November 16, 2009 12:58:17
Posted By P & L Blog

French sign

 

In an Op Ed piece in the New York Times, William Chase shares some tips on how people communicate when they live and work abroad.  A friend had asked him if he should take French lessons prior to a posting in Paris.  Chase's answer?  An emphatic oui.  He points out that any attempt at speaking the language of your host country will create good will with native speakers, even if they speak your language.

Imagine living in another country for three years and never learning the language.  You couldn't listen to local radio stations, go to the movies, buy a magazine, chat with the cheese monger, or understand the waiter in a restaurant.  If not speaking the language means you are living in a bubble, is the move worth it?

 

Photo by Joe Shlabotnik under Creative Commons license.
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