8 tips to building a stronger relationship when English is not their first or fluent language

Building a strong relationship when one partner isn’t fluent in English (or your primary language) requires patience, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Miscommunication can lead to frustration, but with effort and understanding, language barriers can actually deepen your bond. Here are eight tips to strengthen your relationship when language differences are at play:

1. Practice Patience & Active Listening

Understanding takes time, and miscommunication will happen. Instead of getting frustrated, be patient. Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone—nonverbal cues often say more than words.

2. Use Simple & Clear Language

Avoid slang, idioms, or complex phrases that may be confusing. Speak in short, clear sentences, and if your partner doesn’t understand something, try rephrasing it instead of just repeating it louder.

3. Learn Their Language (Even a Little!)

Even if you don’t become fluent, learning basic words and phrases in your partner’s language shows effort and respect. It also helps with understanding their perspective and deepens your emotional connection.

4. Use Alternative Communication Methods

If words fail, don’t be afraid to use text messages, voice recordings, translation apps, or even hand gestures to get your point across. Pictures, emojis, or even drawing things out can be surprisingly effective.

5. Encourage, Don’t Correct Harshly

If your partner makes a mistake, avoid laughing or constantly correcting them in a way that feels discouraging. Instead, encourage them and correct gently when necessary. Confidence is key to improving language skills.

6. Find Shared Activities That Don’t Rely on Language

Connect through activities that don’t require much talking, such as cooking together, dancing, watching movies, playing games, or going for walks. Shared experiences help build intimacy beyond words.

7. Be Aware of Cultural Differences

Language and culture are deeply intertwined. Your partner may have different ways of expressing emotions, showing love, or handling conflict. Be open-minded and willing to adapt, rather than assuming your way is "right."

8. Laugh It Off & Embrace the Process

Misunderstandings will happen, but instead of letting them create distance, find humor in the situation. Laughter strengthens relationships and reminds both of you that love isn’t about perfect communication—it’s about connection.

Love is about understanding, not just words. A language barrier can be frustrating, but it can also make your relationship stronger, more intentional, and deeply rewarding if you both commit to learning and growing together.

Have you ever been in a relationship with a language barrier? What challenges did you face?

From Jack