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In such cases, there are, of
course, appeals to good manners and ethics. It is a proof of good education.
You show respect to the host population by speaking correctly.
Now, I am afraid, most people
today are quite unimpressed by such “arguments”. If they manage to get their
current paycheck, everything seems fine. Why should I speak better, if I
already have a job?
Here are some things you should
consider.
·
In times of growing resentment against
immigrants, speaking even better than the majority of the host population sets
you apart as a positive example in the community.
·
Excellent language skills are a selection
criterion for being promoted into higher positions. Why should you want to maintain
an additional impediment for career growth, and for supporting your family?
·
Many of the native speaker you hear with bad
language habits have the same glass ceiling in their career as you due to their
defective language. But for them it does not matter much. They may not have a
family to sustain, as more and more people in the West live in single-households.
·
People make inferences about your professional
capacities based on your speech. Imagine choosing a surgeon that commits basic
grammar mistakes. Most probably, you will feel uneasy about him. You will most
likely infer that he is negligent in the operating room, too.
·
Your impression about native speakers speaking
badly is wrong. Most native speakers adopt a very sloppy speech in familiar
situations and out of work. However, when in a professional situation they are
able to switch to quite formal and correct speech within milliseconds. The way
you experience most native speakers is not how they are at work. You, as a
foreigner, however, are less likely to be able to switch between correct and
informal/sloppy speech as they are.
The GO Method
“I have been living in
Germany for years. I have gone through all the levels and sustained the
necessary exams. Nonetheless, I still make too many mistakes as to get a
serious employment in my profession.”
It is easy to start a foreign language. It takes only
practice and living abroad to get fluent. To learn the last (!) 5% and to speak
without mistakes, however, you will need completely different approach.
The GO Method helps you get rid of your chronic grammar and
pronunciation mistakes by applying psychology and principles of quality
management.
We offer corrective courses for some languages, as well a
general system for improving your use of any language. We support companies in
improving the language proficiency of key employees.
Gerhard J. Ohrband
Has helped more than 1200 students advance their studies and
professional career by obtaining excellent German and Spanish skills.
Psychologist and language teacher, from Hamburg /Germany
(*1979). Married, one son. MA in psychology from the University of Hamburg.
More than 15 years of experience as a university lecturer in psychology as well
as a consultant for UNICEF, Terre des Hommes, IOM, the EU and private
companies. Speaks 21 languages.
Contact
If you want to save time in learning a foreign language
without a teacher, please check out my book “The GO Method” on Amazon.
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