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Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Surprising Truth about Communication in English
- The Attitude Towards English and Its Impact on Communication
- The Story of Faizal: A Low-Level English Speaker with Excellent Communication Skills
- The Importance of Effective English Communication
- The Two Attitudes: Playing Piano vs Playing a Computer Game
- The Difference Between High-Level and Low-Level Communicators
- The Global Dominance of Non-Native English Speakers
- English as a Tool, Not an Art
- The Challenges in Teaching English as a Tool
- The Brain Shutdown Syndrome in Stressful English Conversations
- The One Thing You Can Do to Speak English Confidently: Focus on the Other Person
- Imagine a Future of Confident English Communicators
- Conclusion
The Surprising Truth about Communication in English
In the past 20 years, I have been assisting individuals from Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries in improving their English language skills. Throughout this Journey, I made a fascinating discovery - the ability to effectively communicate in English has very little to do with one's proficiency level in the language. Instead, it is heavily influenced by one's attitude towards English. I encountered individuals with low levels of English who possessed exceptional communication skills, such as Faizal, a factory supervisor.
The Attitude Towards English and Its Impact on Communication
Faizal's English proficiency was undoubtedly low, yet his ability to calmly and clearly listen to others and express his thoughts beautifully was remarkable. This led me to question what sets individuals like Faizal apart and how they achieve such remarkable communication skills. Moreover, I began to explore why this is not only important for individuals but also for the future of Malaysia, communities, and beyond.
The Story of Faizal: A Low-Level English Speaker with Excellent Communication Skills
To understand what differentiates individuals like Faizal, I reflect back to a moment ten years ago when I noticed similarities between my daughter's approach to playing the piano and Malaysians' attitudes towards English. My daughter despised piano lessons and dreaded making mistakes during performances, much like many Malaysians approaching English conversations with fear of being judged for their errors. Moreover, both my daughter and Malaysians had a clear Perception of what mastery in their respective fields should sound like, leading to self-image issues when they fell short of their perceived standards.
The Importance of Effective English Communication
At this juncture, it becomes essential to underline the significance of effective English communication, not just for individuals, but for the future of Malaysia and similar nations. A staggering statistic reveals that for every native English speaker in the world, there are five non-native English speakers. Moreover, a mere 4% of English conversations involve two native speakers, while the remaining 96% feature conversations between non-native speakers. This highlights that English is no longer the exclusive domain of native speakers; rather, it is a global tool for communication.
The Two Attitudes: Playing Piano vs Playing a Computer Game
The distinction between individuals like Faizal, who excel in English communication, and others lies in their attitudes. I stumbled upon this revelation in a rather unexpected manner while observing a man at a cybercafe playing a computer game. Despite being terrible at the game, he remained entirely focused on his objective, oblivious to any potential embarrassment or judgment from his friends. This attitude mirrored what I had witnessed in Faizal and shed light on their ability to communicate effortlessly.
The Difference Between High-Level and Low-Level Communicators
Drawing a comparison between high-level and low-level communicators, it becomes evident that those who fixate on themselves and strive for perfection often inhibit their communication effectiveness. On the other HAND, individuals with a low-level grasp of English, but a focus on the other person and the desired outcome, possess remarkable communication skills. Their effectiveness lies in their ability to be fully present in the conversation without self-consciousness or concerns about making mistakes.
The Global Dominance of Non-Native English Speakers
Understanding the dominance of non-native English speakers globally is essential to grasp the importance of effective communication in English. Native speakers make up a mere fraction of English conversations, with non-native speakers accounting for the majority. This shift reinforces the Notion that English is a tool for communication rather than an art to be mastered.
English as a Tool, Not an Art
Unfortunately, schools tend to approach English as an art to be perfected rather than a tool to be utilized. Students are often judged more on grammatical correctness rather than the Clarity of their communication. This creates a discrepancy between the skills acquired in school and the real-world demands of effective communication.
The Brain Shutdown Syndrome in Stressful English Conversations
Bringing the attitudes developed in school into adult life and professional environments can lead to a phenomenon called the "brain shutdown syndrome." Under stressful circumstances, individuals struggling to communicate in English become overwhelmed with self-consciousness, impairing their listening, speaking, and confidence.
The One Thing You Can Do to Speak English Confidently: Focus on the Other Person
To overcome the brain shutdown syndrome and speak English confidently, there is one fundamental change individuals can make - shifting the focus from themselves to the other person. By prioritizing the listener and the desired outcome, one can break free from self-doubt and effectively communicate in English.
Imagine a Future of Confident English Communicators
Envisioning a future where Malaysians and individuals worldwide embody the confident communication exhibited by Faizal holds immense potential. English, as a tool rather than an art, belongs to everyone, empowering individuals to achieve their desired outcomes and contribute to their communities and beyond.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective English communication surpasses proficiency levels and rests on one's attitude towards the language. Individuals like Faizal demonstrate that one can communicate brilliantly even with limited English skills by prioritizing the other person and the desired outcome. As non-native English speakers dominate global conversations, it becomes crucial to view English as a tool rather than an art. By embracing this perspective, individuals can truly harness the power of English communication and transform their personal and professional lives.