Re: [tlug] contribution to F/OSS community

["Josh Glover" <jmglov@example.com>]

On 11/06/07, Jim Grisanzio <Jim.Grisanzio@example.com> wrote:

> Yes, I agree totally. Don't be hard on your English at all. It's really
> quite good. I so deeply appreciate the effort my colleagues make around
> the world to speak and/or write English just to interact with me or my
> American colleagues. I hope to return the favor some day (at least in
> Japanese, anyway).

+1

English-only speakers can return the favour also by making an effort
to communicate with ESL speakers:

1. Slow down
2. Speak clearly
3. If you have to repeat yourself, try first with the same words,
remembering (1) and (2). If it still does not get through, try
re-phrasing using words you consider simpler.
4. *Listen* carefully to the speaker
5. Ask for confirmation when you do not understand. Nothing is worse
for communication than just nodding along for five minutes and then
saying, "What?"
6. Avoid slang

Obviously, (6) goes out the window in the pub, where it is quite fun
to explain each other's slang. But for communication purposes, these
six guidelines have served me quite well when chatting with non-native
English speakers (such as Australians).

Cheers,
Josh