Job Discussion Forums

[jpvanderwerf2001]

[quote="danielita"]

Think of it this way. People immigrate to the US and they are expected to learn English. Why shouldn't the same be expected of us when we are living abroad?[/quote]

I think we can agree that going to another country to teach English is a tad bit different than emigrating to work in a non-language-related field, no?
By the way, I know many Americans who speak sketchy English at best.

[johnslat]

Dear jpvanderwerf2001,

"By the way, I know many Americans who speak sketchy English at best."

How about that? I know many natives of the UK who speak sketchy American, at best.


"Two nations divided by a common language."

Regards,
John

[spiral78]

C'mon, there are plenty of native English speakers originating on both sides of the pond who would be unqualified to teach the language!!

[blackmagicABC]

[spiral78]

?

[blackmagicABC]

Just a joke.
Had a frustrating day at work dealing with Taiwanese parents who seem to think that 100 hours at another school is the equivalent to 100 hours at my school. I am a slave driver and proud of it.
How is it possible that a student can read (great pronunciation) a reading book for students who have studied a year but cannot answer simple questions like "how old are you?", "what do you like to eat?" etc.
I know how, it is a rhetorical question.

[spiral78]

They don't understand what you're saying or don't have the language to formulate the answers?
Do they understand the words they are reading or is it a parrot -syndrome sort of thing?

I understand the frustration! (still not the joke, but that's ok)

[blackmagicABC]

Phonics pronunciation zero understanding.
The joke was aimed at school owners here who would employ any foreigner with a white skin. I have a Chinese teacher at myschool who work at a Kindy with a Turkish and Polish person and she gets paid less. trust me she is way better than them. Teaching ability doesn't seem to matter.
I have to say it is changing a little. The parents are told they are Scottish.
On that point I have a British friend and I sometimes have no idea what he is saying.

[spiral78]

I'm a little slow Thanks for the explanation.
Sorry you had to work with the parrents of parrots today!!

[canoes19]

I voted yes.

"Is local language knowledge a necessary pre-requisite..." I think that knowing even one word of the local language before travel is necessary, thus my answer is yes.

Personally, from my experience of travelling, I think it's necessary to know how to forcefully say no. I think it's highly desirable to be able to say yes, no, know a few numbers and ask for a few basic things.

I don't think it's necessary to be able to hold a conversation, or say anything more than a dozen or so words even if you're there long-term, but I think you'd be missing out if you didn't.

It has been mentioned that a teacher of a foreign language should experience learning a foreign language - I agree it helps one understand what the learner is experiencing, thus helping the teacher give a better service. However, not learning another language doesn't mean one can't be an excellent teacher.

[denise]

[jpvanderwerf2001]

[arioch36]

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I AM an American, and I was referring to people in the States who speak very little if any English, being immigrants. My statement was a response to danielita's comment. That's all. I wasn't being inflammatory, except perhaps towards those Americans who can't speak English (although they're not likely reading this board).
I could see there was a misunderstanding here.

[merc_wilson]

I came to Taiwan with no Chinese... thought about having to learn it, but then realised I dislike the language so much I wouldn't enjoy learning it, and probably would skip classes as a result! I cope completely fine with pointing!