Task 4B/C, Question 7

What are the issues around working within a foreign environment: Even when there is no language barrier, is language still a problem and do cultural differences have an effect on this?  

Teacher 1

You should know this better than anyone now you're in Beijing!!!

Teacher 2
No response

Teacher 3
Obviously iv had no experience of this but yes I think that a language barrier could cause big problems when trying to tell students how u want something to look or feel. Demonstration helps a great deal but I feel u need to understand your teacher

Teacher 4
Yes. For a Chinese to travel and train in an non-vocational school in UK may struggle with the lack of discipline. The Chinese parents may struggle with the red tape which hinders many teachers being the teacher they want to be. (This is a massive general point I have just made. I am simply generalising and know that there are many good schools in the UK. There are more fodder schools than product schools though.)

I think if both parties communicate in English, Language can still be a problem as phrases, or sarcasm can be misinterpreted. Mannerisms can be mis-understood.... even simple things like swearing in the UK are different words to the USA. You also have to be aware of the religious differences surrounding you and how this could be irritated by simply playing the wrong music or giving out Christmas candy in December.

BAPP Student
With regards to question 7 as long as you can count to 8 in that specific language you should be able to teach dance anywhere!! (joking) My good friend teaches in France regularly and never seems to have a problem and he doesn't know the language. I think confidence and preparation are key factors in teaching in various different cultures. Have you experienced difficulties before?