Magdalena Hoeller

Now, global player languages like English, Spanish, Mandarin, they're viewed as superior in comparison to lesser spoken languages, so couples naturally gravitate towards them.

Again,

English versus Austrian-German, I'm not winning so far.

The dominant global status of English will always take preference, and that flows into the dynamic of our relationship because we're not speaking my language as much as I'd like to.

But one factor we cannot forget is the linguistic environment where a couple chooses to live or the country.

Now, in Australia, a native speaker like my husband is in his linguistic comfort zone.

But if you remove that safe environment, the power dynamics can very much change.

As soon as we travel to Austria, suddenly I'm the one ordering food at restaurants, I'm the one translating at family events.

The roles reverse.

So the power dynamics are not just defined by the couple itself, but also by their surroundings.

I've presented you with a range of hidden language challenges now that intercultural partners face on a daily basis, and I think it's pretty apparent.

Dealing with two different languages here is tricky.

You might be asking yourself right now, so what's the solution?

What can we do?

The bad news is that these things never really go away, no matter how long your relationship lasts.

My husband and I, we've been together for nine years now, and we still struggle with most of these things.

The good news is that I can give you two very simple recommendations today.

The first one is awareness.

Be aware that your emotions can be guided by your language, love, anger, and everything in between.

Be aware that your humor is rooted in your cultural background, and it sometimes doesn't translate in another language.