Learning the Local Language

[Niko]

Konnichiwa, O-Genki Desu Ka?

So what do you think? Is it worthwhile learning the local language when teaching abroad?

I would have to say learn the basics and that's it. Once you start to seriously learn a language, it will become a lifelong chore. I now regret having learnt Japanese some 10 years ago. I wish I had only learnt basic phrases and that's it.

So why, you may be asking? Well, everyday that passes by and I don't try and learn Japanese, I feel guilty! If I don't try and improve my Japanese, then I feel it's a waste of what I've learnt til now. Not using a language you will soon forget it.

Nowadays, I have so many more other things I want to do in life.learn Japanese

• Mountain climbing
• Traveling
• Trying to start a side business
• Relaxing in front of the TV ...

With the constant chore of having to learn Japanese, I now feel guilty if I don't pickup a Japanese text book once a day. I now wish I never became such a strong speaker in Japanese.

I have come to realise that the Japanese jump at the chance to speak English. So, give them the opportunity and let them be the ones to waste their time learning another language. For me, there just aint enought time in the day anymore.

My suggestion to all English teachers who want to teach in Japan, China, Korea or wherever - don't spend too much time learning the foreign language. Instead spend your time skilling for your eventual return back home.

Paul G.
(Teacher in Tokyo, Japan)

[shine700]

I think it's 100% worth learning the language. Doing so, you can develop twice the resources, twice the friendships, and twice the possibilities in life than with just English.

I spent some time my first few months studying Spanish from the text book (when i was living in Mexico), but after that, i just got involved. I joined drum line, the choir and ensemble at school, i took a tae kwon do class and made a lot of new friends. I only spoke English when it was necissary (when teaching, or in an emergancy). I was still able to do everything i wanted to do. Meanwhile, I was able to build friendships and experience the country/culture differently than i would have otherwise.

I can see where you are coming from when you say that you have other things that you'd rather be doing. I think that being half way between languages can do that to us. However, i believe strongly in complete immersion or just jumping in with both feet.

[Tutor]

I do believe that there are pros and cons. However learning the local language does help a lot. In a foreign country many times you need assistance to get social and it helps if you can communicate with the locals in their language.

Also as a teacher you can always motivate your students by speaking with them in local language and beleive me it works as well.

In a foreign land you might take time to go and roam and do other outdoor activities so why not utilize the time for self development.