Comunicatus Blog
Is it really possible to learn a foreign language on-line?
by Lucia Marguglio on 08/12/10
Since technology has evolved to a higher level, on-line courses have become popular as a way to learn a foreign language without leaving your work or family. The trend towards on-line learning raises the question of just how effective online education is compared to traditional education.
For the rare individuals who have a flair for languages, a fair amount of self-discipline, and good time management skills, they probably are able to learn on-line, but most adult learners struggle to learn, understand, and pronounce properly. The Internet is a good place to start learning a foreign language with literally hundreds of websites offering free audio and video language lessons that are great to memorize common phrases. These can be considered good tools (but tools none the less) that are useful as a preparation for a higher or more intensive form of language learning. Discussion forums or interactive resources are a good way to practice the language, especially if you are not exposed to it in your own environment.
The challenge with on-line courses is personalizing the learning experience. It is like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. The important difference is that interactions for traditional courses are face-to-face, which online classes now attempt to approximate but cannot duplicate. Teachers are actively pushing student thinking, forcing them to explain, questioning their decisions, correcting pronunciation, and providing real world situations to challenge student learning, which online versions cannot do since computers are still fact oriented rather than critical thinking oriented.
Although developing fluency in a foreign language typically requires years of intensive study, learning a language for a specific purpose like English for Aviation, becomes more manageable and attainable in closed-focus-group format and total immersion. The key for success is access to quality information followed by access to quality interaction that challenges and supports the learner to attach the new to the known.
The web can definitely be a positive force in education reform and a door to new educational possibilities but it will never replace the prime advantages of face-to-face facilitators, and live expert tutors, which provide personal attention to each student`s areas of difficulty and specific needs.
Aviation English: Is culture a factor?
by Lucia Marguglio on 06/15/10
When we think of Aviation English courses for pilots, we think of improving the language proficiency level and developing communication skills that will enable pilots to effectively handle situations in routine work situations or unexpected turn of events that may occur within the context of their work situation.
In reality, language is not the only factor that needs to be addressed in an Aviation English program. Culture, as it turns out, is a major factor that needs to be addressed, especially for new pilots emerging in developing countries. Although countries like China are experiencing rapid economic growth, the culture and mentality in countries with such a long history, deep-rooted culture, and strong work ethics cannot evolve at the same speed.
Culture of a society comprises the shared values, understandings, assumptions, and goals that are learned from earlier generations, imposed by present members of a society, and passed on to succeeding generations. Values are a society’s ideas about what is good or bad, right or wrong and determine how individuals will probably respond in any given circumstance. For pilots in command reflecting aspects of their culture, such as hierarchy, can pose a major safety concern of which language has nothing to do with.
Cultural diversity should be integrated in any language course so that participants become aware of cultural differences, learn to get out of your comfort zone, continuously check communication and celebrate differences!
Comunicatus featured in Journal des Affaires
by Lucia Marguglio on 03/03/10
Journal des Affaires was looking for a growing business in a niche market and came across Comunicatus: two women entrepreneurs taking advantage of a new regulation governing the English language proficiency requirements for international pilots and air traffic controllers. The Marguglio sisters, language specialists, partnered with the CQFA, a continuing education specialist for pilots, to join forces and offer a unique training center for the aeronautical industry. To view the translated English article, click here.
