Among Heinen's staff are a person fluent in Polish, one in Italian and another from Great Britain. And though he's comfortable with his English, he is not beyond deferring to the British woman for help with English-language contracts and other legal issues. The words look funny being forced to use the ae, ue, oe combinations. He didn't use his French during a recent business trip to Beirut where everybody ended up speaking English. Gaining fluency in another language is not impossible, even if you're over 35, says Michelle Stark-Strong, owner and director of the Language School International in Acton.
Achievement is based on individual goals and aptitude, as well as the language to be studied.
Asian languages may be more challenging because they have different characters, she says. But we have students in the Spanish classes who started as beginners and now they conduct all of their business in Spanish. Negotiating tips Designate spokesperson, notetaker and silent observer. Discuss major considerations first. Don't give in too quickly.