Today, I came across a status shared by someone who faced harassment during a job interview in Canada due to their “not-so-good English.” This incident got me thinking..
I’ve always believed that it’s not enough to simply make yourself understood or to feel confident speaking mediocre English. When Westerners come to Vietnam, they are polite and accommodating.
However, when we apply for jobs in their countries, we can’t expect them to work hard to understand us.
Unfortunately, many people don’t see it this way.
In this case, the interviewer was rude, but we must acknowledge that many Vietnamese speakers struggle with English and often refuse to improve or even recognize their weaknesses.
The judgment—both quiet and loud—about English proficiency is very real.
No one cares about your IELTS score; what matters is whether you can express yourself fluently and clearly. At the very least, you should speak correctly so that others don’t have to guess what you mean.
You don’t need to speak like a native, but you can’t dismiss the importance of effective communication by saying, “It doesn’t matter how I speak.”
Trust me, while Vietnam is known for having many English speakers, the number of people who speak well and confidently is still quite low.
This is especially crucial when you study or work in English-speaking countries like Canada. The world isn’t a dream; racism exists everywhere. Those who haven’t experienced it may deny its presence.
Racism can also stem from accent stereotypes, which is a sad but true reality.
So, please, stop focusing solely on grammar and vocabulary. You need to listen and speak more.
If you’re looking to improve your English communication skills, I invite you to explore my Accent Reduction 1:1 Coaching. This personalized coaching has helped many individuals gain confidence in their speaking abilities, reduce their accents, and communicate more effectively.
👉 Learn more about my coaching program and how it can help you!
Or you can just enroll in the self-paced course first to get your feet wet
Let’s work together to enhance your communication skills and open new doors in your career!
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