Bridging Language Gaps in Under-Seen Corners of Society
In many parts of the world, language can be a silent barrier, affecting communities like migrant caregivers, newcomers, or rural populations. Some countries have made efforts to implement local initiatives, quietly making strides to dismantle these divides.
Spain: Town Halls and Free Catalan Basics
In Catalonia, municipal councils (“ajuntaments”) and the Consorci per la Normalització Lingüística (CPNL) offer free basic Catalan language classes at elementary levels, while more advanced courses remain affordable. These programs help integrate both new arrivals and long-term residents into everyday community life. Llorenç Nou Plana, a client manager at Flynde based in Barcelona, noted: "The basic classes are free for the Elementary levels (you just pay for books) and extremely cheap for the rest of the levels beyond that. I highly recommend those interested to sign up!"
This grassroots approach is a collaboration between local authorities and linguistic bodies to foster belonging and break down everyday communication barriers.
Singapore: Dialect Lessons for Domestic Helpers
More recently, in Singapore, the NTUC Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) launched a new dialect-training initiative starting in July 2025. Under an MoU signed on June 22 at NTUC’s May Day Domestic Employees’ Celebration, the CDE partnered with the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy for Hokkien classes and The Salvation Army for Cantonese lessons, offering 200 slots in total. From July, Cantonese courses include two 90-minute sessions, while Hokkien classes comprise two-hour sessions.
These efforts were a result of a pilot project that saw 25 helpers attend two Cantonese classes, and 11 attend a Hokkien class, which received enthusiastic feedback. Participants reported feeling more confident and connected with elderly care recipients, improving both care quality and social empathy, according to an article on The Straits Times. One domestic helper, Enik Suparmi, shared how Cantonese basics like “sleeping” or “eat porridge” helped her respond better to her employer’s grandmother—a small linguistic bridge yielding meaningful impact.
Learning from These Models
Both examples highlight that language training does more than facilitate communication; it cultivates inclusion, dignity, empathy, and broader social cohesion. What can other cities and countries take away?
Embed language support in municipal services
Town halls and local councils/libraries can offer free or affordable language lessons tailored to newcomers and marginalized communities, as seen in the practices of Catalan municipalities and CPNL.Partner with NGOs and cultural institutions
Collaborations like those between CDE and cultural organizations in Singapore can mobilize both expertise and trust within target communities.Focus on practical, everyday relevance
Language courses should be designed around real-life contexts, such as caring for seniors, navigating local services, or community participation, so learners see immediate value.Pilot and scale based on feedback
Start small, evaluate outcomes as Singapore did with its pilot classes, subsequently expanding in response to demand and effectiveness.Encourage employer and community support
As seen in Singapore, when caregivers’ employers support their learning efforts, it boosts morale, nurtures stronger caregiver-employer relations, and sets a ripple effect of empowerment.
Language is more than communication; it’s a gateway to belonging, mutual understanding, and social equity. Whether through Catalonia’s civic-driven Catalan courses or Singapore’s dialect classes for domestic helpers, these initiatives show that even small-scale programs can generate profound social value. It’s time for more communities globally to take note and empower the vulnerable through the simple but powerful act of offering language opportunities.
About the Authors
Colin Drysdale is the Chief Strategy Officer and Llorenç Nou Plana is a Client Manager with Flynde, a global company providing translation solutions to businesses of all sizes.
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