Importance of English

[thesearch]

... in response to Importance of English, posted by EARL on Nov 14, 2001


I recommend that one simply not even lot at so as to not get tempted with a lady that does not speak English. There are simply too many women over there to deal with that but, chance will have it that you will see a lady that really gets your attention and bingo you find yourself corresponding with a lady that does not speak English.

[thesearch]

... in response to The best laid plans of men and mice, posted by thesearch on Nov 14, 2001

I recommend that one simply not even look at ladies that do not speak English so as to not get tempted with such ladies. There are simply too many women over there to deal with that but, chance will have it that you will see a lady that really gets your attention and bingo you find yourself corresponding with a lady that does not speak English.

[Oatmeal]

... in response to correction, posted by thesearch on Nov 14, 2001

I should offer another point of view.  

My point should be this.  How many men consider looking for a RW/UW before knowing how to speak her language (even to an intermediate or somewhat beginning level)  Personally I know most men barely can speak just a few words and even then not that well.  

Some men feel compelled to learn the Russian language as they become more involved in the process but by far most men don't even start until after they begin looking.

I know for practical sake that these women should become familiar with English but maybe they are like us in the fact that they want to learn only after they make the decision to look overseas.  It just seems to be a little bit of a double standard that is set up.  

Maybe it will be a personal choice that some men make, to make their experience easier but I think you eliminate some of the most sincere ladies by setting up standards that Western Men cannot uphold themselves.

Would you want some RW/UW to eliminate you because you cannot speak her language.  Think about it.

Just another point of view to consider.
Peace brother.   Jim

[thesearch]

... in response to Re: How about the double standard., posted by Oatmeal on Nov 15, 2001

Some people are better at languages than others. Some people are more busy than others.  The bottom line is that you need to speak the language of the country that you are going to live in. So, if a person was going to move to Russia it would be more important to learn the language for obvious practical reasons. If she is coming here, you do not need to speak Russian. However, if one chooses a lady that does not speak English one could argue that there is a reason to learn Russian to ease the transition period and to show support for her having to learn the language.

Think about this - even when two people can speak the same language, there can be incidents of major misunderstanding that only is resolved with throwing the hot potato back and forth until the real intent of the words that created the confusion is clarified

Regardless of any double standard, not being to be able to communicate effectively increases the challenge of this whole process. Who ever is the person intending to move to another country is the person who has the responsibility to learn the language if it will be their permanent residence and thus, there really IMHO is not a double standard.

[ron]

... in response to Re: How about the double standard., posted by Oatmeal on Nov 15, 2001

jim, i eliminated a lot of women if they could not speak at least a little english

i tried meeting some ladies who could not speak english and it was a complete waste of time. i did not have months to get to know these women, only weeks.

yes i know this meant there were fewer ladies i could meet but those that i could, it was a lot easier in being able to communicate with

[KenC]

... in response to Re: How about the double standard., posted by Oatmeal on Nov 15, 2001

Jim,
It would be a double standard if the couple were to live half the time in Russia.  I offered to learn Russian, but my wife said "why bother?"
KenC

[Bob S.]

... in response to Importance of English, posted by EARL on Nov 14, 2001

Not only would you be swimming up stream, but there would be some real nasty rapids waiting for you down stream.  Check out our previous discussion on this matter in the archived list under "How do you all get around the languages" at
http://www.planet-love.com/wwwboard/russian/archive00122/
IMNSHO, if she is starting out at near zero level English ability, it would take a year of serious intensive study by her before she would be sufficiently proficient enough to handle the transition to life in an English only country.  If she is still only level one and can barely handle basic greetings when she steps off the plane, I would not bet dime one on her ability to endure the hardships associated with the expected culture shock.

[Richard]

... in response to Importance of English, posted by EARL on Nov 14, 2001

I believe that learning english is a sign of sincerity.  I met one woman who knew no english.  She sent me a follow up letter in Russian to me here in the states after my trip. I never heard from here again after I told her I  would not get more involved with her unless she started to learn english.

[KenC]

... in response to Re: Importance of English, posted by Richard on Nov 14, 2001

Richard,
I agree with you on the lack of sincerity if the girl didn't learn at least some basic English.  I cannot understand how some girls can be with agencies for years and still have not put forth the effort to learn English.  I think it is pretty cool that some of the guys here have learned some Russian, but in the end, the woman will still have to convert to English.  How anyone can say they have a relationship with someone that doesn't speak the same language, is beyond me.
KenC

[thesearch]

... in response to Re: Re: Importance of English, posted by KenC on Nov 14, 2001

I feel the same. The way you get to know someone is through communication and verbal is the most concise. When you can not converse except through translation, there are all sorts of misunderstandings that can result also let alone the general barrier that this situation creates. All you know in these cases is that you both are interested in having a marriage partner and you like the way they smile, act, move and how they look. You are merely hoping that when you two can really communicate that you discover that you each are what the other is wanting.

[Charles]

... in response to Importance of English, posted by EARL on Nov 14, 2001

I was not really interested in non-English speaking women.  Certainly if you expect them to come to America the ability to speak English is a necessity for her.  My wife spoke English which has improved considerably since her arrival but she worried for some time about her inadequacy in speaking English.  All things being equal, English is a big plus in my view.

[William]

... in response to Importance of English, posted by EARL on Nov 14, 2001

Most pick up english fairly quickly. Much depends on her willingness to learn and adapt.
You could, of course, have her enroll in a english class(es) there. Use caution though. Make sure she's the one
and on the up and up. Have her check around with her friends and those she works with for a reliable
instructor/school.  Price(on you) will vary widely, so also have her check on price and/or value.
Good luck.