Tip of the Week – Language – Aug 14/23

Language:  What is your official first language?

With travel being easier over the last two decades, people have moved all over the world and switched locations.

Usually the hardest part of this transition is the language barrier.

Talking to people is a necessity in life and it can be very difficult when you are living in a country that you don’t understand and that doesn’t understand you!

The culture shock is one thing to deal with, but the language can be very difficult – it is something that is very individual.  It depends on many variables:

• Age (it is always harder to learn things as you get older, your memory changes, along with many other things)

• Time spent with others (for example if you are in the home and do not have the interaction with others, it will take a lot longer, especially because in the home, people speak their native tongue – so it is easier for kids who are in school, people who are out working to pick up the language quicker)

• Confidence (if you struggle with this, it may take you longer to speak to others and use the new language)

These are just a few of the main things that can be stumbling blocks, there are many other little things.

I applaud people that put themselves out there to learn new languages.  It is not an easy task.

I was fortunate when I lived in Mexico that I had some time to learn it.  I had a bit different approach – I started reading to kids – I knew the stories (Disney ones), so I had an understanding, the kids corrected my Spanish and gave me pointers.

It took me longer to start speaking the language, but as I listened to others speak, I watched their mouths, listened to their pronunciation and fluctuation on words or phrases and when I was ready to speak I had picked up on how they talked and had a bit of an original vibe to it as opposed to a touristy vibe to their language.

It was beneficial for me to take my time.  I also found it hard as everyone there wanted to practice their English with me, so it made it easier for me in the beginning as I was happy to communicate with people and helped me feel less isolated, however, it was not helpful in learning Spanish quickly.

In the end though, it all worked out and I am very grateful for learning the language and having the experience of living in a different country and all the challenges that creates – it gives me a much greater understanding and compassion for people who move to Canada and the challenges that they face.

When you are working with people from other countries (whether in Canada or remotely), have patience with them, put yourself in their shoes and assist them with things as needed instead of getting frustrated.

It is hard to learn a different language – just the daily language, never mind the business lingo.

Questions to Ponder:

Have you had to learn a new language?

What was your experience?

What were your struggles and challenges?

Do you work with someone from a different country and culture?

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