Foreign Languages: can I do it?

Today, on 'ARTE' (french TV Channel), foreign languages were one of the main focus. I was pleased to learn about "polyglot", which is a site where people can learn and practice a foreign language while making new friends. Normally people meet in public places all around Paris and exchange thoughts with others. I found it to be a great idea because learning a new language is never easy and it can be stressful for some people. Polyglot has found a fun way to get rid off people's fear about learning a new language. French people aren't great at learning English and everywhere you go, you find ads like "do you speak English? Wall Street English", or "Arrêter de massacrer l'anglais"(Telelangue)*, which I assume some people have seen on TV, and it is quit amusing. For french people learning a new language is very important, although some can tell you they aren't good at it, but they are making an effort.
The importance of learning a new language was my first topic on this blog last year because I think we are living in a new global era where languages are becoming part of our daily lives. Globalization and internationalism are the main points in the United States and Europe and for us to fit in, we must make it through this world with some knowledge of a second language. So yes, I think is fair to say that over the years leaning foreign languages has become more and more popular. If we compare the amount of students that learned foreign languages in States Universities, during fall 1996 (4,863) and fall 2006 (8,048) we have a 65% increase. This indicates how the demand of foreign languages have changed over time. However, accoring to Leon E. Panetta, this isn't enough. In a paper by Panetta a member of the Comission on Foreign Languages and International Studies, he criticizes "Americans' incompetence in foreign languages". Panetta disapprove of the fact that elementary schools aren't teaching our young kids languages and when they reach a higher level of education they don't see the importance of learning a foreign language.
We all need to do our part, and make an effort to learn a foreign language. The positive effects of learning a new language aren't only social, but also healthy. Your brain needs some sort of stimulation, and learning a foreign language can challenge your brain and give it more activity than usual. Our brain is fully charged with daily activities such as eating, talking, thinking and so on, but leaning a new language can help your brain explore other things. Have you heard people saying about foreign languages "if you don't use it you lose it"? A foreign language requires your brain to maintain its vocabulary activity, and the more you use it, the easier will be for you to express yourself without having to translate in your head. Now, remember what I said on my first blog, if you speak more than one language you are worth more. It is true, you are more valuable and others might see you as a smarter person; anyone can learn a new language, you just need to try and find a fun way to learn it.
If you are interested check out Polyglot and find out how you can start learning a new language. It doesn't matter where you live, polyglot has members all around the world and you might be able to find a friend near you. When travelling around the world, a second language can be useful, and you can surprise people by asking directions, and ordering in a foreign language (obviously the language of the country you are in, if you know it), and yes you can learn, we are never to old to to young to learn a new language, if you were looking for a challenge for this year... here you have it "Learn a new language"!



*Here is one of the videos of the advertisement of "Arreter de massacrer l'anglais", for those who haven't seen it.

During a job interview

So the past couple of weeks I've had several job interviews. I won't say I'm an expert now, but I can say I have learned quite a few things. As candidates, we all try to prepare ourselves; it’s important we do so because first impressions count and because we want the job. The only problematic of it is that sometimes you prepare so well but the interview doesn't go the way you expected. So last week when I walked in to the office I was nervous, but I knew what I had to say, however the interviewer didn't. This wasn't the only problem; during the entire interview the recruiter showed strange recruiting techniques (if we can call it like that). She/He was very pessimistic about the fact I live thirty minutes away from the company. She/He also said I had a good resume, but because of my international experience she/he thought maybe I wouldn't like the position. She/He also said: "well maybe because you are American, writing in French might not come easy"... after having said I was competent for the job because I have worked in French company. When the interview was done I figured well I guess they are not going to call me back, for my surprise the very same day, more like an hour later, they called me for a second interview with head of the company. On the phone I was told the position was waiting for me, but they just wanted to introduce me to the director. I personally thought that after all I was a good candidate... but is it true? No!
- They needed a candidate right away, it didn't matter whether I had the profile or not.
- It did not matter if I live thirty minutes away.
- The problem was my nationality, but even though I might not be able to write in French... I was interested in the offer and they were willing to give me the job.
- They did not care about the fact I wasn't available that day for the second interview, they needed to see me and I had to make it a priority.
I consider myself a powerful candidate and although after the interview I didn't feel like I was, after all the events that took place the following day made me think I need to work for a company that values my qualities and appreciates what I can offer.