What we say matters in communication. How we say it is just as important. According to Albert Mehrabian, 7 percent of face-to-face communication is words (language), and tone (38 percent). Over the telephone, words hold more weight because if we don’t understand the language used (foreign), then tone becomes irrelevant. Monotone languages (like Malay and English) are easier to learn, whereas multi-tone languages (Mandarin, for instance) are harder to master as there are four tones. Vietnamese has five tones. Apparently, ancient Cantonese had up to nine tones!
Here are some ways to develop mastery over languages:
1) Focus on one language at a time.
2) Mastery is developed through time, so have realistic expectations about your competency.
3) Develop written skills through social media such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and electronic mail.
4) Blogging regularly is a useful approach to writing better and carefully.
5) Condense your writing, so write precisely. Twitter challenges you to write your thoughts within the range of 140 characters including the use of spaces.
6) Seek a coach or mentor to practise your language with. I have spent the past 20 years enhancing my spoken, read and written Mandarin from Mr S T Tang and Mr Albert Tang. I assist them in English and they assist me with my Mandarin. This opportunity has allowed me to teach and train corporate leaders in China.
7) Watch the news and listen to radio.
8) Surround yourself with people who speak the language best, and you will benefit from the immersion process.
9) Enjoy the process!
All the best to my friends racing at tomorrow’s Singapore Biathlon! Have a safe and eventful swim-run.
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