English is one of the trickier languages to learn if you are already fluent in one of the other 7000 languages used around the world. The benefits of traveling abroad for college speak for themselves in ways such as developing cultural awareness and expanding your skillset as a citizen of the world. Still, in this tutor’s experience, those benefits can be overshadowed by the divides a language barrier can erect. As a multilingual writer you might find yourself caught in a whirlwind of expectations as you learn the eccentricities of the English Language while also being expected to apply it in odd ways. You might even be looking for some help navigating it all. Below are some general tips to keep in mind for our multilingual writers who are thinking about scheduling a visit to the Ball State Writing Center.

Come Eager

This piece of advice might seem a bit redundant, but in my experience one of the biggest things that can harm a multilingual writer’s session is stagnation born from apprehension. When you’re learning something new it is very easy to focus on what you aren’t succeeding in and because of that you can be dissuaded and it shows when a student is hesitant during a session. Something to know about the Writing Center is that we are in the business of process-based practices, which means that we do our best to help you the most when we are engaging in the process of writing. We won’t just give you the answers but rather help you learn and develop the answer yourself. That all starts with a desire to engage in that process despite any errors you might repeat. Giving yourself permission to practice despite the possibility of error will help that
process move and in your eagerness more can be accomplished during your session, so don’t let anxiety drag you down before you’ve even begun.

Focus on a Method of Communication

This one is dependent on your current level of skill in the English Language and if you’re further along in your study you might not need to think on this, but something to consider is how you might potentially communicate with your tutor regarding technical points of your class/major/assignment that you’re not sure how to articulate yet. Don’t think of this as an area where you’re failing, as it’s almost always the case that when you learn a language you’ll focus on conversation and grammar at first before learning more specialized vocabulary, but it is something you might want to prepare for. Things such as online translators or even a notepad can be a big help in clarifying details that you’re not sure how to transcribe to your tutor.

Follow Ups

When a session draws to a close, it’s not uncommon to forget a few things your tutor instructed you on during the session. Practices such as note taking and repetition can help, but there are other ways to remember. One way is a client report form that your tutor fills out where they summarize your session and at your request this can be sent to your inbox. This is one of the practices tutors undergo to establish continuity for the center and for students looking to improve, keeping this summary as a reminder of your session can be helpful: especially if you asked your tutor to reiterate any advice they gave you that you can refer back to when you’re on your own. Something to also
consider is that you can schedule another session with the same tutor, building comradery with someone who is already briefed on your needs and style of writing. You can also look through the list of our talented tutors and find someone who might be more experienced in the things you want help on or even speak your native language. Just remember that the Writing Center is here to assist after your first session concludes in more ways than one. All you have to do is ask.

So with these tips in mind, come’on over. We’re happy to help every writer flourish regardless of the language that dances at the end of their pen.