Learning a language? Speak it like you’re playing a video game | Marianna Pascal | TEDxPenangRoad

Summary

The speaker, with 20 years of experience in assisting Southeast Asians to improve their English, reveals that effective communication in English is more about attitude than language proficiency. Using examples like his student Faizal, who had a low English level but communicated well, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the conversation rather than on making mistakes. He draws parallels between learning English and playing games, where confidence and engagement are key. The speaker encourages a shift in perspective, viewing English as a tool for communication rather than an art to master, and suggests that this mindset can benefit not just individuals but also the future of Malaysia and similar countries.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Attitude towards English is more important than the level of English proficiency for effective communication.
• 👥 Even with a low level of English, individuals can communicate well if they are focused and confident.
• 👂 Listening skills are crucial; being overly self-conscious can hinder the ability to truly hear and understand others.
• 💭 Confidence in communication is key, and it's not just about speaking but also about being clear and achieving the desired outcome.
• 🎮 English should be treated as a tool to be used effectively, similar to playing a computer game, rather than an art to be mastered.
• 🌍 In the global context, English is predominantly used by non-native speakers, making it a shared language for communication, not just a language for native speakers.
• 📚 Traditional teaching methods often emphasize grammar and correctness over clarity and effectiveness in communication.
• 👧 Self-image and the fear of making mistakes can significantly impact a person's ability to communicate in English.
• 👵 The speaker's daughter's experience with piano lessons draws a parallel to how many people approach learning and using English.
• 🧠 In high-stress situations, focusing on correctness over understanding can lead to a breakdown in communication skills.
• 📈 Focusing on the other person and the outcome desired, rather than oneself, can lead to more effective communication in English.

Q & A

What is the main message the speaker is trying to convey about English communication?

The main message is that effective English communication has more to do with one's attitude towards English rather than their level of English proficiency. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on the conversation and the desired outcome rather than on making mistakes.

How does the speaker describe the surprising truth discovered through training Southeast Asians?

The speaker found that the ability to communicate well in English has very little to do with one's English level and a lot to do with their attitude towards the language.

Who is Faizal and what makes his English communication notable?

Faizal is a factory supervisor with a very low level of English. Despite this, he can communicate very well because he listens calmly and clearly and expresses his thoughts beautifully, focusing on the conversation rather than his proficiency.

What is the analogy the speaker uses to explain the attitude towards learning English?

The speaker uses the analogy of his daughter's attitude towards piano lessons, where the focus was on not making mistakes, to explain the negative attitude many Malaysians have towards English conversations.

What does the speaker suggest is the difference between people like Faizal and others in terms of English communication?

The difference is that people like Faizal do not feel judged and are entirely focused on the person they are speaking to and the result they want to achieve. They have no self-awareness of their own mistakes.

What is the significance of the cybercafe story in the speaker's realization about English communication?

The cybercafe story illustrates the lack of embarrassment and self-consciousness in the gamer despite playing poorly, which parallels the attitude of effective English communicators like Faizal who focus on the interaction rather than their proficiency.

What is the example the speaker provides to contrast two different kinds of English communicators?

The speaker contrasts a well-dressed, professional sales rep who, despite having a high level of English, is ineffective due to her focus on correctness and fear of mistakes, with a girl behind the counter with low English proficiency who communicates effectively by focusing on the result.

Why is the distinction between focusing on correctness versus clarity important for the future of Malaysia and similar countries?

This distinction is important because English is now a global language, with 96% of conversations involving non-native speakers. It's a tool for communication and achieving results, not an art to be mastered.

What is the current state of English conversations worldwide according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, for every native English speaker, there are five non-native speakers. 96% of English conversations involve non-native speakers, indicating that English is a global tool, not just a language for native speakers.

How does the speaker describe the current approach to teaching English in schools?

The speaker describes the current approach as teaching English more like an art to be mastered than as a tool to be used for communication. Students are judged more on correctness than on clarity.

What is the one thing the speaker suggests people should do to improve their English communication?

The speaker suggests that when speaking English, one should not focus on themselves but on the other person and the result they want to achieve, similar to the attitude of effective communicators like Faizal.