Overcoming language barriers
Being able to communicate effectively in English is often essential to achieving success both inside and outside of the classroom.
WHEN Sergey Smolin arrived in South Africa three years ago he spoke no English. The only thing he could say admittedly was ‘hello’. A native of the city of Vladivostok, Russia, Sergey decided to complete Grades 11 and 12 in South Africa order to get into university.
The Durban North College pupil said his biggest adversity at the time was the language barrier. “I had already completed my schooling in Russia but I couldn’t get into university without a matric certificate. So I decided to tough it out and learn English. At first there were lots of misunderstandings and I found it very difficult to break the language barrier but as time went on I found it easier to communicate,” he said.
After completing matric the 19-year-old said he would like to pursue a career in graphic design. “I’m pretty happy, I got what I wanted and I worked really hard. But I couldn’t have done it without the patience of dedication of my teachers,” he explained.
When asked about the differences in the education system between South Africa and Russia, Sergey simply replied it’s not as anarchic. “I didn’t know what to expect when I came to South Africa but I found the people extremely friendly. People are always smiling. In Russian schools there is no discipline and you don’t have a choice in subjects, but teachers are given more respect here,” he said.
