I first moved to a non-English speaking country almost 30 years ago. I did not know how much I would change my own way of communicating. My own English. And it has really changed. The Difficulties Of A Non-Native English SpeakerI think most people who learn English as a second language go through more adjustments in learning English as a foreign language than English speakers learning a second language. Foreigners often tell me English is an easy language to learn. It should be. There is just so much of it around. On the radio, the internet and very often in the workplace. Foreigners think English is easy. But there is a variety of English communication. There is a big step in thinking you know a language and in being a good communicator. Good cross-cultural communication takes some adjustments. Both parties need to make an effort in finding a common understanding. The Native English Speaker’s JobWhen a native English speaker is in a foreigner’s home country, often the native English speaker does most of the adjusting. If the native English speaker has traveled before, this usually happens naturally. He instinctively knows how to make it easy for his foreign listener. Non-native English speakers do not always realize how much the English speaker will adapt his conversation to make it easy for him. English speakers adjust their communication in several ways to make it easier for non-native English speakers: Slang Strong accents Different dialects or country specific vocabulary Awkward grammar Difficult vocabulary Different communication stylesThe Adjustment ProcessI can easily forget the years of adjusting my conversation I went through. This is what I remember I did: Pay attention constantly to make sure everyone understands the same thing. Backtrack the conversation as soon as a little doubt came up or if I was surprised by any reaction or remark Explained I was tired, when I was and finding the effort too much. I remember feeling as if I was doing all the effort in making the conversations work. I remember being surprised at many misunderstandings. I was also surprised at how and why they happened. Everyone has their own perceptions of their cross-cultural communication. There is no right or wrong. There are only effective and enriching cross-cultural exchanges. Native-English speakers communicating with non-native English speakers are in a situation with many different and uncontrollable perceptions. Some perceptions are based on the person or culture, and others on workplace specific conditions. It is important for native-English speakers to remember to adjust their own English communication during their first cross-cultural encounters. Practice Makes Productive Cross-Cultural CommunicationIt takes practice to smooth over the hurdles caused by these communication differences. The more conversations you have with non-native English speakers the more you pick up receptive, productive and interactive cross-cultural communication skills. Seasoned English speaking international professionals end up constantly using a reduced vocabulary. They have to adapt to so many different language levels. This makes it very easy for their non-native English-speaking partners to understand them. The non-native speakers feel flattered. This reinforces their opinion that English is a very easy language to learn. I have lived in a non-English speaking country longer than I have in my native English speaking home. Adjusting my own communication is permanently on automatic. My own day-to-day English is very simple and direct. I rely on creating pictures with words to get specific points across. Sometimes I get frustrated at limiting my own vocabulary. That’s when I hunt down stimulating conversation, or reading. And even writing. Language is important. How you use your language to communicate with others is also important. Adjusting your English communication to meet the language levels of others is part of an effective communication process. Are you committed to speeding up your international sales cycles?Learn how to combine cross-cultural marketing tools and international sales strategies for faster sales. Join us on the International Sales Road MapWould you like to develop your international business? Are you a beginner at international sales and marketing? Read the Beginners Guide Discover Your International Business
Posts Tagged ‘Learning A Second Language’
Give The Gift of Languages This Holiday Season
December 25th, 2009We live in an increasingly global society – our neighbor is from Puerto Rico, our co-worker from South Africa and our child’s teacher from Sweden! We realize as adults how hard it is to learn a new language at this point in our life, but it’s not too late for our children!
Time & Newsweek ran feature articles on the window of opportunity for second language learning – reported to be between birth and ten years old. It’s true! Why? A growing number of brain studies indicate that young children learn languages easily and retain them longer if they are exposed to new languages early in life. Experts agree that while a baby is learning one word for an item, it is just as easy for his young brain to learn a second word for the same item.
Recent studies out of York University show that children who received instruction in two languages scored twice as high on language tests than their monolingual peers. These bilingual children also read sooner and demonstrated advanced problem solving capabilities. (Dr. Ellen Bialystok, 2001)
Latest research suggests that children learning through a bilingual format will outperform their mono-lingual peers in grade school as they experience advanced cognitive development. And the added benefit of learning a second language before middle school? These children will speak the new languages with native or near-native pronunciation.
You see how quickly your child learns new things between the ages of birth and five – why shouldn’t a new language be next on the list of important things to bring into her life? Give this gift early enough, and your child will read sooner, score higher on standardized tests and have better opportunities in life. With many linguists, educators and experts agreeing that sooner is better, begin the bilingual fun now!
By six months old a baby has the ability to learn all the languages of our world – all at the same time. Up until the age of five a child still has the ability to learn five languages simultaneously. By middle school we all know learning a new language is no longer as easy as it used to be in elementary school. Children whose brains have been wired to learn languages early in life will experience advanced success in learning any language of their choice later in life.
