2 Billion Voices: How to speak bad English perfectly | Heather Hansen | TEDxOdense

There are 2.4 Billion English speakers in the world, and 2 Billion of them learned the language in a classroom. Many say they speak “bad English,” but when 5 times more people speak “bad English” than “good,” how do we decide which language is best?
In this talk, global communication specialist Heather Hansen takes a look at the other side of English, where 2 Billion voices have created a flexible, adaptable and accommodating space for global English communication. What can we learn from the 2 Billion voices when we really listen? What happens when the natives suddenly become the foreigners - not in their own land, but in their own language? For every 1 person born into English, there are 5 who migrate to this language when communicating internationally. On a global scale, this quite literally means
that there are more voices that stand out, than fit in.
Heather Hansen is director of the corporate training firm Global Speech
Academy where she helps talented global professionals speak with clarity and confidence in international settings. It’s hard to imagine anyone more qualified to do her job, since Heather knows all about global communication first hand, after having lived in 6 different countries already! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Semiosphereconsulting]

"We should listen in a way that makes people want to speak" ...yes, this. Ms Hansen is a very smart woman. She gets it when it comes to what is important in human communication.

[@maryannryan9423]

As an ESL teacher of five years, this TED talk SOOOOOO captures many of the thoughts I've had over these years. Thank you Heather Hanson!

[@moanayoon5817]

As a bad^^ English speaker, thank you for sharing your thought & understanding.

[@donnadurbin6939]

Great talk, Heather. Thanks for connecting our global neighborhood through respect and understanding.

[@graciawijaya]

Thank you for sharing. You've opened my eyes and my heart. Thank you for inspiring me! 🖤

[@shakilasubiah7221]

You nailed it! This is insightful and exactly what the world needs to hear from a professional as yourself. I wish I could hit the million likes for this amazing & awakening sharing. I'm a recruiter, so I resonate with your message deeply. I've seen for decades the struggle of jobseekers to be understood by recruiters, hiring managers and HR. It's time to turn the table!

[@robertwoodward4759]

Great message, and well delivered. I have worked with people from around the world for decades, and am regularly impressed by the knowledge and intellect of those who might be undermined by an imperfect language delivery. Your emphasis on listening skills is noted as a huge differentiator in bridging that potential gap. Great job Heather!

[@speechmarkscoaching8949]

A fascinating perspective on use of the English Language from a very well qualified speaker.

[@analeguizamon1663]

Amazing! I really enjoyed the video. I totally agree with her ideas. She is focusing on human communication and helping us to open our minds!

[@adrianpachay5681]

Powerful conclusion. Thanks

[@fantasyland0]

Simply brilliant... loved it.

[@julienneryan3698]

I love this session. You are addressing so many wonderful points about the magic of language.

[@sherriwilliams6674]

Great talk, Heather! I love the perspective that the listener also has a responsibility to "tune their ear" to the sounds of other accents, and not insist that everyone lose/reduce their native accent when speaking English. Accents are a big part of our identity, and especially in a world where non-native English speakers outnumber native ones 5 to 1, it's so important to be prepared so we can embrace all the varieties of English that we'll encounter.

[@waqarahmad7675]

Absolutely right

[@m49nguyen]

Well said, I love your talk!

[@elysunrise1087]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@fahimaabdi2870]

So, please I'm begging you keep speaking up; keep sharing your ideas with the world because as long as you can understand and you're being understood then you're speaking bad english perfectly❤ Thnk u madam. awesome speach

[@oliasleptsova6327]

Heather, you are the best!!!

[@LindleyCraigAsia]

Wow! What a great message. For me I completely agree that it's about the listening rather than the speaking. I teach this in my NLP Coaching Certification as well. It's not about what we say but how we listen that is important. In NLP we teach about different "languages" of communication based on sensory systems like auditory, visual and kinaesthetic. My students find it just as hard to listen to/speak in a different sensory system as it is in a different language. So, in reality it's about getting really good at listening with flexibility, with curiosity and as Heather points out, without judgment. And as Heather also pointed out, it's important to take the time to know the audience and have a communication plan; an OUTCOME as to what we are trying to get across.

