Planning to learn more Bahasa, or not really a priority?

[langpats]

Hi all! I’m conducting research on why some internationals in Indonesia learn Bahasa while others don’t, even after many years of living here. This research project, LangPats, is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).​

I’d really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete the LangPats research survey, conducted through Erasmus University Rotterdam. As a thank-you, you can enter a draw to win a dinner for two

Take the survey here:
https://leidenuniv.eu.qualtrics.com/.../SV...

You can also follow the project and future results here:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585011022740

The research explores which expats are more or less likely to learn and use Bahasa and why. For example, how do factors like age, nationality, gender, type of expat role, or overall life satisfaction shape language experiences?

While the initial focus is on European expats, everyone is welcome to participate and join the prize draw.

The project has received full ethical approval.

Thank you very much!
Nathan

 

[Helpful Herbert]

Completed, thanks

 

[langpats]

Completed, thanks

Thank you! I am really glad to involve more expats from Indonesia. We've got lots from Northeast Asia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia but Indonesia so far is under represented. Thanks for your support!

 

[vocalneal]

Every site I have worked on in Indonesia the "Site Language" was English so there seemed litle point. I did pick up a smattering so I could issue basic instructions to my fellow workers; but as for actual conversation none.
Having a technical background I could get by off-site with paper and pencil. IE. a guy in a motorcycle store speaks "motorcycle" doesn't really matter about nationality.
Dua bir terima kasih

 

[langpats]

Every site I have worked on in Indonesia the "Site Language" was English so there seemed litle point. I did pick up a smattering so I could issue basic instructions to my fellow workers; but as for actual conversation none.
Having a technical background I could get by off-site with paper and pencil. IE. a guy in a motorcycle store speaks "motorcycle" doesn't really matter about nationality.
Dua bir terima kasih

That is so interesting! So, even for Indonesians sites are often default English? I can imagine that context and need drive what people learn or don't learn. I know that there are things here in Holland that I have had to do, and now can only do in Dutch, even thought I am a native speaker of English. Simply because of context (or lack of it).

 

[Balifrog]

Every site I have worked on in Indonesia the "Site Language" was English so there seemed litle point. I did pick up a smattering so I could issue basic instructions to my fellow workers; but as for actual conversation none.
Having a technical background I could get by off-site with paper and pencil. IE. a guy in a motorcycle store speaks "motorcycle" doesn't really matter about nationality.
Dua bir terima kasih

On major projects (subway, high speed rail, highrise buildings, dams..) there will be often some overseas companies present. There will be a lot of expats from various origins, hence the facto language will be English for meetings, reports and daily life.
Speaking amongst yourselves in your native language in a meeting is considered very rude, although a favorite game for Koreans...

Among professionnals of a certain trade you all have a common point, you speak the language of the trade as @vocalneal mentioned, and a quick sketch goes a long way.
I was a mechanic on construction machinery, everywhere I worked I did my best to teach technical english to my staff, mechanics, electricians, welders, store keepers..
Basically because words like crankshaft or piston ring often don't exist in the local language, and anyway the manuals or spare part books will be in English.
Besides that I think it is better that 10 of them learn English that will be usefull during whole their career than single me learning basic Thai that I will use only a few years.

Funny enough with my 3 kids, all fluent in French, English and Thai we often speak English, specially if the subject is computing or computer games.

 

[vocalneal]

This is the English I taught at my last job. It was hilarious to watch Indonesians telling Indians "Very Interesting"

 

[Helpful Herbert]

"I hope you are well" = "I literally have no interest in your health but I have to write something at the beginning of the email"
"Friendly reminder" = "If you don't do it this time I'm going to get really angry"
"The new boss sees great opportunities for your department" = "If your results don't improve in a matter of months you're all going to be fired"

 

[El_Goretto]

I'm glad my fellow mod deleted all the non-sense in this thread!

Back to the topic, I filled out the survey and I thought it was well made. Not too long and the questions were relevant. It kinda forced me to look back at my time here and how I've dealt with the language.