I wrote on my post 10 things I hate about Korea that one of the things that irks me the most is being told to learn Korean. Yes, it’s annoying and a lot of other English Teachers here in Korea can testify to this. Some have but it only increases the resentment against foreigners. A big chunk of the resentment here in Korea is because of some of the military people who have tarnished the reputation of Americans coming into Korea. But that’s a topic for another day. If we look at things from the Korean perspective or whatever country you are traveling to, doesn’t it irk them too when we ask the question, “do you speak English?” As foreigners we tend to only notice the things that are different from our culture sometimes; at times even the language without regard to the fact that we are the ones entering their country.
I am not saying asking if someone speaks English is a bad question to ask. It is a necessary question especially for Americans who speak only English. Just be aware that you are the one asking for help. So, modify your English so that you can help the person who is trying their best to help you. Don’t use slang words or idioms to avoid the most common mistake of yelling hoping that by yelling they will understand you. They will not, in fact, you will just look ridiculous. So here are a few tips that might help you communicate better with a non Native English speaker:
- Speak clearly and emphasize your pronunciation
- Make sure they can see your mouth
- Do not shout
- Do not use incorrect English
- Don’t run words together
- Try not to use fillers like “um” “and” “also”
- Repeat yourself
- Use similar words
- Be clear
- Be patient and friendly
Do this even if you have to pronounce they word as they do. Remember, the purpose of communication is to make sure the other person understands you.
I have noticed that even the kids I teach look at my mouth when I speak and they imitate by watching the movement of my mouth. Not only that, they understand more when they are looking at my mouth than when they are not.
Shouting does not equal to understanding. In fact, it has the opposite affect sometimes.
A lot of non Native Speakers are taught proper English. Using slang won’t help you. Sad to say, I have found some that speak better English than some Native Speakers.
Say each word alone and you will dramatically increase their level of comprehension.
This just confuses them more because words like “also” are hard for them to grasp especially if they are beginners.
It helps with clearity and to make sure they understand you.
If you know words that are similar to another word you are using, also say it. I find in a lot of cases they know a word in a multitude of others.
Say “yes” or “no”
This is very important. I hear “good things come to those who wait” and being friendly can only help you because people are more likely to help a friendly person than a grump.
Any other ideas? What’s your experience?
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Hey Tate. I hope it's still going well in Korea.
The interesting thing is that I've experienced this from the opposite angle. A man in Russia was having trouble cranking his car; seeing me walk by, he sought to enlist my help. At first, he assumed I spoke Russian and asked me for help. Understanding none of this, I informed him in simplified tourist Russian that I was an American and did not speak Russian. He thought for a moment before proceeding to tell me slowly and clearly that his car was broken down and that he needed me to push it to get it cranked. By some miracle of human communication I understood and helped him out. If he had not had the patience to get his point across and I had made less of an effort to understand, then he would have surely found a Russian to help in out–indeed, he did find once more guy to push; however, I would have missed out an amazing opportunity to connect with another human being and help him out.
I hope that contributes to the discussion! Over and out.
Hi Frank, all is well here in Korea. You are absolutely right; those experiences are golden and like you say, it gives you a chance to connect with another person from a culture different from yours and perhaps learn from each other a pivotal lesson no matter what that lesson may be. You were there when he needed and helped him. That is exactly what life is all about and being patient helps a lot in those situations. Thank you for contributing your story.
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