In the ’80s in Brazil, there was a very popular TV show, and its presenter, Chacrinha, used to say something: “Quem não se comunica, se trombica!”, which can be freely translated as “If you don’t communicate, you’ll get in trouble”. These words were always in the back of my mind. If you know me, you will understand why. Well, I am a very communicative person. I want to speak, I want to understand, I want to ask questions and listen to your answers.
So, Chacrinha’s words are sort of “motto” for me, and I always tell people, especially my students: “Quem nao se comunica, se trombica.” So, in this sense, I think that what is really important is to communicate however you can. But, the better you communicate, the better the results are. That’s why it is important to learn another language, to communicate efficiently.
When learning another language, we have to bear in mind, different languages have completely different structures. Language is a concept and you never have a fully understandable sentence when you translate word by word. I urge people not to use a translation app when they are studying, but to use a dictionary instead to find the meaning of the words. The sentences, the phrases have to make sense to you and not be translated. I think this is why sometimes it’s so difficult to try to learn another language, especially after we leave our school days.
Thinking about another TV advert from Brazil as well, this time in the ’90s, I remember how I felt when I really wanted to be able to speak English fluently. Well, if you know me, you know I absolutely love eating. And this advert was about a guy who went to the USA, could barely speak English, order a burger. His burger was small and boring. Then, another guy comes and makes a full order. When his burger arrived… oh wow. It was amazing! He even had a drink and a side order. The first guy dropped his jaw. Lol Funny! But it makes all the difference.
We go through some situations daily, and the frustration of not being able to develop your thoughts in a fully understandable way is huge. I know I may speak good English, but I am still learning other languages. When I block in French, I really want to give up and never look at French books again! But then I remember what I preach: communicate well! Get better results.
A friend was having problems with his lease. He kept asking the agent, who rented him the flat for the promised conditions, but the agent didn’t really pay attention anymore, after all, the contract had been signed. I jumped in and wrote an email on his behalf. On the same day, he received the confirmation that everything was going to be the way they agreed.
The better you communicate in the local language, and when I say “local” I mean the language of the country you’re living in, your chances of having an easier life are higher. You may get a job offer or even a better position. You can claim your rights. You can even order a proper burger. Yes, it’s not that easy to study something completely different. Maybe you even thought: I will never need to speak English in my life,” but then, here we are… But it is not impossible. It takes a bit more effort and persistence, but you will get there! I assure you! And keep in mind that we are here to help! Always!