My career included 10 years based in Germany, working directly with German engineers and constructors. My command of German was indispensable in dealing with my counterparts and in developing personal relationships that maintained mutual respect and co
operation. This included working in both ASTM and DIN standards and negotiating conflicts in these standards and practices, as well as learning the how and why of the differences in our standards. This resulted in a deeper understanding of these practices, which occasionally had to be explained to monolingual coworkers who's knowledge was limited to US practices.
While working in Newly Independent Countries of the former Soviet Union, German was often a shared second language with the local engineers and locals that greatly facilitated construction and life in general during a difficult time. It felt rewarding to recognize "international" words used in multiple countries (i.e., beton for concrete) and facilitated communication.
The language also allowed for discussions with the hand workers – skilled technicians who could explain their practices, limitations, and basis for executing a task in a specific fashion.
A depth in the language also leads to appreciation of cultural communication differences, in open frankness of expression (without insult) as well as delicacy in terminology where needed. In discussing the equivalency of P.E. in the different countries, and daily practice the extreme complexities of requirements between education and experience and testing led me to the simple (personal) standard: If the engineer can stamp the plans with the authority and responsibility to build it, it is equivalent. Thus P.E., Dipl Ing, Ing., and Prof. Ing. Are equivalent, at least until the specific certification boards become involved.
Yes, speaking a second language tremendously impacted my career and effectiveness.
Ronald Matviyak, P.E. (Ret.), M. ASCE
Anchorage, Alaska
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Ronald Matviyak P.E., M.ASCE
OWNER
Mat Viak Engineering
Anchorage AK
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2019 06:44 PM
From: Natalya Sokolovskaya
Subject: Foreign languages and engineering
Did speaking a foreign language have an impact on your engineering career?
While speaking another language is great for personal fulfillment, I was surprised by how few times it was useful for me professionally.
In ten or so years working for small to medium companies, it only came up twice, and one of the times was during an internship abroad.
Curious if others have had a different experience. I suspect, things are different at larger international firms and companies outside of the US.
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Natalya Sokolovskaya P.E.,M.ASCE
Wynnewood PA
(323)382-6176
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