In order to get rid of communication barriers please feel free to participate in discussion by answering the following question:
What problems could happen on the border related to border guards and travelers communication process?
Discussion - Communication problems
If the border guard and the traveller understand each other, then the problems shouldn't be. The problem could only be because of language barriers. Much more depends on the traveller's mentality and behaviour ..
From my experience traveler's behavior in situations when he cannot meet the requirements to cross border is most common problem, sometimes he disagree with the law and can even become aggressive even if you describe the regulations in language he understands.
I didn't work at the BCP, so I haven't so much experience in this area, but I think, that communication problems may be related to traveler's English language knowledge. Not every traveller knows the English or Russian, so border guard have to use translator on mobile phone or computer. And part of travelers can show agressive behavior
Problems such as the language barrier, aggressive or passive behavior, travelers health problems and other can arise in this communication process. In any case, the border guard must be ready and able to adapt to the situation and follow the instructions.
I think that during border check procedure can happen anything from both side (border guard/traveler). We as a border guard have to show our competency and nevertheless know cultural differences in many countries all around the world. Language understanding is one of them. Habits, traditions are not the same everywhere like in Latvia. That's why there are issued rules and regulations and we are taught in State Border guard College how to react in such situations.
Normally, for educated and intelligent Border guard should't be any problems in communication with travelers, even if travelers behavior is agrressive or he/she is not adequate. Of course situations on border could be different. But Border guard should always stay calm and stand against psyhological pressure from travelers side. Other story is when Border guards ar looking on travelers from "highest"position and with their attitude induce different conflict situations and misunderstanding situations.
In any cases border guard official on duty communicating with travelers have to admire person, speak calm, fully explain the problem, explain the procedures and any other activity. Official have to use any known languages communicating to the traveler. Problems can appear if traveler is drunk, seek or refuse collaborating with border guard official.
The most important problem is lack of understanding of the violation, violation of certain laws. Sometimes people need to explain several times what they violated and why they cannot continue their trip. Sometimes they just don't want to hear it. I agree with my colleague that problems can also arise if a person is intoxicated. In our work it's important to be tactful, understanding and a good psychologist.
Usually travelers who is coming to Latvia, they are thinking that border guards aren't controlling authority, but service staff. They think that they can raise talking voice, they can abase us, but when you fulfill your service obligations in accordance with the law, impose a fine, issue return decision or refuse to entry Schengen States, they already change their attitude.
Problems such as the language barrier, aggressive or passive behavior, travelers health problems.
One of problem could arise by communications barriers is misunderstandings between officials and travelers. Introvert or extravert persons may act on border checks differently especially during interview. As a result, not necessary conflict situations may arise.