Do you know what ‘keep an open mind’ means?
It means to accept and be open to different ideas or ways of thinking.
English is now often used in international business and research. And for these people using English, it is often not their first language. Around the world, many more people use English as a second (or foreign) language than a first language. Maybe they are Chinese people using English. May be they are Indian people using English.
Also, people from different countries often use English differently. They often have different accents or use different phrases or expressions. It may sound strange to you. It maybe more difficult to understand. But, it will probably be the same for them.
Remember, there is no ‘best accent’ or ‘best way’ to speak English. All English types are equal. Also, don’t worry too much about making mistakes. The most important thing is to be able to communicate effectively. You may need to check things more with the speaker. You may need to ask them to slow down. But this is okay (see link below for language you can use).
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In the same way, English speakers can also come from a range of different cultures. These cultures are often different to English-first-language-country cultures. They may have certain clothing or accessories (eg. head scarves) they need to wear. They may have routines they need to follow (eg. a prayer time). There may be some foods or drinks they cannot have.
So try to keep an open mind. English is for everyone, not just for first-language speakers.
Also, hearing different English accents and types helps build your listening skills. Speaking to a variety of people can also help you learn about different countries and cultures.
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Extra tip! Before meeting people from different countries, try to find out about their country and culture in advance. What are their famous foods? What famous people are from their country? What sports do they play? Maybe you can try learning a few words or simple phrases from their first language to impress them. This should help your business or research go more smoothly. |
Related links
How can I check when I don’t understand in a conversation?