Nonnative speakers of all different culture are facing challenges as they try to fit in the strange land that they do not have their personal belongings. As they face the new path of their life, mixed up emotions of fears, doubts and worries how they will compete in a global economy that seem to be dominated by a single language. It is a cultural shock for them, thinking that in this foreign land they step their feet for a new beginning and leave their footprint on the culture they left behind. Full of uncertainties, that one has to take a step to see what is the future holds in the land where they got lost. To find, to seek and to learn in their best ability to conquer the fear that they are facing.
When I came to America, I am full of hope, dreams and ambitions. That is all I have... but the truth is I do not have anything with me. No family, no relatives and not a single friend. It is so sad to leave everything behind me to seek for a better future. Having that courage and brave that I carry in my heart....I told to myself there is no turning back. I am ready to face all the trials and challenges. To start with, I met some people on my own nationality to get acquainted and have some connections. It is nice to meet some people of my own heritage because I do not feel home sick. In the long run, I felt inside me that my socialization is limited. I want to have friends too outside of my culture but I am intimidated to converse fluently in English. Not that I do not speak and understand English, I am just scared to be criticized with my accent. Nor I can not converse fluently in a long conversation. I am limited to short and simple English conversation. As it goes, things get more complicated because I have to find a job. I finished Accounting as my major but surprisingly there is not too much job available from where I lived. If there is any, being not fluent in English is my greatest disadvantage. Of course employer will hire somebody that can relate and communicate better in an office set up. I dropped my ambition to work in Accounting firm. So then, I have to look for another option that probably having skill will help me to find a job. There is always shortage in nursing, so I went to school and took Certified Nursing Aassistant then worked my way up to LVN. As a foreign student, I am a little slower as compared to the other student when it comes to comprehension because English is my second language. I refused to be a leader in laboratory experiment because it takes a lot of coaching and team leading. So that limits my intellectual ability to share my ideas and knowledge.
English language is the main tool on the global economy. We are talking in the field of science, technology, computer, business, commerce, trade and international travel. This is the language that conquers all nations. Educations standards of teaching are basically in English language. Books, encyclopedia, dictionary and bible are mostly written in English. In this modern technology, we use computer world wide. People from all walks of life are benefited from the Internet communication service. It is rare that every country has its own language of interpretation. People of different nationality shares their interest, opinion and ideas with one language in the Internet. Our trade and commerce are not limited to our own product. We have imports and exports policy written in English for all business people who wants to sell their products.
English have great impact in our global economy. It reaches out people around the world to connect and build our economy. It is in English language that we have a greater understanding that no matter where we came from, we share a common interest to improve every one's livelihood.
Adjie,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the honesty of your blog post. I haven’t travelled much, but when I have been in non-English speaking countries it’s a bit scary. Did you already speak some English when you came to the United States? Was there pressure in your native country to learn English? My son is teaching English in Japan and he has related some of his own frustrations to me. While he can speak Japanese well enough to function there he can’t communicate any deeper ideas in Japanese. I can imagine that experience must be lonely at times. Soon he will be marrying a lovely Japanese girl he met in Japan. I wonder if I will have to learn Japanese to communicate with my grandchildren (should I be blessed with some).
I think you are right that a common language can help us all share our ideas, and provide opportunities for people of all nations. I think it’s sad that you have missed opportunities because you didn’t think your English was good enough to communicate with members of your group. I have not been in your situation, but I do think communication is the responsibility of all people in the conversation. Perhaps you can trust others a little more to put some effort into understanding you.
Coming to a foreign country with nothing, and having no contacts to begin with certainly takes courage. Most Americans come from a similar experience. Even if they were born here they can trace their families back to immigrants whose courage, sacrifice, and determination opened doors for their children and grandchildren. Even with the language challenges you face the American Dream is still within reach for you. I admire your determination, and willingness to work hard.