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Subject:Re: Learn a new language From:Angie -dot- Watson -at- erm -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Fri, 13 Jun 2003 09:34:57 -0400
Anastasia wrote......
So, what are the things that you *can* do to improve communication?
First, bear with the foreigners' struggles to tame your language. Be
patient when it takes them a long time to find the right word or to
compose a sentence.
Second, why not offer some practical advice about your
company/city/country. How do you fill in tax forms? What local museums
could you recommend? What is the best restaurant in town?
Finally, if you want to get to know and befriend those "foreigners", don't
try to impress them. Instead, try to understand them. A question or two
about their homeland, their culture, or their perception of your own
country can start passionate conversations!
-------------------------------------------------
I agree Anastasia, I reside in the US but I am married to a Scotsman and
have many friends from other countries. I do speak Spanish and French (not
as well as I used to). I have attempted thru conversation to pick up terms
and phrases but the most important thing I could do for my international
friends that have relocated to the US was be there to help them thru the
transition. I will never forget talking a group of fellas I worked with to
the grocery for the first time. These fellas came over on work visas from
Byelorussian and they had never seen so many choices, it was very confusing
for them. I think the most important thing is to be sensitive to the
tradition and culture, and make the exposure to this new culture a learning
experience, if this means you pick up a few words in their language then
great.
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