How to Master Successfully Any Language of the World 16
Moreover, each society has its ways of courtesy. Although grammatically correct, some
expressions and phrases will be just considered “impolite” or “rude”. So the phrases
should be learnt exactly as they are used in the language BY native language users.
Or “that’s the way we use to say it”. Many jokes about foreigners are based on cultural
differences and the manner of expressing the same things. Two persons of different
cultures may say exactly the same words, but the meaning will be just the opposite. Just
an example: You guess that your Russian pal has borrowed your pen, without you letting
him do that. The Russian may say “I needed your pen!” or something like “Very much I
needed your pen!” And he intends: “I DIDN’T need your pen AT ALL! And stop
bothering me on that!” Just the opposite! And to understand correctly you should not just
listen to the music of language, but you must know that specific cultural point.
A good textbook will teach you the main cultural aspects of the target language society.
There are many books on different cultures, too. The last resort may be a local, who will
be tolerant enough to understand you are not brutally rude, but just a learner.
What to Learn, and How
As promised above, in this section I order the techniques according to the levels at which
they are used.
Beginners Level
This is the level, where you set your basics. This is where you learn to express your
wishes and observations in the target language, although in the most primitive way. It is
extremely important to start speaking with proper accent from the very beginning. Most
common cultural issues and non-verbal communication are studied here, too.
Main Targets for This Level
The Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) defines Beginners language
skills as follows:
A2:
Speaking/Listening: CAN express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar context.
Reading: CAN understand straightforward information within a known area, such as on
products and signs and simple textbooks or reports on familiar matters.
Writing CAN complete forms and write short simple letters or postcards related to
personal information.
Copyright © 2012 Dmitry Slomov. All rights reserved.
Dmitry Slomov is a language learning consultant, a tutor and the author of the Russian Language Course – Lessons with Dmitry
Contact Dmitry at: http://www.courseofrussian.com/en/contact.html
