Learning Urdu
My company has just become truly international. For the past couple of years we've had customers all over the world, but we've never had to hire a person permanently in another country before. For some time we've had someone who works for us on a contract basis in India, but not had anyone directly on the payroll overseas. A week or so ago we hired our first overseas employee. That's a big step for us.
Our new colleague is based in Karachi, Pakistan and I suspect I will be the person who liases the most with him. I have therefore decided to start learning Urdu. Having completely failed at languages at school mainly through lack of interest I am going to really try hard and learn at least the basics. Farhan comes to the UK in just 3 weeks time and I hope to meet and greet him from the plane in reasonable Urdu. Fingers crossed.
My training course arrived today and I intend to be able to count to 20 by the end of my journey to work tomorrow. Doing a bit each day I hope I will at least get a few basic phrases and hope to learn from there and develop at least the ability to introduce myself to our customers in Pakistan and exchange pleasantries.
I'm expecting to be back in Pakistan sometime in November, so I need to put some real effort in to this.
3 comments:
How fantastic. I too failed at languages at school but I guess as we get older things are more interesting. Good Luck and Khuda hafiz
Thanks Jo. It's hard work. I had the numbers playing to me in the car today in an attempt to learn them. I know up to 5 with confidence now, but beyond that I am struggling. I will succeed!
Simon... forget the numbers! All you really need to learn is "Take to your best curry!"
:o)
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