THE LANGUAGE BARRIER

Roly first came to you with 'Homesickness'  --  now I will present to you a few helpful tips on 'The Language Barrier.'

Without a clue; confused and trying to cope with those major headaches? Translating every word in English before you even begin to speak or just simply fed up because nothing ever seems to be right? No need to worry! Think of it as a norm and face reality, we all will experience these problems for the first couple of months.

Take my advice, relax and take things slowly. Try to have a basic understanding of what the person is saying and then respond in the best way possible. I am assuming that everyone knows the basics by now, so it shouldn't be too much of a difficult task.

Get out of the mentality that learning will be too difficult because it is not! You simply need to be surrounded by people that speak the language. Watch television often, and carefully observe the way words are expressed.  This would be very useful when learning.  Read signs along the street and pick up bits of information when you can even if it seems to be of no use.  You will find that this also helps in learning about the economy, politics, history, agriculture, cultural festivities and various aspects of life in your country; and please, don't allow yourself to become too attached to the 'English speaking exchange students' unless you are speaking French, Japanese, Thai, Swedish, Dutch, or Portuguese with each other.

To my fellow exchangees, take heed to these words. You have already created awareness through your being an exchange student and displaying the symbol of Rotary, now go out there and TAKE ACTION!!!

Reporting to you live from Londrina, Brasil, this is Krissy saying until next time. Tchau!