Find a fun way to bring the language learning into your family’s daily routine. Look for programs and products that use a bilingual format for children ages birth – five. Reason being that as the young child is still acquiring skills in their native language, the new language should be presented in a seamless bilingual format with both languages presented side-by-side. This allows for better retention and higher self esteem.
Make the second language journey easy and fun for you and your child. Sing, dance and play together as you enjoy learning each new word on the path to becoming bilingual for successful travel through our very global society.
The Importance of Learning a Second Language
December 22nd, 2009Learning a second language can be difficult: it takes much time, patience and practicing. Knowing a second language can create a better understanding of different cultures, open job opportunities; help with academic success, make traveling easier, and help people communicate throughout the world. A foreign language can take the learner out of the comfort zone and allow them to experience different cultures; also it has been reported that learning a second language gives the brain more stimulation (BBC News, 2004). In the United States only 30 states have said that English is the official language (Wikipedia, 2007). In Miami, Florida residents who do not speak Spanish have difficulty interacting with the large population of Latin Americans; making conducting business harder for business owners. The Associated Press reported in 2008 that 58. 5% of the population speaks Spanish as their primary language in Miami, Florida. If any one wanted to take a vacation to Miami it would be wise to have knowledge of the Spanish language. Learning any second language can help people travel better. Allowing the traveler to interact with the locals and enjoy their time, instead of becoming frustrated because they have no way to ask questions, ask for directions, and especially dining. Not only is learning a second language better for traveling, but also for the mind. BBC News (2004) reported that the University of London conducted a study in which 105 students, 80 of which was bilingual; the study reflects that the bilingual students had more of a “brain boost”. There was more evidence of advanced learning and stimulation of the brain. These scientists believe that language learning helps improve the brain power and creates advancements in learning. One study said that learning a second language can help delay dementia (Hyltenstam & Viberg, 1993). . By learning a second language it is possible to keep the brain functioning better longer. A Second language can also provide the learner or speaker with many different job opportunities. All around the world there are jobs that need foreign language speakers. Interpreters for the Armed Forces and other government agencies are good professions that require speaking a second language. These jobs come with benefits, good pay, and the chance to travel around the world. A foreign language speaker has broader choices when it comes to career paths. Even if the speaker is looking for a job in Human Services, they will be very helpful in communities or countries where English is not the primary language. Speaking a foreign language will help expand peoples’ outlook on the world, and help disprove cultural misconceptions. . Music in a second language is a form of art, knowing the language helps better appreciate the music. The academic study of foreign language is also considered an art. Learning a foreign language will allow students to participate in new studies, do good research, and will not limit the learner by only English language research. Foreign Language Studies start early now, in most high schools around the United States it is required that students participate in a Foreign Language class (this does not mean four years of foreign language). If all colleges and universities made a language study required it would not only benefit the student but also the university. Having diversity in studies makes the university more interesting and shows the university, promotes cultural awareness. One poll conducted by Scripps Howard News Service and the Ohio University said that 14% of the adult American population has taken four years of foreign language courses, and only 17% of people with a college degree did not take any foreign language studies. This poll shows a larger population of college graduates has taken a foreign language course (Hargrove, T. , & G. H. Stempel III, 2007). Learning a foreign language may be difficult but with time and practice a student can become very efficient. Mastering the skill is the hardest part, using it is easy. Not too many Americans speak a foreign language fluently because they just do not have the time to learn. They fail to realize that they can truly benefit from speaking a second language. First it stimulates the brain; then can open up job opportunities, and help in academic success. Most importantly the learner becomes aware of the different cultures around us everyday. Our country is a melting pot; it is very important to be aware of the cultural differences around us. References Hargrove, T. , & H. Stempel III, G. (2007, Summer). Americans wistful of foreign language in highschools. Scripps Howard News Services. Abstract retrieved October 21, 2008, from http://newspolls. org/story. php?story_id=65 Hyltenstam, K. , & Viberg, A. (1993). Introduction. In K. Hyltenstam & A. Viberg, Progression and Regression in Languages (pp. 1-3). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from http://books. google. com/books?id=D5vMWphwQr8C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_summary_r&cad=0 In Miami, Spanish becoming Primary Language. (2008, May 29). The Associated Press. Abstract retrieved October 23, 2008, from http://www. msnbc. msn. com/id/24871558/ Languages of the United States. (2007). wikipedia. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Languages_of_the_United_States Learning languages “boosts brain”. (2004). BBC News. Retrieved October 24, 2008, from http://news. bbc. co. uk/2/hi/health/3739690. stm
