Case Study – Feeling the benefits of learning a language

One of our learners, Mike, works for a German team for a power company and he had tried to keep up his German after he needed to stop lessons. He “dabbled” with online apps but found they lacked the bespoke help he needed.

Mike had learnt German a little in the past and tried to keep going with apps and making a note of words and phrases that come up in meetings.

“The problem was, though, that while I was expanding my vocabulary, I was learning the words parrot-fashion, and not learning the grammar to go with it.”?

Building up grammar around vocabulary knowledge

When the opportunity once again arose to learn German through work, Mike put his hand up straight away. He’s now been a learner with Corinium Language Associates for the last 18 months and – thanks to our tutor’s help and guidance – is building upon the vocabulary he has been learning with a solid knowledge of grammar. He said: “Birte has been brilliant at spotting those holes in my grammar and making sure I fill them.”

Mike is now confidently speaking German to his colleagues and, thanks to Birte’s support, has the confidence to persevere even when he makes mistakes or stumbles over his words.

Not all Germans like speaking English!

Mike has also been surprised to discover that his assumption was incorrect that all his German colleagues were happy to speak English.

“I have been introduced to colleagues who would much prefer to speak in German. I definitely get a better reaction from people; they appreciate I am trying. I have also found that when we all speak German in meetings, we go deeper into topics, the meetings are quicker, there are better questions and better answers than if we just stick to English.

Networking

“I was at a conference in Germany last week and I stood up to ask a question in German, and that evening in the pub I had slaps on the back from four or five different people saying ‘well done’. Networking at the event was great, because I felt more confident and other colleagues also found it easier to approach me because they knew I could speak German. They really appreciate it if you try and they forgive any little mistakes.”

On Mike’s last trip home from Germany, a train strike delayed his return by a day. How well he coped perfectly sums up how fluent he now is.

“I used my German to adjust my hotel booking with the receptionist, remade travel plans and then? went to the cinema to see a film in German with a colleague who was also stranded, and when the platform changed for my train, I understood the announcement immediately and made it to my train on time.”

Insights into German life and culture

Mike finished by saying that “language learning is also good fun and has given me so many insights into German life and culture. Be bold and take the opportunity because there are so many benefits”.

If you would like to learn another language, then please get in touch with the team here at Corinium Language Associates.