Surviving in a Second Language: Socializing

You are frustrated because you are naturally a very sociable person. However, when you hear that there will be a lunch or breakfast or pre-meeting get-together and you will have to speak in your second language, you dread the event.

Here are a few tips and useful expressions to help you overcome your initial panic.

1. Socializing is much more than just words

Remember that you are the same person regardless of the language. A warm contact, a smile, a pleasant expression all contribute to the way you are perceived.

2. Responding to a handshake and greeting

Nice to meet you

Pleased to meet you

3. Introducing Two People

Mr......., I’d like to introduce you to my partner ……

4. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself

Hi, I’m …………

Hi, I don’t think we’ve been introduced. I’m..........

5. Don’t try to translate

Relax so that you listen to everything that a person is saying. If you get stuck on a certain word, you will miss the rest of the conversation. People always repeat themselves in different ways so the whole message will soon become clear.

6. Ask questions

Remember that if you are asking the question, it is your colleague who is doing the talking. If you know the people, ask about the last weekend or a vacation, the hockey game yesterday, the children. If not, keep it general, e.g. Do you live far from work? How long have you been working for?

7. Show interest

Don’t forget to make the appropriate sounds. We never stand in silence when we are listening to someone.

Words like Yes! Really! Do you? And sounds such as hmmm, ah ahh

Your intonation should always increase at the end of a word or expression.

8. It takes some preparation

Plan for the social encounter in the same way that you would plan for the business meeting. Think of the topics that you are comfortable talking about and think how you can steer the conversation in that direction.