an international family.

Choose a common language.
If both partners have a good knowledge of some common language, then this may be the best option. It could be a language they learned at school or at work, or a language they both would like to learn. It can be the language they met in, or the language of the country where they live. A common language can help create a common language in the family and improve communication between partners.

Try to speak two languages.
Another option is to use both languages in the family. Partners can speak their own language and then translate their words into the language of another partner. It may be unusual and will take time to get used to such communication, but it can help partners feel more comfortable.

Create a language environment.
Another option is to create a language environment in the house. Partners can agree that they will speak one language at certain hours of the day or day of the week, and the other at other times. For example, they may agree that they will speak the native language of one of the partners at breakfast and lunch, and will use the language of the other partner for communication in the evening.