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Subject:Re: Learn a new language From:Anthony Davey <ant -at- ant-davey -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Fri, 13 Jun 2003 08:32:53 +0100
While running the PR for the EMEA section of a US multinational, I found
myself in the Netherlands on regular basis. Now the Dutch, like the
Finns, know that nobody is going to learn their language, so they
virtually all speak very good English (it's compulsory in High School to
age 16). However, I bothered to learn enough to say 'good morning' and
order food and drink, and, because of the technical nature of the
subject, some of the technical words that one wouldn't expect a
foreigner to know in English. I'd like to think it's because I'm great
at relationship building that everybody took to me, but I'm sure knowing
a few words helped. But then, did I bother to learn because I like
being good at relationships? Probably. I'm sure it helped the overall
relationship with the SMEs I was working with.
I already speak fluent French, but didn't get on with Spanish at high
school because of its similarity (I got the two confused too often),
however, since my last (social) visit to NYC I see that I am going to
have to improve this language as well, just to get around the city!
Regards,
Ant
John Posada wrote:
My question...has anyone ever made the effort to learn even a rudimentary
level of language used by your peers and if so, what was the effect on them toward you?
Just wondering if it helped improve the overall communication situation?
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