Greetings from Germany and a question

[Lucien_Librarian]

Hello to all fellow forum members!

Please allow me to introduce myself: I'm a man of wealth and taste. Just kidding.. it's a quote from a Stones song
Unfortunately I am not wealthy and taste is usually a matter of debate. But what is for sure is that I am a 40-year-old man from Germany whose interest in the English language has been a life-long affair -well almost. For some reason this language appealed to me since the first time I heard someone utter some words in it -not even sure now who that was exactly.

After learning the usual basics of English in school, I immersed myself in books and TV programs to expand my vocabulary and to get an ear for the way native speakers..well, speak or sound. Words I didn't know yet I looked up in a dictionary and wrote them down. Due to the fact that the only original language programming available to me at the time (this was of course before the dawn of satellite receivers and DVDs with multiple language tracks) was of American origin, namely the American Forces Network intended for soldiers stationed in Germany, my pronunciation to this day sounds like I was from the U.S. -East Coast, I've been told. But over the years, by extending my studies to include contemporary English authors, British movies, theater and so forth, I familiarized myself with the differences between American and British English. Although i wouldn't say my English is perfect I usually score quite high in any kind of test and I have no problems understanding and interpreting any kind of book, movie or text.

Which brings me to the question I referred to in the subject of this posting: I've been wondering for quite some time what I should do with this -may I call it a gift?- that was given to me. To my regret I have not become a teacher or other scholarly person, at least officially, and although my English language skills are quite useful in my line of work in IT I'd rather use them on an everyday basis to help other people or do translations or something like that. But for some reason I can't seem to find the right group or connection willing to take up my offer. Without any kind of certificate or diploma nobody will employ me as a translator or tutor no matter how much I might think I am up to the task. I am willing to prove it, though. I could also imagine to act as some kind of intermediary between native English speakers and others but again I have no idea how and where to apply for such a position.

If anyone on this forum could offer some advice as to what to do with my passion for English I would be very grateful.

Otherwise I hope to have lots of interesting discussions about our favorite subject here and to further improve my English

Best regards
Ralf

p.s.: Sorry, if this posting is rather long for an introduction
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Life, the Universe and Everything = 42

[FangFang]

Hi,
Obivously your English is advanced. Why not attend another test for getting some kind of certificate ? You can do many other things which may make you feel more useful and passionate.

F.F

[Yankee]

Welcome to the forum, Ralf.

Your English is quite good. You mentioned that you'd scored well on tests. What tests have you taken? It seems to me that a Cambridge Certificate might be helpful. http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/cpe.htm

In addition, most of the "VHS" in Germany offer preparation courses for the various Cambridge certificates at a reasonable price.

Amy (who is also in Germany)
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Lucien_Librarian]

Hi FangFang

Great to be talking to someone from China! I eat Chinese food during lunch breaks several times a week and occasionally I enjoy a TsingTao beer to go with it <s>

[Lucien_Librarian]

Good morning to you Amy and thanks for the welcome

[Torsten]

Hi Ralf, many thanks for joining our forum, I'm very pleased to meet you. As Fangfang and Amy said, you have achieved a very good command of the English language you really should share your experiences and ideas with other people. You mentioned that you work in IT -- what exactly do you do? I'm asking this question because it might help find an answer to your question how to use your English language skills for professional purposes.

Talk to you soon,
Torsten
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[stew.t.]

Hi Lucien

Ya could try ya dab hand at writing www.helium.com It is a good platform for expression in English.
Why not consider running some kind of networking group, club, Stammtisch for English learners or business bods. There are many successful orgs. around.
What about a local newletter or magazine?
Ya could see what is on "Das Schwarze Brett" (the black board) at the Uni Leipzig website under jobs. There are always companies or individuals in need of dire help. You could even post an ad yourself.
What about building a website in English for Germans on geocities.com. You do not even need good html knowledge, just drive which you seem to have.
Good luck!
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Please meet Stewart Tunncilff

[Lucien_Librarian]

Hi Stew.

Thanks a lot for this slew of ideas, buddy Will consider some of 'em.

Cheers
Ralf
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Life, the Universe and Everything = 42

[Torsten]

Hi Ralf,

What you can do is this: Write an article on how you learned English. There is a huge demand for this type of information as so many people want to know how to learn English. Start by introducing yourself, then describe the reasons why you wanted to learn English. Tell your readers how the English language has changed your professional as well as your personal situation. How have your English language skills helped you communicate with people from abroad? How often you traveled abroad and how important was it for you speak English? Why do you think so many people learn English nowadays and what is the secret to learning English?
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Lucien_Librarian]

I think I'll follow your suggestion, Torsten (in addition to the other things we've spoken about).

Cheers
Ralf
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Life, the Universe and Everything = 42