Masks imposed (and essential) to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus are no less a source of trouble.
Shortness of breath, pimples and fog on the glasses are not the only problems associated with this piece of fabric (or plastic).
Communication is also taking a hit. A teacher to his student, a doctor to his patient or even just two friends in the street … Talking can sometimes be hell.
According to Sandie Keerstock of the University of Missouri and Rajka Smiljanic of the University of Texas (United States), the mask not only muffles sounds, but it also prevents seeing facial expression.
But facial expressions provide as much additional information that is important for understanding speech.
And it is even worse in a noisy environment or for people whose mother tongue is not.
While traders are well aware of this difficulty during the end-of-year influx into stores, doctors also experience it on a daily basis.
And the consequences can then be much more serious.
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No miracle solution to the annoying misunderstanding
So, what to do to avoid misunderstanding? For American researchers who have worked on the subject, it is possible to compensate for the lack of visibility of part of the face.
“When one has to communicate with a person of a foreign language, in particular in the context of a medical prescription, it is important and possible to put in place methods to improve the exchange”, they assure.
For example, “you can provide information in writing, using, depending on the context, tablet, smartphone or just paper and pen,” they recommend.
Another possibility, “to use transparent masks or to make use of gestures to clarify his thought”.
In short, nothing very miraculous. What to hope once again that the mask has not become a long-term reality for all …
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