I learn something new almost every time I meet with my Korean student. Thought-provoking occasionally. Last Sunday, she told me that she was going to accept a job at Samsung, which requires her to communicate orally with American clients.
She is very worried because she isn't confident in her English. "What if I can't understand my client? I can't keep asking them to repeat themselves."
She also worries about making mistakes when she speaks. She is shy and afraid of making errors, especially in front of her Korean colleagues. I emphasized to her that the goal is to communicate effectively, not to be error-free. People appreciate the effort and understand if you make mistakes. Mistakes are simply part of the learning process.
To ease her worries, I suggested preparing for common business scenarios and becoming familiar with frequently used terms. We can practice role-playing these scenarios to boost her confidence.
When I suggested that she take every opportunity to practice English, especially with her American-born children and with the support of her Korean colleagues, and even find a mentor within the company, she smiled and said, "In Korea, people feel strange speaking a foreign language with another Korean. Also, we always speak Korean at home."
I wondered if it was a cultural norm to always speak Korean when conversing with another Korean, making speaking English feel unnatural or even disrespectful. It could also be a form of peer pressure, where individuals fear being judged or ridiculed for speaking a foreign language among fellow Koreans.
On the other hand, this might explain why the second generation of Koreans speaks their mother's language much better than the second generation of Chinese immigrants.
I know it's common for Chinese people to speak Chinese among themselves initially to stay within their comfort zone since English is difficult for them, though some do speak English for the purpose of learning the language. It's also common among Chinese immigrant families to speak English at home, sometimes exclusively English with their children. This may be why second-generation Chinese immigrants often fail to learn Chinese as well as their Korean counterparts.
English language usage at home seems like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can accelerate English proficiency and help with integration into English-speaking societies. On the other hand, it may lead to a loss of the native language, making it harder for children to connect with their cultural heritage and communicate with family members in China who speak only the native language.
Finally, I told her that it is crucial to develop a positive mindset and build confidence. Making real progress in her English will help boost her confidence.
A Chinese saying goes, "世上无难事，只怕有心人" (Shì shàng wú nán shì, zhǐ pà yǒu xīn rén), meaning: "Nothing in the world is difficult for those who set their mind to it." This saying emphasizes the importance of determination and a positive mindset, aligning well with the themes of overcoming challenges and building confidence.
For adult learners, language learning is challenging yet rewarding. We have to commit ourselves to real learning by practicing regularly. Keep in mind that mistakes are stepping stones to improvement. Practice, determination, and a positive mindset will help us get there.