When learning any foreign language, a crucial part of this process is the development of the feeling of freedom while expressing. One of the effective approaches in this regard might be talking to recipients of a speech in a native language. It may free one’s flow of thoughts and establish relationships of trust, which helps an interlocutor to understand a message and emotion that the speaker tries to convey. In this paper, the example of the implementation of the mentioned exercise will be discussed.
As Maria was speaking about her inconvenience when she talks in Spanish, her native language, to those who cannot understand it, I was touched by her traits and thoughts. She is a very kind and emotional person who cares about her interlocutors and about being heard. Moreover, it might seem that Maria’s situation regarding expressing herself in the second language is quite common. A plethora of people trying to improve their speaking face the problem of the lack of confidence, not to mention the expression in a foreign language.
The constant work, practice, and self-reflection with a creative approach might be crucial elements of solving the issue mentioned, which is one of the main ideas of the counselor (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2018). When Maria said some phrases in Spanish and told about her relief, I felt the same and recognized that she evoked empathy in me for her and everyone who struggles to overcome this language hardship.
The critical point of the video transcript might be the fact that after Maria talked in her first language, she started feeling better and realized that all group members were included. They did not distinguish what exactly she was saying but understood her message and emotions. The groupmates stated that they felt the power, connection with Maria, and inclusion (Corey et al., 2018). Hence, the idea of asking the members to sometimes speak in their primary language might contain significant potential.
Such an action from Maria demonstrated the efficiency of this approach as everyone not only understood the idea she was trying to express but also was pleased to listen to her. Moreover, Maria felt good and comfortable while talking in Spanish to the ones who did not know this language. Thus, using the tip discussed, a person might be more powerful and sure in what he or she is trying to explain.
The issue of confidentiality is another critical point to discuss. Confidentiality protects the legal and ethical interests of all groupmates. However, there might be a situation when the limits of confidentiality are to be defined in order to ensure the benefits of being a group member (Kelly, 2017). For instance, regarding the group described, it was essential to reveal that Maria’s native language is Spanish, Vivian is Vietnamese, and Tony’s first language is English.
Of course, the most appropriate way to deal with privacy is consent among groupmates about confidentiality limits and implementation. Hence, I would raise this issue at the outset of the group. I would state, “confidentiality is important for us; nevertheless, to gain maximum from our meeting, let’s discuss what information we shall disclose and come to a consent.” After a decision, the process of the communication might be smoother and more convenient.
It seems reasonable to assume that expressing thoughts in a primary language might be a beneficial and effective action to undertake to gain confidence and power while speaking in a foreign tongue. The described group meeting showed that the recipients of Maria’s speech understood her and felt included during the Spanish expressions. Then, it was stated that I would raise the issue of confidentiality at the outset of the group to provide the members with the opportunity to gain as much benefit as possible.
References
Corey, M.S., Corey, G., & Corey, C. (2018). Groups: Process and practice (10th Ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Kelly, B. D. (2017). Confidentiality and privacy in the setting of involuntary mental health care: What standards should apply? Ethics, Medicine and Public Health, 3(1), 90–97.