Notes from the other side of the fence

Re: Notes from the other side of the fence

2006-08-21T13:02:02Z

Karen,

Thanks so much for your response.

It says a lot about your committment to service that you are learning Spanish. I'm sure any patron would feel your sincerity before analyzing your grammar.

Vaya a Guadalajara - there's nothing like "diving in" to learn a language.

Take much care,
Rachel

Re: Notes from the other side of the fence

2006-08-16T13:23:33Z

Hi Rachel,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
I am in the process of learning Spanish and it is the same
way for me!

I can understand more and more, "cada dia," especially if customers
speak slowly! What is challenging is getting words and tenses to
jump to my head! It is very much like having a glitch in one's brain...
or...(I am dating myself now!) a nick on a record!

I think going to a place where the language you are learning is the
predominant one is the best way to learn! Your message encourages
me to start planning my trip to Guadalajara!

It does make one more understanding of people who do not speak English as a
primary language! It also fosters admiration for people who do not let externals get in the way of improving their quality of life!

Have a Blessed Day!

Karen

Re: Notes from the other side of the fence

2006-07-26T05:13:29Z

Rachel - I hope the interview went well - in whichever language they conducted it!

Your post was so insightful. Now if we could just take some segments of the US population who are currently trying to limited things like bi-lingual signage and drop them into your environment and experiences. I bet their paradigms would start shifting, fast.

This article just made me scratch my head. What's next bans on mariachi music? http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0719/p03s03-ussc.html

Laura

Re: Notes from the other side of the fence

2006-07-20T20:03:23Z

You and the UPS clerk are on my top 10 list. Thanks for the response. Today I interviewed for a volunteer position at a trilingual library - such a paradigm shift. I'm excited!

Re: Notes from the other side of the fence

2006-07-14T16:10:26Z

Rachel, these are such valuable insights! I think it's hard for any of us to really empathize with the immigrant experience until we've actually been there.

I've visited Montreal a few times and I'm always struck by how foreign I feel there. It has everything to do with only knowing a smattering of the language and not being able to communicate effectively. You are so right that it is scary to ask for information. When I did muster up some of my rusty French to ask a question, most of the time, I couldn't understand the answer. Very disorienting!

"Bilingual signage is beautiful." So true. It's a language instruction tool.

Good luck with your residency application. Let us know how your "immigrant experience" goes and what you find that helps you the most. Thanks for sharing.

Notes from the other side of the fence

2006-07-14T14:13:36Z

Two weeks ago I arrived in Montreal, Canada. The predominant language is French. My comprehension is high - my expression is low...

I am applying for residency here. The process is extensive.

While I felt that I was empathetic to the immigrant experience previously, an intimate, first-hand experience is teaching me the following things about being an Immigrant:

1. Asking for information is scary - scarier if the person I`ve asked is abrubt.

2. What I need information about has completely changed.

3. I understand much more than I can express.

4. I`m trying to learn the language - when I`m cut off or delegated to another service agent it abbreviates my opportunity to express myself and more importantly my progress.

5. Bilingual signage is beautiful. I`m surprised at how the simplest bit of familiarity can comfort me. The UPS clerk said, "Alrighty!" I wanted to kiss him.

6. A friendly place as a foreigner is a haven.