>> That does seem better, but don't all parties have an obligation to attempt >> to communicate clearly? > > The new text is as follows: > > Participants, particularly those with English as a first language, attempt > to accommodate the needs of other participants by communicating clearly. > > Participants try to accommodate each other. I agree with Scott that the stuff between the commas doesn't belong here. That is, it doesn't belong *here*; it can certainly go into a sentence or paragraph with advice for native English speakers. Consider something like this instead: Participants must do their best to accommodate the needs of other participants by communicating clearly. When faced with English that is difficult to understand, we must all make the effort to understand it nonetheless, engaging in conversation to clarify what was meant. Native English speakers, in particular, should be careful with the use of slang and cultural references that might not be well known to everyone. That might not be exactly right; please try to understand me, and tweak as necessary. :-) Barry