h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I saw an ad in the paper today - looking for a native English (British) speaker for conversation practice. something I could do in the evening, here - and I like it. So I called the woman. Unfortunately she lives too far away, but when I had spoken to her for a while, she said - "oh but I really want a native speaker, you're German, aren't you?"

very chuffed about that!

*preens*

She's going to call if she can't find anyone else. Let's hope...

Here I was thinking you had a yorkshire accent

oh no!
(I have to mention, that I was actually speaking to her in German, which is why I was so flattered that she thought I was German. I've had nary a proper German lesson in my life, I've mostly learned by ear - I did do a course in the Arms. 'Nuff said)



Most German people think I have a Dutch accent when I speak German (which is plausible since I live very close to the Netherlands)

And one or two dimwits have thought that when I speak English I have a German accent. (Rowlocks to them :P)

But when I speak English to non dimwits,I speak what is usually referred to as BBC English (unless I'm in Sheffield where I do adopt a vaguely native tone)


you'll find out if we ever get a Sheffield meet organised!

Well that should buck you up a bit. Well done you!!

I wish I could teach - it would be a cushy way out of this abominable treadmill. However, I'm starting to think about looking. (Wish I was out already, I'm going to have to go to the office on Saturday)

That's given you a confidence boost, I bet

after the week I've had - yep it was a boost

TC - teaching is great fun, I did it during my maternity leave. Conversation is good - not as structured as teaching, and you can have as many or as few "students" as you like.

I also have the benefit of access to the BBC etc, so we could look at the news or something and chat about that - which I find is a goood way of keeping things current and "real"

I've tried teaching classes and one-on-one, adults and kids. I'm useless, I think I would single-handedly put the local community centre out of business with people leaving my classes in hordes.

looking back, I think I should have retaken my A-levels and gone to be a teacher.

If I'd done my degree as everyone said I should, instead of running off to join the Army, I'd be able to convert it over here on a teacing course and be an English teacher. In a primary school would suit me fine.

ho hum... too late now.

It's NEVER (underline, underline, underline) too late

But HOW would she do it, living in Germany? There isn't anything like A-levels here.

You can do degrees and A levels with the Open University. A friend of mine did it. (She lives here in Germany too)

But to teach English, it doesn't matter where you get your qualifications. If she's going to teach in Germany, German qualifications would be better, but she'll be a before she's finished with the system here as it is!

she can't afford it (to give up work, or the time)
and since most German teachers don't seem to finish studying and start work until they're in their 30s, I'd be nearly at retirement age...

so in that respect, yep, it's too late

however, eventually I'll get the dosh together to start the OU thing I have my eye on...

oh and I did English A-level about 14 years ago while living here by correspondence (before the widespread availability of the WWW and emails so now I guess it would be easier)

it was fantastic and I loved it (and got a B despite not managing to study 2 of the books - because I joined the course very late just before the books were to change, otherwise I'd have had to wait a year)

Very proud of myself for that.

And so you should be

*preens*

Well done! I did English A level, but I think I only got a C. And that was when I was young and fresh and not distracted by kids. (But I can still speak English, so I think I've done OK since.)

If you did a degree with the Open UNiverstiy it certainly would be quicker than doing the German thing. But universities here will take anyone - I know of several people who do not have any specific qualifications but are lecturers in their own language.