tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31417199.post4903090225896211848..comments2023-12-14T11:26:51.959-05:00Comments on Life After Jerusalem: LanguageDiggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03856750834804127824noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31417199.post-3988565723909517032011-09-30T17:25:17.171-04:002011-09-30T17:25:17.171-04:00Thanks for that. I am tenured, and I have been pro...Thanks for that. I am tenured, and I have been promoted before, but I got passed over for promotion this time. Hopefully next year.Diggerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03856750834804127824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31417199.post-39478995683484375072011-09-30T15:33:40.396-04:002011-09-30T15:33:40.396-04:00Your understanding of why it's important to sp...Your understanding of why it's important to speak the native language, particularly in a country like Estonia where their language was outlawed for decades by an occupier, shows an admirable appreciation and respect for the local culture. This is even more commendable after realizing that you've sacrificed getting tenured sooner in order to maintain that respect. I'm taking the FSOA this winter so I'm not in the system and don't know all the intricacies, but I would imagine that someone who puts (1) respect for the local culture and history; (2) Americans' reputations in general; and (3) communication skills ahead of individual goals would be an ideal candidate for tenure. <br /><br />Also, thanks for the comment on my meager blog. I hadn't checked it in almost a year and was honored to find out that you somehow managed to find it and read my posts.The Chiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02236877852095773544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31417199.post-34052363773901743602011-09-05T04:02:52.350-04:002011-09-05T04:02:52.350-04:00Foreign Service Officers are more effective, in th...Foreign Service Officers are more effective, in the short term, when they have a working command of the language of country-of-assignment.<br /><br />Long term, that language ability forms part of the Foreign Service's bank of intellectual capital that underpins its ability to bring value-added to diplomacy and to policy-makers abroad and in Washington. Kudos to you.<br /><br />p.s. I didn't get promoted this time either, for much the same reason as you. Better luck (to us both) next year.Consul-At-Armshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04391037582103556978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31417199.post-11081775618735192082011-09-04T04:46:29.261-04:002011-09-04T04:46:29.261-04:00I have enjoyed reading your recent posts about lan...I have enjoyed reading your recent posts about language. I live in the Czech Republic and have faced similar challenges learning the local language. I get similar reactions, "Why do you bother?", or "Everyone speaks English way better than you can ever hope to learn such a difficult language, so what's the point". <br /><br />The point is exactly what you said. It is important to speak the language of the country you call home, even if it is for a short time. The message learning the local language sends to the locals is a positive one. It was comments like the ones l listed and you mentioned that motivated me to keep trying. <br /><br />I could especially relate to your post about the movers saying "they" said that you didn't speak a word of Estonian. I found myself in a similar situation when I visited the doctor for a routine onboarding physical for a new job. When I started speaking Czech, the doctor was surprised and said, "But I was told you didn't speak Czech". Although it was written on the resume that got me hired! After 14 years I still get people trying to switch to English when they hear my accent. I realize that most of the time they are just trying to accommodate, but it still stings my pride. I suppose some things will never change. Good for you for not listening to the nay sayers.foxlangservhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12478933256027752330noreply@blogger.com