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Foreign Language Learning Standards

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If you understand a language then you will understand to a large extent the culture that goes with it, and if you understand the culture you will pick up on subtleties that you might otherwise miss. In any negotiation or business relationship the more you understand about the needs and wants of the other party the more likely you are to be able to reach an advantageous outcome (for both sides). This is well recognized, but less widely taken into account is the favourable impression that speaking another language gives about you, and this is what I want to consider.

In the international business world of today the English speaker is at a disadvantage in this regard because the international language of business is English. If you are not a native English speaker the obvious language to learn is English, whereas if you are and you want to learn a new language where do you start? Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Russian or French are just a few in no particular order which come to mind.

Naturally if you are going to learn a language for business purposes, the language you choose will depend primarily on where you do business. However, in this era of the internet, cheap flights and cheap telephone calls, it is common to establish business relationships world-wide.

It is not realistic to start learning multiple languages well, and so the interesting question is what strategies can be employed to maximise the possibility of foreign language use, with the aim of increased business success in a global market?

The answer is to learn enough of a language to be polite. The potential impact of this is rarely considered, but what impression do you have of a visitor to your country who does not speak a single word of English ? My guess is not a great one. The thought process is often ‘that's a bit rude' or ‘it's not that difficult to learn hello and goodbye'.

Exactly the same thought takes place in a business relationship because initial impressions count. Nevertheless how many English speakers who are building relationships with non English speaking countries take the time to learn hello or goodbye in the language. Even fewer bother to learn a few pleasantries and use them on the phone or face to face. The person who does that will stick out from the crowd and become human. It helps build and improve a relationship.

There is no need to become fluent in all the different languages that your customers speak. It is not possible and anyway English is recognized as the international language of business, but it is useful to remember that learning enough of a language to exchange pleasantries breaks through barriers and opens doors which might otherwise remain closed. Clever use of some words and phrases in languages other than English is going to improve your personal relationships with foreign clients.

Foreign Language Learning Standards

1. CARRY A DICTIONARY: I know that sounds hard to do. I'm not talking about carrying Webster's collegiate dictionary that would require its own backpack. You can find miniature dictionaries that can easily fit in your pocket or purse. Although it will never be convenient this is how I learned to speak French fluently. While I was in France anytime anyone said anything I didn't understand I could instantly look it up, and then use it in my vocabulary. Also, anytime there was a French word I wanted to say I could instantly look it up. This is so important because there are so many times when you are out and you want to know how to say something but are unable to. Then by the time you get home and can look it up you have either forgotten the word or forgotten altogether and you have missed out on a great opportunity to you improve your language skills.

* One alternative that is also effective is to carry a pocket notebook where you can keep a running list of words you've learned or want to learn.

2. WATCH MOVIES: The great thing about English movies is that everyone wants them so that means they all get dubbed into a couple of languages. This may only work for French, German, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, or Japanese but is still a great tool. Turn on the dubbing for the language your want to learn and enjoy your movie. Don't turn on the subtitles even if you don't understand because you will start to focus only on the subtitles and not gain anything from the experience. Subtitles can be a good tool for learners who are already advanced and want to learn the exact idiomatic meanings of sayings. This is also a great tool to increase your listening comprehension. Start a small segment of the movie. Listen carefully and then replay it over and over until you understand every word. Secondly, mimic the voices exactly in each segment. This will allow you to learn proper pronunciation and accent.

3. READ THE NEWSPAPER: There are several ways to get Newspapers, Magazines, and Comics in foreign languages. I mention these forms of print media because they are the most conversational. They will teach you to speak and write like a native does in their natural state, not when they are trying to speak in dramatic or intellectual terms. You can find these materials at libraries, online, or for languages like Spanish and Chinese often times at your local newsstand. Most of them are free. I prefer the online sources because they are always free and easy to get. You can find links to Newspapers in foreign languages here: http://www.letutor.com/resources . Comic books are great because they are the most conversational print material. You can see the people in action and connect with what they are talking about.

4. WRITE LETTERS: Even if the letter is pretend write a letter about your day. This will force you to learn new words and to think in the language. Although you WILL make mistakes, don't worry, it is all apart of the process. I look back at some of the things that I wrote when I was starting and wonder what I was thinking. Even though the writings are reminiscent of the ramblings of a crazy man it helped me to refine my abilities. I can see the progress in my writings month by month they improve significantly. Don't forget to pay attention to your Conjugations.

5. THINK THE LANGUAGE: Think as much as possible in the language. When you are thinking at anytime during the day do it as much as possible in the foreign language you are learning. Fill in the blanks with your native language but just keep thinking in the language. This is HUGELY important. One of the biggest problems when learning to speak a foreign language is HABIT. If you are not used to thinking in the language how will you speak. This will prepare you to be comfortable and confident when confronted with the opportunity to speak the language. If you make this a habit it eventually becomes natural and extemporaneous.

Stay tuned for more articles on improving your language skills in the near future. If you have questions or requests feel free to contact the author.

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Both Frank Middleton & Aaron Kuroiwa are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Frank Middleton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Language Learning. . Frank Middleton's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.

Aaron Kuroiwa has sinced written about articles on various topics from Foreign Language, Language Learning and Foreign Language. . Aaron Kuroiwa's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.

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