HearsayGuide
How to handle a language barrier with your in-laws
A language barrier with your in-laws doesn't have to mean polite silence at every dinner. Learn a few of their words, do things together that don't need much talking, and give your partner a break from translating everything. When you want a real conversation, use a translator you can share at the table.
Learn their greetings and family words
Hello, thank you, and the words for mom, dad, grandma and grandpa in their language.
How to do it: Ask your partner to teach you a few words each week, and use them.
Give your partner a break
Translating every sentence at a family dinner is tiring.
How to do it: Agree on when your partner translates and when you'll try on your own.
Do things that need few words
Cooking, walks, card games, gardening or watching sports together.
How to do it: Offer to help in the kitchen and learn a family recipe.
Share photos and stories
Photos of your family, your hometown or your wedding start conversations without many words.
How to do it: Bring a few printed photos or an album on your phone.
Ask simple questions about them
Most people like being asked about their life, their childhood and their town.
How to do it: Prepare two or three questions in their language before the visit.
Translate together at the table
A shared screen lets everyone talk directly, without waiting for your partner.
How to do it: Hearsay splits the phone screen in two: their half faces them, and each of you speaks your own language. For long family dinners, Hearsay Pro removes the 5-minute daily cap. Set up your family table
Keep in touch between visits
Short messages and photos keep the connection going.
How to do it: Write in simple sentences so a translation tool can handle them.
Be patient with yourself
Every misunderstanding is also a chance to laugh together.
How to do it: Keep a note of the words you learn and use one new word each visit.
Talk across languages, both ways. Answer six quick questions and get a table plan for your language and the moments you need it for.
Get my table planAvailability: Hearsay is an iPhone app on pre-order. Plans start on launch day, with a full refund any time before launch.
Questions
How do I talk to my in-laws if we don't speak the same language?
Learn a few of their words, share activities that don't need much talking, prepare simple questions, and use a translator you can share at the table for longer conversations.
Should my partner translate everything?
No. It's tiring for them and keeps you out of the conversation. Agree on when they'll help, and try short exchanges on your own.
How can I learn my in-laws' language faster?
Focus on family words and phrases you'll use at visits, practice them with your partner, and use them every time you see your in-laws.
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Updated October 12, 2026