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Using simple English in Korea.
I am trying to make my English simpler for Koreans. I work with technical guys, (and sometimes, but rarely a girl). Most speak very limited English. They are typical ‘beta’ guys. With beta I mean, beta science is technology, alpha is languages. These guys have more talent for analysing problems, and less for explaining and understanding something in a different language.
Hence my question to you: what kind of typical English constructions are difficult for Koreans to understand? I for example have the idea that I should avoid using ‘they, we, you’ but use the actual name of the persons. Is that correct?
Any more tips?
Hence my question to you: what kind of typical English constructions are difficult for Koreans to understand? I for example have the idea that I should avoid using ‘they, we, you’ but use the actual name of the persons. Is that correct?
Any more tips?
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Here is one tip. As one of Koreans, I had difficulties understanding 'verb+preposition', like take over, work on, get over, break through and etc. so when u wanna use that phrase, using one-word verb instead of it, or explaining the phrase u used for your coworkers will help you to communicate.
Secondly, even though u feel like that u said too much directly, your coworkers don't feel like that. Rather, it is easy to understand. so don't beat around the bush
Secondly, even though u feel like that u said too much directly, your coworkers don't feel like that. Rather, it is easy to understand. so don't beat around the bush
I don't know exactly which construction is more difficult or not, and hazard making sweeping generalization of Korean from one aspect is not good. Seeing or deciding Korean's capability and fluency of English sheerly depends upon what kind of people you meet in your everyday life.
I know what you mean. It's not about generalization of Korean people, but about respecting foreign cultures and their specific linguistics and trying to get along with people who don't speak English well - as good as possible.
Using names instead of pronous might definately help your coworkers to understand your sentences quickly. This is valid for all foreigners, of course, but pays respect to Korean linguistics in particular. Since Koreans seem to use pronouns like "you" and "he" way less than for instance Germans, this might really work for your situation. Short sentences that start with the name of the subject might be especially comprehensible.
I think Amy just misunderstood your question as "Why do all Koreans speak bad English? How can I make them understand??" - I know this wasn't your intention. She is right, though; you should be careful about sentences like "Which English constructions are difficult for Koreans?" and stereotypes in general for that matter. There are definately more respectful ways to adress language differences.
Using names instead of pronous might definately help your coworkers to understand your sentences quickly. This is valid for all foreigners, of course, but pays respect to Korean linguistics in particular. Since Koreans seem to use pronouns like "you" and "he" way less than for instance Germans, this might really work for your situation. Short sentences that start with the name of the subject might be especially comprehensible.
I think Amy just misunderstood your question as "Why do all Koreans speak bad English? How can I make them understand??" - I know this wasn't your intention. She is right, though; you should be careful about sentences like "Which English constructions are difficult for Koreans?" and stereotypes in general for that matter. There are definately more respectful ways to adress language differences.
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