later-stage communication
I cannot understand what they are trying to say.
4 min read
When grammar and vocabulary go, meaning moves into tone, gesture, rhythm and expression — and those survive far longer. Listen for the emotional key rather than the content, watch the hands and eyes, and reflect back what you think you heard so they can correct you.
What to try
- 1Listen for the feeling first: urgent, sad, cross, pleased.
- 2Watch what their hands and eyes point at — they often indicate the answer while the words go elsewhere.
- 3Reflect back a guess: "You are worried about the shop." Their reaction tells you whether you are close.
- 4Use objects and photographs instead of words — hold up the cup rather than asking about a drink.
What to avoid
- Saying "I do not understand" repeatedly. Try "I want to get this right — show me?"
- Pretending to understand and moving on. People notice, and it teaches them that speaking is pointless.
- Filling every gap with your own talk.
Tools that help
- Photographs of people and places kept somewhere handy.
- A simple picture card: toilet, drink, pain, cold, outside.
- Music — singing is often preserved when speech is not.
When you truly cannot decode it
Say so warmly and stay: "I am not catching it, but I am here." Sitting together in comfortable failure is better for both of you than an interrogation.
How this guide was made
Written by
Written independently for Riparo. It is not copied or adapted from any organisation’s material.
Evidence checked
Not checked against published guidance. Treat this as a starting point and confirm anything important with a professional.
Reviewed by
Not clinically reviewed. No clinician has checked this guide.