topics
tools
Expatica countries
editor's choice

Learning with the International Primary Curriculum

Remote training for expatriates

Should our kids go native too?

Pre-school activities in Belgium

How expats are learning the local lingo

Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2705.29 -1.51
DAX 8351.98 -2.10
IBEX 30 8343.6 -1.40
CAC 40 3967.15 -2.07
FTSE 100 6696.79 -2.10
AEX 365.22 -1.85
DJIA 15294.5 -0.08
Nasdaq 3459.42 -0.11
FTSE MIB 17008.42 -3.06
TSX Composite 12658.09 -0.74
ASX 4944 -1.92
Hang seng 22624.21 -0.20
Straits Times 3393.17 -1.77
ISEQ 20 656.62 -0.68
You are here: Home Education Languages How expats are learning the local lingo

Languages

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


27/04/2011How expats are learning the local lingo

How expats are learning the local lingo How easy is it to learn the language of your host country? Do locals lend a helping hand, and are they patient enough? Here are the results of our Expatica language learning poll.

Nearly 150 expats living across Europe responded to our language learning poll. The results show that, despite help (or lack thereof) from locals and integration programmes, most expats begin to learn the local language through a combination of methods

Dear locals: work with me here
Across the board, when it comes to locals helping expats learn their language, patience and interaction can vary. Although over half of expats polled hovered around locals being somewhat easy or somewhat difficult to practice conversing with, only 18 percent agree it's easy to do.

The Netherlands are notorious for being expert English speakers that rarely continue a conversation in Dutch with a foreigner. However, it seems like persistence, or just plain stubbornness about speaking Dutch, is an expat's best weapon against the "switch to English" dilemma.

"There is a tendency for locals to speak English if you don't speak fluent Dutch, but they'll speak Dutch if you insist," wrote one expat.


Another expat living in Belgium explains: "Until you really can string a full sentence together that they understand, most locals with any skill in English will switch. But, if you extend your trials to places that aren't used to foreigners, like my small town outside of Brussels, then they'll stay in Dutch or French for much longer."

Expats in France seem to experience a more patient and encouraging environment with locals, as one expat notes. "My neighbours speak slowly and generally find simpler words that we are more likely to understand while our vocabulary and local dialect is being assimilated."

Another expat in France agrees: "Most locals don't speak English, so I have no choice but to communicate in French. Most everyone is very patient and understanding, but there are always few that get impatient when I don't understand."

In Germany, living outside a major city helps some expats practice even more. "I live in a small town in Germany, so not too many people speak fluent English, especially older ones. It's easy to use the German I have learned, but when I meet younger people they always want to practice their English with me."

Locals in Spain tend to stick to their native tongue when conversing simply because there is no other option. "They don't speak English, but are very friendly. When I speak in broken Spanish they don't switch over to English, because they can't," explains one expat.

Getting creative with learning
Learning a language is not as cut and dried as it used to be: Books on tape have been replaced with language learning software and MP3 tracks, and class courses are equipped with online study material and multimedia guides. From using the television and newspaper to listening to the radio, expats do not hold back on getting creative when learning a language.

The majority of expats polled combine courses, resources, and plain public practicing for an effective method. Almost half agreed that informal communication is a good way to practice what is learned in any kind of course and study resources.

 
"I paid an arm and a leg for a 10-week course that just confused me more, and the rest I've gotten from listening, trying to talk, watching television, reading to up my vocabulary, and learning the music," says one expat.

This DIY method seems to catch on among many expats. "I have taken an intensive course, studied online and spent a great deal on CDs, books and other media. I also speak as much as possible at work," writes one expat.

Another expat learning Dutch recommends Rosetta Stone software, play-dates with local children when bringing my own children, local TV programming, daily conversations with my children's teachers, other parents and shopkeepers.

 And of course there's always the friendship route, as one expat swears by. "Finding a friend who will commit to speak with you in the language you're trying to learn for at least an hour every other day will make all the difference.".

Wanted: Government help
Could it be that these combined methods are a result of governments failing to offer courses free of charge? Seventy five percent of expats who took our poll agreed that their host government has failed to assist them in learning the local language.

Those who have received help did so via free classes available or required for integration purposes when applying for visas or residency. Countries like Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany offer free or subsidised public courses, or on some occasions at least a fifty-fifty split on the cost of language integration courses.

"The German government requires those moving to Germany to learn at least a basic level of German and provides funding for designated public courses," one expat explains. "I found these government-funded classes completely ineffective. I left these courses and found a private school that was effective. However, I had to pay the full tuition myself; no tuition assistance was possible." 

Another expat in the Netherlands comments: "City hall did nothing to help, but the local social services office offers free classes, which it took us five months to find." The Netherlands combine integration courses with language lessons, creating a full-fledged class on learning both the skills and history of Dutch culture.