[@naelsonsousa9276]

Awesome message Heather !!.. I personally struggle with sports analogies and others cultural aspects when speaking English....I agree that most of people are afraid to talk and that reality could be changed if the 0.4 Billion insiders started to spread culturally two things you mentioned: The accent recognition concept and the beauty on our differences. ...Loved it !!

[@heatherhansen]

Thank you for your comments, Naelson!

[@mostunbelievablemotivition4506]

Nice speech , more understandable and perfect idea and best solutions to this problem..!!!

[@LucasFernandes-tk3hd]

You are so kindly. Thanks.

[@heidarhamidvand7581]

Thank you 🙏. So interesting. Accent recognition.

[@jentaylor8132]

That’s really great, Heather. I have thought the same for a long time. We all own the right to communicate, no-one owns English as a Lingua Franca.

[@waqarahmad7675]

You are right dear

[@when_times_get_tough]

a brilliant speech, thank you 👏

[@deboranestal9597]

Excellent! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏Speak up and don't be afraid. It's a super human speech, because we make mistakes.💐

[@IATEFLBESIG]

Wonderful talk by Heather. I hope that more teachers will realize that communication is the key and not "perfection." Making students fit a mold does more to dissuade learners than give them the tools, the confidence and the skills that they need. Students should stop trying to be "native-like" and learn how to get their message understood. Great job Heather.

[@sharonr814]

Teachers have already been doing that for years. There are always a few old school ones around but they are becoming fewer by the day..

[@coreyv8150]

I'm a non-native English teacher and I always put a cultural element in my lessons. I teach English in the Netherlands so most of my students speak English to other non-native speakers. Many of my students want to sound 'English', but a lot of the language they want to use is language their conversation partners don't understand. Another thing I do is, when they tell me they want to sound like a native speaker, is show them a video of a Glaswegian or someone from the deep south in the US. They then tell me that that is not what they want. I then tell them that they have to work on understanding others when they speak and on being understood themselves. It makes them grow in confidence immensely.

[@guillermomontt9832]

That was a really meaningful talk

[@annadobysh1420]

Gratitudes for such splended speach. It's crusial for all of us don't affraid of making mistakes while speaking. I struggle with my speaking skills on a daily basis and dream that one day will Come and i will really achieve my fluency, confidence.

[@RafiyaSultanaSpeaker]

This is so beautiful way of breaking the patterns of myths around speaking English. This is the first time that I heard something like this . Thank you Heather Hansen for this amazing speech.👏👏👌

[@asaleaisidro]

Excellent!!!!!!!!! Outstanding message!!!!!! This video will be one of my favorites to hear not just only ten times :) Thank you!

[@renatobray]

My bad english is becoming almost perfect. Being perfect in my own imperfection. Heather Hansen is a great speaker and listener. I must say it has been inspiring to me.

[@lovelysmerkovsky632]

You said so

[@siobhanmarkwell3719]

Great points. Not necessarily accurate about the beliefs or practice of English teachers though i.e. that only one form of English grammar and pronunciation is correct! We have appreciated Heather's points for many, many years. As an English teacher of 25 years standing, working in one of the most multicultural areas in London, I'd say that communication, not a specific prestige variety of "accurate" English is key. Having said that, there are some students, maybe one in 20, who EVERYONE finds hard to understand. They DO need help to communicate effectively. Conversely, I've met a few people who do try to assert their superiority over others, or even humiliate them, because they don't speak English (or another language) "properly". These people clearly have self-worth issues...so if you've ever been victimised by one, remember that it's they who have the problem, not you! Funnily enough, most of my students say that most listeners are patient, understanding and helpful. There's hope!

[@geogarmx]

I am also an English teacher and I agree with your comment.

[@andreazanardelli8315]

0

[@sharonr814]

Totally agree, Her comments, sad to say, are very outdated. I also have been teaching online for several years.

[@nobukoyasunaka1153]

1

[@1timbarrett]

Most people come to foreign language lessons hoping to develop a neutral accent that can be understood.

[@SODEKA987]

Thank you 🙏. Now that I stop worrying about my accent, I can focus more on advancing my ideas and creativity.

[@anthonyfermin9703]

Very good , I loved her.

[@simonyann699]

That’s really great.Respect !👍

[@ahmadroshan7803]

I am agree with you and you attention to the best thing

[@AbdulBarikOfficialVlogfun]

Thanks for this informative content.

