Have you ever been amazed at how well some people manage to express themselves in a foreign language?
Such a good standard cannot be reached overnight, and competent speakers have normally spent many years in contact with the language and culture in question.
You may also have noticed that an individual’s level of competence is not necessarily proportional to the number of years the person actually spent in contact with the language. There are many other factors at play, such as our reasons for learning the language, the kinds of strategies that we use when interacting in the target language, or the particular situations in which we normally use it. Less obvious factors, such as an unconscious willingness to retain our 'foreign' identity, can make otherwise perfectly fluent speakers hold on to their distinctive foreign accent.
In many ways, the way we speak a language tells the story of our relationship with it.
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Having a go
The key to successful intercultural communication is very simple: just get out there and give it a go!
Watch nowHaving a goLevel: 1 Introductory
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When words do not matter
Body language, gestures, willingness to communicate and share knowledge can get you a long way when you do not speak each other’s language.
Watch nowWhen words do not matterLevel: 1 Introductory
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When words do matter
Gestures and body language can only get you so far. Sooner or later, you will find yourself in a situation in which verbal language actually matters.
Watch nowWhen words do matterLevel: 1 Introductory
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The language of sharing
Communication brings people together. Sharing through language, food, music and drink is at the core of human relationships.
Watch nowThe language of sharingLevel: 1 Introductory
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Beyond the language gap: intercultural communication
Explore the challenges and rewards of communicating with people from other cultures as you follow the Hairy Bikers and the programme producers across Europe.
Watch nowBeyond the language gap: intercultural communicationLevel: 1 Introductory
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