So ditch the traditional thoughts of intensive language courses if you haven't the time or finances and get creative. Practice on the locals even if they want to practice English with you. And if government classes aren't available, maybe there is a better offer elsewhere. In the end, search around and try different exercises - learning a language is a road built upon motivation and many possibilities.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Calling all expats: Have your say in the largest global Expat Survey

HSBC Expat invites expatriates worldwide to take part in its sixth annual Expat Explorer Survey, which encourages expats to share their experiences of living and working abroad. Take part in the largest global research that compares expatriate life from country to country, or click here for more information and last year's results.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 


Expatica




6 reactions to this article

EV posted: 2011-05-04 18:35:14

I've found talking with kids to be the best for learning Dutch, young enough to not have learned English yet. They are patient and willing to repeat as many times as necessary. Just don't be seen talking to young children too much!

gerhart malunat posted: 2011-05-09 18:16:50

The first two German words I learned In Bayern: GRUSS GOTT and SERVUS.....
Bavaria....a great place.

Chris posted: 2011-07-15 10:48:53

Another DIY method to get lots of listening practice is to use 'crosstalk'.

I'm using it to learn Dutch. I speak English wth a Dutch person who speaks Dutch. We use drawings, gestures etc to make the conversation comprehensible. It's great for improving your listening skills.

http://orangeeasy.blogspot.com/2011/06/crosstalk-update.html

Andrew posted: 2011-12-30 12:28:30

Try: www.comprende.co.uk This is a new website teaching Spanish. It consists of a fully structured course of fifteen lessons. These lessons are online, pre-recorded and interactive simulating a one to one lesson. With proven methodology, motivating and it has had great results.

nightnacht posted: 2012-04-22 23:09:46

To learn French(or Dutch or German) in Wallonia, the Walloon government has been advertising an efficient site: www.wallangues.be

shirley foxcastle posted: 2012-05-07 14:11:48

Many expats ALREADY speak the "lingo" before moving abroad. I came to Brussels to work as a translator. The Belgians are a tolerant, friendly nation. I know that Dutch-speakers have a hard deal, and I sympathize. But they seem happy to practice their English. My French is not fluent (although post-graduate) as I tend to use English most of the time with former colleagues, friends and teachers. The Brits and Americans have set up so many clubs and associations that interacting with Belgians is more of an effort. Unless one has kids, it is hard to make friends with people of a different culture. Marriage to a Belgian seems to be to be the best way to integrate.

Add a comment

General rating:

Rate article:    Add my rating



6 reactions to this article

EV posted: 2011-05-04 18:35:14

I've found talking with kids to be the best for learning Dutch, young enough to not have learned English yet. They are patient and willing to repeat as many times as necessary. Just don't be seen talking to young children too much!

gerhart malunat posted: 2011-05-09 18:16:50

The first two German words I learned In Bayern: GRUSS GOTT and SERVUS.....
Bavaria....a great place.

Chris posted: 2011-07-15 10:48:53

Another DIY method to get lots of listening practice is to use 'crosstalk'.

I'm using it to learn Dutch. I speak English wth a Dutch person who speaks Dutch. We use drawings, gestures etc to make the conversation comprehensible. It's great for improving your listening skills.

http://orangeeasy.blogspot.com/2011/06/crosstalk-update.html

Andrew posted: 2011-12-30 12:28:30

Try: www.comprende.co.uk This is a new website teaching Spanish. It consists of a fully structured course of fifteen lessons. These lessons are online, pre-recorded and interactive simulating a one to one lesson. With proven methodology, motivating and it has had great results.

nightnacht posted: 2012-04-22 23:09:46

To learn French(or Dutch or German) in Wallonia, the Walloon government has been advertising an efficient site: www.wallangues.be

shirley foxcastle posted: 2012-05-07 14:11:48

Many expats ALREADY speak the "lingo" before moving abroad. I came to Brussels to work as a translator. The Belgians are a tolerant, friendly nation. I know that Dutch-speakers have a hard deal, and I sympathize. But they seem happy to practice their English. My French is not fluent (although post-graduate) as I tend to use English most of the time with former colleagues, friends and teachers. The Brits and Americans have set up so many clubs and associations that interacting with Belgians is more of an effort. Unless one has kids, it is hard to make friends with people of a different culture. Marriage to a Belgian seems to be to be the best way to integrate.

Add a comment
Education essentials
Education expert Q&A
ask your question
Education A-Z listings
find the business you need
Discussion Forums

Other nationalities in Belgium

Is there any Scottish people in Bruges?

Sports in Belgium

Personal Trainer in Brussels

Sports in Belgium

High-Quality Fake Passports, Ids,drivers licence Online For Sale

Housing in Belgium

Room in Ixelles

Legal Issues in Belgium

Permanent Residency

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Looking for work in Belgium

Looking for work in Belgium

This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, Belgian management culture.

Practical, easy-to-use, free and... in English

Practical, easy-to-use, free and... in English

Belgium’s first alternative directory assistance services - available through the shortcode 14-14 - can now be accessed on the internet.

Finding a rental home in Belgium

Finding a rental home in Belgium

Moving to Belgium presents a host of challenges to expats, not least of all finding the right home.

Learning to cope with life abroad

Learning to cope with life abroad

The psychological effects of global mobility can be physically painful.