Thread: Learning the local language

We moved to Australia so we were fine, although there are some variations ie asking for a router (pronounced rooter in the UK) means something totally different. A friend of mine learnt the local language for the country she moved to and when she was in a shop they all started saying higher the price she is a Brit, until she gave them a mouthful in their own language and caused them a little bit of embarrassment.
Are you thinking of learning a language?

No, I'm a languages graduate and I am currently working for Squarko, which provides online language tuition. I'm interested in finding out quite how important language learning is to expats. Based on personal experience, I think it is paramount, and I can't think of any better way of in integrating into the host culture and opening new doors.

I would also agree that there's a problem with us Brits' approach to language learning. It tends to be at the bottom of educational priorities and I think that is a true shame. The experiences I've been afforded thanks to my languages are second to none and I wish people felt more inspired about languages!

Hi Squarko and welcome. Always good to see some new peeps on here.

I lived in Egypt before moving to Dubai so picked up a few phrases whilst out there but emphasis on 'few'. Not only difficult language to learn but difficult to speak. One of those languages that comes right from back of throat.

Hope you enjoy the site

YB X

YB,

I tried Arabic myself, both at university and with Squarko, and found it near on impossible! That glottal stop is a tricky one, I'm full of admiration for anyone who achieves any semblance of fluency in Arabic.

Squarko are you hoping to move onto anywhere and where are you now?

I am currently in London but hope to move to Italy for Phd purposes in the not too distant future.

Ah beautiful Italy. Good luck with that and keep us all posted