Another reason Americans can't learn languages

[Torsten]

Hi Harry,

Why do you think Americans and Russians have such pronunciation difficulties?

TOEIC listening, photographs: Checking a fireplace

[Harry Smiith]

[Torsten]

This explains why know that they have difficulties and I'd like to hear your explanation as why they have those difficulties.

TOEIC listening, photographs: Motocross

[Harry Smiith]

[Jamie (K)]

[Stew.t.]

Hi Harry

I do think that if any language was the "International language", as English is, the people speaking it would speak less other languages. Lets consider if say German has become the native language of America, I really do believe German speakers would not have the motivation to learn another language.

This is nothing against Germans per see, but when it comes down to it we are all inherently lazy.

There is some truth in you statement that Americans do not even try to speak another language; it is true of most English native speakers.

However it would be interesting to see how many EFL trainers have learn?t another language as well as ex-pats, and if this is a significant number in relation to native English speakers.

But many nationalities have laziness when it comes to learning languages.

My Mum for example has not really made any effort to learn German despite my life here in Germany. Granted my Father has retained some German from his three years in Heidelberg, however has not really brushed up on it. I remember being at a cafe near "Check point Charlie" and coming back from the toilet, to see a startled Asian waitress looking dumbfounded at my Mum as she asked for something not on the English-German menu. You could say it was the fault of the cafe for not having staff who could spook English but having a menu in English or my Mum for not ordering in German.

Also I remember a German tourist on a campsite in Portugal who demanded in German to know where the nearest phone box(booth) was and if it took a card. Not only did he not speak Portuguese, but when the camp assistant spoke in very good English, he answered quite politely with "huh".

In both cases I found myself interpreting, at no cost. Of course in the former it was no problem for me.

However I do think that as language teachers we often view things very critically when it comes to learning another language.

I could also state an example of a schoolmate of mine who speaks 6 languages (French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese) and is now learning Hindi. She is a lawyer in London, but does not really need them for her job.

So as I said, some truth in your point made. However we can give examples to defend or contradict our opinions. It is worth considering that maybe we in our profession have a somewhat bias view or see thing in a language specific way.
_________________
Please meet Stewart Tunncilff

[Jan]

[Alan]

Hi Jan,

I'd be very interested if you could say more about this comment:

[Jamie (K)]

[Jan]

[Stew.t.]

Hi Jamie (K)

Firstly a typo is a typo.

Secondly if you do not understand humor, and why I picked up on this drinking subject then you have a short memory and I also suggest taking some lessons in being ironic.

While your at it why not try some consultancy in diplomacy and tact. Private messages are all well and fine but your public criticisms are somewhat annoying my friend. No doubt as always it will fall on deaf ears anyway.

Thirdly although I may agree with you on setting an example, you are no lord and master of this forum, so get off your high horse and watch out for the drop.
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Please meet Stewart Tunncilff

[Jamie (K)]

[Torsten]

Hi Jamie and Stew,

I'd like to step in thank you both for your contributions to the current discussion in which we are trying to find answers to the question how Americans and other native speakers of English learn foreign languages. As we have observed, there are a lot of interesting aspects that relate to these questions and we all understand that we sometimes get sidetracked by personal issues. Jamie has made some value remarks about using Firefox because it allows you install a spell checker so whenever you type a text in your browser, you can rid of any typos in immediately.

Another interesting comment made by Jamie was that only a very small percentage of anglophone English teachers know what it feels like learning a second language. And Stew, you related the experiences you and your parents had when communicating in German.

Maybe we can continue with this discussion?

TOEIC listening, photographs: Nordic walking

[Stew.t.]

Hi Jamie K

Well you ears seem to be suffering form that deafness.

The point I take concerning editing.

Your personal jibes are just not appropriate, we can choose to do this in public if you wish.

I have took your criticisms. However you are casting certain remarks that are just not diplomatic.

You do not seem able to see fault in your own communication or mode thereof.

If you wish to keep in insulting me then go ahead, but do not expect me not to respond.

Your attitude is rather condescending, not only to me but also others.

What makes you think you are the sole critique of this forum?

And me being allegedly drunk is just like you being anal, so get over it ; )

Is pedantic criticism your intention or do you want users to see your obvious authority on all you oversee?
_________________
Please meet Stewart Tunncilff

[Lost_Soul]