[@jammelagacusan6295]

Its actually a great talk, I do hope I improve my english.

[@dariozea1474]

I came here because I have homework to do about this video, but after seeing it I have homework to do with my students. IT'S A GREAT VIDEO THANKS!

[@nayuamitriabud7264]

Excellent ❤

[@SergioLino.]

As a non-native English speaker, I can assure you that is easier to speak and understand non-natives than natives. We made a great effort and investment to learn English, but they sometimes don't make any effort to help us to understand them... it's not fair

[@kristofferrobinn8303]

It’s appreciated speech. I study English, it’s needed for my job. And every time when I want to say something on meeting I’m afraid how it will be sound it’s correct or not.

[@johnlungu4665]

Lovely,

[@rml7373]

I really like the idea of "bad" English. But I have to say as non-native speaker, I do have trouble understanding the speech of a speaker with heavy accent (even worse with the heavy accent of those native speakers).

[@seangreene8893]

Well said, I totally endorse this perspective. (Perfect) language is a sub-element of communication

[@keepmovn8039]

I have a bad habbit to prioritize culture/background than language. Language is to understand the talk. Culture/background is to merge remotely. Feeling is to get into the intimate zone. Whichever english are used, understanding one's culture/background puts you in a better relationship.

[@roseforeuropa]

11:06 British people, please, please, please, take note.

[@danielarodriguezminsky9643]

This is SO encouraging!!!!!!!! 😢😢😢🥺🥺🥺🥺❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Thank you soooo much!!!!! Right now I have been nervous of starting teaching art in my second language (English) and I have been more worried about my English than about the classes contents. This talk has shown me the way back to what I should be paying more attention to ❤

[@kasunchathuranga2159]

Love you ❤

[@ibrahimsky]

If you speak with an accent that means you speak more than just one language

[@brunohill3229]

In 1989 I was sent to Switzerland by my employer. I was in a Lab with people from Austria,France, Egypt,Italy, Switzerland,Japan,Germany and Paraguay. I was the only native English speaker and everybody communicated fine in English except me.

[@fridadanke9076]

Why not you?

[@brunohill3229]

@@fridadanke9076 They had no problem understanding each others bad English but they had big problems understanding mine.

[@Ms.Americana]

This exactly why, Mrs. Hansen's perspective is illogical. Thanks for a great laugh, Bruno. This lady is so woke it seems her brains have fallen out!

[@nispen]

Thank you. Kisses

[@heatherwhiteley3556]

I love the concept of English as a lingua franca!

[@EnglishByORCJA]

Accept others insted of judging them on the basis of accent and fluency.

[@user-ei3on2bp5e]

Overall there is a very good point here, but I fear it's a little too US/business-centric, and with little real understanding of the modern ESL teaching world. Quite frequently it is not the native speakers, nor the teachers, who insist on a certain way of speaking English, but ingrained ideas within a non-native English speaking culture that there is an "ideal" English. As an ESL teacher, my focus is on communication and being understood, which does mean that while grammar doesn't need to be perfect, pronunciation is quite important (ship-sheep being the classic example). I teach in my own English accent, which is most certainly not "Queen's English". I am also constantly telling my students that there is no such thing as "perfect" English, that native speakers invent words all the time, and that, as seen in the UK, accents and dialects are a key part of the language (and many native speakers struggle to understand each other sometimes!). Heather Hansen is correct - accents are wonderful and should never be stigmatised - but there remains some necessity for basic structure and "rules", especially if it is to be a global language.

[@1timbarrett]

Linguistic snobbery is all too real!😮

[@skychen4900]

after watchin, my levels feel the same as now

[@Peleski]

One of the reasons English is a successful world language is because native speakers are quite tolerant of diversity

[@lauramarin1777]

Hmmm... Not sure about the tolerance of English native speakers. I think the reason why English is "succesful" is because it is easy to learn.

[@Peleski]

@@lauramarin1777 It is not easy to learn. There are published lists identifying that measure, and English doesn't make anywhere near the top

[@martinwallace5734]

@@Peleski Native English speakers are the only ones who think it is easy to learn ... and they probably make mistakes all over the place anyway, lol !

