Communication Gap with Guests - How to Deal with it?

One of the advantages of Airbnb hosting is meeting people from around the world.  Sometimes it means there can be difficulty in communicating with them some of them were raised speaking in a different language, no English at all.  This can be a very uncomfortable situation for both the host and the guest, but if you are prepared to overcome the language gap, both you and your guest will have an awesome experience.

Language gaps difficulties mostly happen to guests who doesn’t speak any common language at all.  For example are guests who only speak Spanish. Other than being able to determine what a “yes” or “no” is, it will be hard to understand what each other was saying.  Establishing a sufficient communication can be challenging but will be needed to get a great review!

Using a translation app can help as well. Guests can ask you about what sights to see around town and you can easily explain to them where to go, how to get there, including a few nice tips on going around the city to make their visit exciting. Definitely worth a great review!

We have listed here are some communication tips to help you overcome the language gap with you guests.

Translation Apps
Just because you can’t to speak a certain language doesn’t mean you can’t send messages.  There are a lot of helpful and free translating apps that you can put on your phone to give the help you need anytime.  Though it is harder to convey specific messages, most of the guests understand by seeing a specific keyword such as “address”, “luggage”, “check-in”, etc.

Simple messages
When communicating with your guests, make sure to use simple messages with common words.  This will make the translation easier to understand and ensure your guests are getting the most important information they need.  Avoid using jargons, locally used words, or colloquial phrases.  While they may translate into another language, they will not convey the meaning you want. Most of them might misunderstand as some words has different meanings in other language. Use the language you would use when talking to a kid for easier understanding.
 
Welcome Card or Gifts
Leave a simple welcome card or a little gift for your guest on their arrival.  Giving one makes them feel warm and more comfortable being welcomed in the house. To avoid confusing your guest with a language they don’t understand, write their name on the front of the card and you may also include some nice pictures or postcards from your city that they can have as souvenirs.

Most of all, being available whenever your guests need you is the best way to build a great relationship with them throughout their stay despite that language differences.