Why Do People Fail To Learn Lnguage

I am a firm proponent of intensive language courses to give people a strong start in their language learning, but I have often seen expatriates arrive in a country after their intensive course and drop language study on the grounds that they are now surrounded by the language on a daily basis at work, and so further study is unnecessary. In most cases, this is the end of any real progress towards fluency.People fail to learn the language because they are surrounded by local staff who want to improve their English by using it as much as possible. This is fine, if you are practicing their language in other contexts, but you still want to be able to talk to the rest of your staff who don't speak English or you will find that the English speakers act as gate-keepers and filter the information you receive.

 Therefore you need to make sure that you are studying and practicing regularly so that you continue to make progress. Arranging a language tutor 2-3 times per week is the best way to do this as you are accountable, and unlikely to put it off just because you are tired or busy. It is also a good way to cultivate relationships outside the office.Since most large cities also have an English-speaking community you can probably meet your social needs without ever learning the local language unless you make an effort to do so, and reach out and make friends in the local community.

This can be easier in some cultures than in others, but it is your responsibility to make sure that language is not the main barrier to such relationships, and the best way to do this is to continue with some regular formal language study, or another planned activity that takes you out of the expatriate community.I recommend that expatriates find a language tutor and continue to meet with them two or three times a week for several months even though they may feel too busy to do so.

 Even people who are naturally gifted at languages will benefit from this, and the rest of us really need it if we are not to be content with just getting by in the local language. Although you will often find senior staff who speak English it is quite embarrassing after several months, or years, to have to have a translator with you at all times, and if you are mixing with government officials you don't want to speak like a pre-schooler.Not only does learning the language give you insight into the culture and enrich your life, but it also gives you a much greater understanding of other people's lives and values.