2 Billion Voices: How to speak bad English perfectly | Heather Hansen | TEDxOdense

Summary

The speaker discusses how 'bad English' is embraced in global settings, allowing non-native speakers to contribute without fear of making mistakes. They argue that focusing on clarity and adaptability, rather than perfection in grammar and pronunciation, leads to better communication. While native English speakers often assume ownership of the language, the reality is that more people worldwide speak imperfect English. The speaker encourages listeners to focus on understanding diverse accents and communication styles, advocating for courses in accent recognition to promote global inclusivity and better communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embracing 'bad English' gives everyone a voice, promoting inclusivity and reducing fear of making mistakes.
• 🗣️ Language defines belonging; accents can reveal someone's outsider status even if they speak fluently.
• 🌍 Global communication requires adaptability in both speaking and listening, as cultures and languages vary greatly.
• 📉 Misunderstandings often increase when native English speakers join global conversations, contrary to popular belief.
• 🎯 English is no longer 'owned' by native speakers; it has become a global lingua franca shaped by all its users.
• 📚 Forcing non-native speakers to achieve perfect English, especially accent-free, can stifle creativity and participation.
• 🔄 Focusing on clarity and understanding, rather than idealized accents, is more effective in global communication.
• 🧩 Accents are a natural part of language learning, and with practice, listeners can learn to 'crack the code' and understand them.
• 🎶 Tone is crucial in communication, yet it often doesn't translate well across languages and cultures, leading to misunderstandings.
• 👂 We should prioritize accent recognition over accent reduction, appreciating the diversity of English spoken worldwide.

Q & A

What is the CEO's perspective on 'bad English'?

The CEO embraces 'bad English,' seeing it as a way to give everyone a voice in the company. They believe it allows people to speak up and share ideas without fear of making mistakes, as 'bad English' is considered good enough for communication.

How does the speaker feel about their own experience learning Danish?

The speaker initially learned Danish to fit in, but even after becoming fluent, their accent revealed that they didn't fully belong. This experience made them realize that language can create a sense of insider vs. outsider, even if one speaks fluently.

What advantage do native English speakers have in global business, according to the speaker?

Native English speakers have a clear advantage in global business because English is the global lingua franca. This gives them automatic ownership of worldwide communication, which many English speakers take for granted.

Why does the speaker criticize the traditional approach to teaching English?

The speaker criticizes traditional English teaching methods for focusing too much on perfection—correcting grammar, pronunciation, and forcing learners to speak 'proper' English. This approach overlooks the fact that many non-native speakers can communicate effectively with 'bad English.'

What surprising fact does the speaker share about global communication misunderstandings?

The speaker reveals that misunderstandings in global communication often increase when native English speakers are involved. This challenges the assumption that non-native speakers are the primary source of communication issues.

What is the key skill for global leaders in communication, according to the speaker?

Adaptability is the most important skill for global leaders in communication. Speakers need to adjust their language for easier understanding, and listeners must be open and flexible when hearing different types of English.

Why is it difficult to define 'global English'?

Global English is difficult to define because there is no single version of it. English varies greatly depending on the speakers' backgrounds, cultures, and the context in which it is spoken. What works in one setting may not be appropriate in another.

How can pronunciation impact clarity in global communication?

Certain sounds, like a crisp 'T' or a pronounced 'R,' can improve clarity for listeners. On the other hand, some sounds, like the 'th' sound, make little difference to understanding and can be substituted without affecting communication.

What is the speaker’s stance on accent reduction courses?

The speaker is critical of accent reduction courses, which they believe strip away people's identities. Instead, they advocate for accent recognition, where global leaders learn to appreciate and understand different accents rather than trying to mask them.

What is the speaker’s final message about 'bad English'?

The speaker encourages people to keep speaking up and sharing their ideas, even if they speak 'bad English.' As long as they can communicate and be understood, their 'bad English' is good enough, and it's more important to focus on understanding rather than perfection.