[@Peleski]

@@martinwallace5734 Not many English speakers properly learn another language so they are probably unable to compare

[@fridadanke9076]

@@Peleski as a german I find it really easy to learn

[@captainjacksparrow5398]

Accepting bad english is a very bad idea.....

[@cindyhalpern3187]

But the flip side is I reach customer service. They speak limited English. They can not help me. I ask for a supervisor who speaks better English. The problem gets solved. So basic knowledge is needed. I am not being prejudiced when I simply can't be made understood. I call customer service for help. It isn't unreasonable for me to ask for someone to communicate with me. I don't care if they have an accent or it isn't great English. But if I understand nothing and the person understands nothing, it can't work!

[@HARENDRAKUMAR-st3nz]

great

[@stonetrouble5053]

In about 1980, I had an electronics class in America, taught by a graduate student from India whose English pronunciation was poor. I remember, in particular, that he pronounced the word "voltage" as ver-chi-di-ty. We were all horrified. After just one week we all could understand him. Pronunciation isn't the obstacle you expect it to be. Thank you, Praktash Dixit!

[@heatherhansen]

This made me smile. Thanks for sharing!

[@gadgetgirl9]

There is a line between "bad English" and English that cannot be understood. I like the concept, but not sure that I agree with the whole talk. Of course, we, "good English" speakers will not understand really bad English. I am in Colombia and I often have miscommunications here because I have no idea what they are saying and likewise. I also find the notion that all "native" speakers are intolerant offensive.

[@heatherhansen]

Fair points, Beverly. Of course people need to be able to speak in a way that they can be understood. What many of my clients call "bad English" (or their bosses or HR representatives have told them is "bad English) is actually quite good. I only work with people who are at a minimum of upper intermediate to advanced. They aren't perfect, but they can be easily understood. It's in these situations where I think we need to focus on the meaning instead of the errors. Perhaps I've generalized a bit too much if you get the impression that "all native speakers are intolerant". I don't think they are intolerant. Many don't even realize they are being discriminatory. For speakers with little global experience, they normally haven't even thought about many of things I discuss here. They naturally think they own the language and know it's "proper" usage, because why wouldn't they? Globalization is changing this, and I hope to spark a conversation and have people look at the language from a different angle. Thanks so much for your honest comments. They all contribute to our global understanding of this fascinating subject.

[@Ms.Americana]

The smug level of virtue signaling from this woman and total nonsensical rouse was hard for me to listen to. Woke mumbo jumbo! Thank you for a logical perspective, Beverley. =D

[@SanopJuntak]

Why I can be able to understand anything her said? I'm perfectly understand anything her talking about, even though I was learning english now. What is her accent? She is so amazing speaker.. Thanks for video.

[@parentsrrgtt6138]

Learning another language and respecting the accent is vital. It is not an accent reduction it is accent amplification. Having the proper accent for the type of English, French, or Farsi that you want to know is the way to go. Stop apologizing for speaking and teaching English. Stop feeling guilty about knowing a language fluently. No one else in the world teaches their language without pride. It is embarrassing. Teach your language just like other people teach theirs. Everyone will hv an accent. Some will master speaking multiple languages. Stop teaching ppl to speak a language poorly. Honor your language. They are honoring yours.

[@Ms.Americana]

Thank you! Finally, a commonsensical comment on this absurd rant by Mrs. Hansen!

[@nikolaym2833]

2 billions likes to this speech!

[@MrTOMGOMES]

The botton of like didn't appears for me.. So I liked very much!!

[@user-ez8nq7br7h]

Why do i feel like crying listening to her talk lol.

[@mythfielder]

why though?

[@diegosotonevarez6633]

Cause we non naties english speakers have been always judged by our accent and she is the other way around

[@englishbest]

We live in a system where everything is commoditized and the value of a person is measured by their purchasing power. Since consumers in the US consume more than any other nation sounding exactly like a white American male increases your market value. We need more people like Heather Hansen. Thank you so much, Heather for having the courage to challenge beliefs and standards that have been established by colonialism and capitalism. Let's crack the code together.

