When we were in language class, I remember someone telling me that one measure of being reasonably proficient in a language is "can you explain the electoral college system in that language?"
Today in my Arabic class, I think I discovered (and failed) a new test: can you explain the financial crisis in Arabic? While I had some useful words - interest, Central Bank, investment - I did not have such useful phrases as "mortgage-backed securities" or "treasury bills."
Thankfully they speak English in Trinidad.
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2 comments:
that's ok - the majority of people who are using those terms these days don't know what they mean...
I was once told that dreaming in the language also shows proficiency.
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