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Picture - A Bridge from Where to Where - by Nigel A. JAMES
In Austria,
it is widely believed that refugees must have a good knowledge of
German in order to work, settle, and integrate. This is far from the
truth. Here is a story.
Last week, I
was down at the market buying a chicken. The chicken stall was a
small one-man stand, and the man who was selling the chickens was
clearly quite happy. And, even though his German was practically
nil, he was doing a very good job. Good morning, thank you, the
price, and have a nice day were enough. And, of course, the
non-spoken as well. His genuine smile. And, people who smile are
usually very nice people. And, we got talking.
The chicken
seller had been in Austria for just 6 very short months. His start
hadn't been easy. He had arrived here with practically nothing at
all. And, he had succeeded. He had established a living. And,
selling grilled chickens had happened by chance, not design. When
down at the bottom, one must be prepared to do everything and never
say no. And, his earnings were thanks to ambition and very hard
work. And, they were enough for his needs and much more as well.
And, the
chicken seller had dignity. too. He was earning his very own money.
He had his own little business. His life was his own. And, more
importantly, the chicken seller had become an important part of
Austrian life. Everyone everywhere loves a nice tasty chicken for
lunch.
But, of
course, the chicken seller was no refugee. The chicken seller was
from the far west of Europe. A very poor region of Portugal. But,
the dynamics were exactly the same for him and the refugees. But,
with a very big difference. The chicken seller had the full right to
work. For him, no restrictions at all. A dignified life. The
refugees not!
If language
is really the bridge to a very good job, then learn English not
German. However, if German's the key to a full life in Austria
(which it is), start working and German will come on its own. One
doesn't need much to get by, and your interests will lead to the
language you need.
So, work is
the right bridge to language, not the other way round. And, the
chicken seller, too, speaks very good English and has a very good
life. Having one's very own money is the same as controlling one's
life. Something that everyone wants.
Work is
everyone's right! So, let's work together, Have a nice day!
