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How can you explain or respond to a customer that do not speak or understand English?

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Question added by Mohammed Kabir , Information Technology Assistant Lecturer , Government agency
Date Posted: 2015/06/24
Mohamed Salat Mohamed Salat
by Mohamed Salat Mohamed Salat , Accountant/finance and data keeping , Moumin Group of Companies

The most important is understanding, if the number of customers are more look for their dialect speaking employer. if one use deaf language

Tessa Griffin
by Tessa Griffin , Sales Assistant and Assistant Manager , Molton Brown

I recently experienced this issue in my last job role as a sales associate. I approached the situation by smiling reassuringly to the customer and establishing her native language (French) Thankfully I know enough french to be able to greet the lady and apologise for not being able to speak French. I asked a colleague to ask around other staff members to see if anyone spoke french, but there was no-one. During this time I stayed with the customer reassuring her that we would resolve the situation when I realised that she was holding a smart phone, I politely gestured that I take the phone from her, I went to Google translate and the customer and I were able to communicate through this and solve the problem at hand.

through picture or diogram of the particular items

 

Farzana Ahmed
by Farzana Ahmed , Officer , BRAC (current)

Never say, "I don't understand", or "I can't speak English".

early on in your conversation with other English speakers, make your true ability clear. Say something like:

 

English isn't my first language, so please speak simply.

Fareeda Iqbal
by Fareeda Iqbal , ENGLISH TEACHER/V.PRINCIPAL , ISLAMIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ABU DHABI

Hi, Even if the customer doesnt speak english, u can get hold of some words that he is asking or enquiring about nd wd hv a vague idea what he/she wants. After exchange of formal greetings make him/her feel comfortable. You can make him/her understand by simple gestures nd simple repeated words.

sir deal in actions with him a business man can understand the signals and and your actions

Madam or sir ,i will explain to him/her by action to used my hands.so that we communicate good to each other and i entertain my costumer

In such situations whereby a customer doesn't understand English language, first i will use body gesture, second i will on someone who understand his/her language and if he/she don't understand the above method then i will use google translator.

Have a smiling approach and wish him guessing his attire. Check his personal documents if any or ask his ID by showing your ID.. This will give you information about his/her nationality, religion and language. Then check out if any body among staff is knowing his language. If yes, take his/her help if not then refer to seniors who have experience of handling such cases and stay with them to observe and learn. the handling.

Mohammed Kabir
by Mohammed Kabir , Information Technology Assistant Lecturer , Government agency

Thank you and God bless you.

Bheshraj Guragain
by Bheshraj Guragain , Sales Cum Marketing Coordinator , Auto Cell Private Limited

to respond to such situations hire a legal translater if the situation is frequent. if it is occasional case, persuade him to bring him friend who understands other similar language.

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