[@magedabuldahab7481]

She stepped out of the red rug, i went berserk " sorry for my autism" , and then found that it served the talk, boss move

[@heatherhansen]

Hahahaha! 😎

[@suwan1986]

there is no accent discrimination, there is only discrimination

[@7777LuVit7777]

Is her idea of bad English, just different accents? What about grammatical or pronunciation errors that make yourself incomprehensible to any listener - even those with "bad English"? Nevertheless, I like her ideas about being better, more open listeners with regard to different accents. Also, why assume that if you speak like an American/British in some areas of your life makes you lose your identity? Do we have one, fixed identity or can we have more than one as global citizens?

[@heatherhansen]

7777LuVit7777 Thanks for your comments. To clarify, I am talking about what many people might call bad English because they make some grammatical mistakes or mispronounce a word, but their message is still understood. If the listener is open minded and makes an effort to understand, a lot of language can be understood even if there are errors.

[@cisinhalinhares6397]

The language used at the corporate environment has a relation with power, with the matrix, that together with the language determines the corporate culture and what is right and wrong, establishing what is proper behavior and what´s not.

[@homer2384]

Thanks!!

[@charles8615]

How true it is, bad English is the best global language

[@1timbarrett]

No worse than Vulgate Latin used to be!😮

[@1timbarrett]

Just as it is possible to speak a foreign language well, we can all learn to speak -and listen to- Globish better…!

[@mdfaizz7313]

People are paying attention to only one aspect of communication,The other one is totally neglected

[@nicoletasurdu7064]

While I understand that this talk is in the spirit of the communicative approach in trend worldwide, I don't think being ok with pidgin English is a good idea. I get it. Pronunciation is not that important (btw, we don't learn pronunciation by imitation, that's one major fallacy in language learning), the structure of the language (grammar) is not that important, accents are definitely not important. But hey, long live communication!

[@doctoras8669]

A very good but long message ...

[@andersonnobre5163]

I have THE biggest AND strange english accent!!!!!

[@genesisgabriel5024]

Gone were the days a local kid would say, "Don't English me... I'm not school!"

[@jbank7547]

it's not my fault for not learning the language. it's YOUR fault for not listening properly. a great speaker and really good points though.

[@nosse145]

12mil subs, 66 likes

[@fugitivelemon1144]

English very is bestest 😂

[@bobbybill4042]

three, tree, free........... hmmmm I have been teaching 12 years, you can't just swap it.

[@jackfordon7735]

I politely but completely disagree. English is the language of my culture, my family, my homeland. It's a part of my identity and the identity of native English speakers around the world. Some random French speaker or Spanish speaker who's learned English in school and through internet memes does not have the same claim to this language as I do or other native English speakers do. Moreover, the mistakes they make are not "valid", just because there is such a large number of people making them. There are many languages where non-native speakers outnumber natives, sometimes many times over: French, Indonesian, Swahili, etc. and yet, there remains a standard and correct way of speaking these languages. I am most certainly not against people learning English, but claiming that English is "neutral" or "belongs to everyone" is both unrealistic and insulting to native speakers. I would never claim that my Spanish is the equivalent of a native Spanish speaker's, even though I speak much better Spanish that the average Globish-speaker speaks English. (Btw, I'm talking more about people who have barely ever spent time in an English speaking country and use their "English" to communicate almost exclusively with non-native speakers, I believe that a person with another native language than English is perfectly capable of making it his or her own if they, say, move to a country where it's spoken and integrate with the local culture).

[@a_loyal_kiwi88]

Based.

[@belle_pomme]

You're native English speaker? Why is your username Russian (or whatever language it is)?

[@changwookji2388]

My thoughts exactly! Damn that was a good post.

[@user-us4rb9cr9p]

❤️X3

[@changwookji2388]

Heather people are going to judge one another by how they speak. They always have. Just like you chose to wear that nice dress for your talk and not a tee shirt and ripped jeans. You wanted to make a good impression. Same with folks who want to strive for ever better English; they want to make a good impression. Try to make a pitch to investors for a 6 million deal in bad English and see how you are judged.

[@gabrielavalencia8978]

Cultural issues

[@dumpstadee8371]

and another thing. you cant sing rock and roll lyrics properly in another language, so go find your own music. american blues is american blues, your not going to sing it right.

[@octandj]

As a rule of thumb I don't listen to women with that hairstyle.