Language Learning for Business Professionals

After years in the UK, I thought my English was ok.  Until I moved to Hungary. I had been living in the south of England for a while, and then a year teaching in Glasgow. I felt so confident about my English that I remember thinking: “This is too easy, I need a new challenge - let’s move to Hungary, at least learning the language will keep me busy.” English wasn’t so popular back then in Hungary, so at the beginning I’d always ask English-speaking people for help. But I was gobsmacked that they simply couldn’t understand me! 🤯 I went to the bank to open an account.  → My friend had to translate English-to-English for me. I tried to discuss the contract with my landlady.  → She couldn’t understand me either. I tried to ask a question in a souvenir shop.  → The shop assistants were staring at me like I was from a different planet. Their faces of confusion were priceless. Then I realised - it didn’t matter how good my English was.  If I couldn’t communicate in English with the people around me, then it wasn’t good enough. I had to adapt.  ➡️ Forget colloquialisms.  ➡️ Develop a more neutral accent.  ➡️ Use simple language. Simple structures. I had spent YEARS trying to blend in with natives.  Now I had to re-learn how to use the language in a way that helped me communicate. With people who were NOT native speakers of the language. I carried those skills throughout the rest of my career. Meetings at the EU?  → Everyone will be using their own version of English. Speaking at the UN?  → You’d be lucky if there were any native speakers in the room. Working for American multinationals?  → Most of my colleagues were from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. International English is NOT the English native speakers use. If you are learning English for international business, you don’t need to sound like a native or speak like them. Focus on what matters.  👉 Communicating your idea.  👉 Connecting with the people.  👉 Using simple language everyone can understand. That’s what makes a great communicator in English today. Have you had any similar experiences with English (or with any other language)? 😅 ***** I am Dr. Esther Gutierrez Eugenio, PhD in Language Education. 👆 Follow and hit the 🔔 for daily insights on language learning, international communication, and the role of English in global business.

Unlocking Linguistic Depths 🤿 How the ICEBERG Model Revolutionized Language Coaching in Finance 🧊 Ever wondered how an iceberg can transform your approach to mastering English in the finance world? Dive into my journey with the ICEBERG Model!" As a neuro-language coach specializing in the finance sector, I've always sought innovative methods to enhance the linguistic skills of professionals for whom English is not their first language. Today, I'm excited to share a transformative experience using the ICEBERG Model - a method that delves far beneath the surface of traditional language learning. Picture this: a dedicated finance professional, let's call her Noha, who despite her extensive expertise, felt hindered by her command of English. Noha's struggle wasn't just about vocabulary or grammar; it was about confidence, cultural nuances, and the ability to articulate complex financial concepts in a language not her own. ❄ Enter the ICEBERG Model. Much like an iceberg, where the bulk of its mass lies hidden underwater, this model recognizes that language learning extends far beyond visible elements like vocabulary and grammar. It includes submerged aspects: cultural understanding, emotional intelligence, thought patterns, and the psychological barriers to language acquisition. Our journey began with the tip of the iceberg - enhancing Noha's financial vocabulary and her understanding of English grammar. But soon, we ventured into deeper waters. We explored cultural nuances in business communication, practiced emotional intelligence in language use, and addressed Noha's fears and preconceptions about speaking English. The transformation was remarkable. Noha began to speak more confidently in meetings, her presentations became more persuasive, and she started contributing innovative ideas to discussions. She wasn't just learning English; she was adapting her entire cognitive and emotional approach to the language. The ICEBERG Model is not just a teaching tool; it's a holistic approach that aligns language learning with the learner's personal, professional, and cultural identity. For finance professionals navigating the global market, it's not enough to know the language; they must also understand the cultural currents and psychological depths that influence communication. The ICEBERG Model is more than a method; it's a journey to linguistic and cultural proficiency. It's about uncovering the unseen, and diving deep into the aspects of language that truly matter in the professional world. And as for Noha? She's now not just a finance expert, but a confident, culturally adept English communicator, ready to make her mark in the global financial arena.

1 of the most common Business English mistakes learners make: (And how to fix this) They don't use the language in REAL-LIFE scenarios and interact with REAL people. Yes, there's a time and place to learn phrases, grammar, pronunciation, and these important aspects of a language. However, if you study different groups around the world who effectively learn languages well enough to use them in the real world in less time than what traditional programs take: Polyglots, military, government officials, diplomats, and people with other high-stakes positions or high motivation. How do they effectively learn how to speak and use a language fluently enough (not perfectly!) to communicate their ideas clearly and accomplish the mission? Even if they start from 0, they don't spend all of their time learning tedious grammar and only using textbooks. They spend a significant amount of time learning basic pronunciation, the most common phrases and words in the target language, culture, and then they START USING THE LANGUAGE ASAP in REAL-LIFE simulations. They don't wait until everything is "perfect" before they get started. They don't wait until they "feel ready" before they get started. They don't study every single aspect of grammar and try to memorize every single grammatical rule before they get started. They don't wait until they receive the top score in the class before they get started. They JUST get started. They MAKE mistakes. They SCREW UP in front of their audience. They FALL many times before they finally start learning the "correct" ways. They learn to LAUGH and not take themselves too seriously as they learn how to use the language. Ultimately, it's all of these exact things that help these types of learners get ahead in their target language, make less mistakes, and communicate more clearly and confidently in a shorter amount of time than those who spend even more time and money in traditional programs but never make meaningful progress. The best part of this? You can start doing the things mentioned above today, for free, and don't need specialized training to make meaningful progress that makes a difference in your career. Sure, a good guide or instructor can help, but they're only one piece of the puzzle. So this week, managers: JUST GET STARTED, and improve as you go. You can do this. 💪 Carlos W. Rivera , 陸凱龍 #LifeSciences #Pharmaceuticals #Biotechnology #MedicalDevices #MgizehLanguage