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I'd say it depends on the purpose... jh Send a noteboard - 24/06/2011 10:04:48 AM

1. How much of a language should you know to tell someone you know it?


I'd say you'd almost never be forced to look for a dictionary when you are listening to, or reading the language in question. It depends on the language too, and for what purpose you are using the concept of 'knowing'. If it's about taking a vacation somewhere, it is a whole lot different from the knowing you'd have to have to conduct business in that language.

2. How much of a language should you know to list on a resume or work bio?


Also depending on the purpose. If one is expected to work using said language, more than what is said above. If one is just padding the resume for the purpose of 'see, I have made a study of these languages' then list all of them, even the ones you'd be hard pressed to go beyond tourist level knowledge.

3. How much of a language should you know to list on social media?


Doesn't really matter. You should probably be able to communicate in said languages; but who cares.

4. How many languages do you know and what are they?


I'd say I am fluent enough in swedish and english; I'd have no problem working in any of those languages. When it comes to french, I am more of a fence sitter. I can communicate well enough if I need to, but my writing and reading are not quite up to the level it were some 12 years ago...

I usually add japanese as some padding, with the clarification that I cannot work in that language - but it is usually a conversation starter :P (Honestly, it makes an application stand out somewhat, and that is good in today's market.)
"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world" - Calvin.
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/Simple Question: at what point do you tell people you "know" a language or "speak" it? - 24/06/2011 02:49:51 AM 813 Views
Here's what I tell various people - 24/06/2011 03:09:45 AM 610 Views
Interesting - 24/06/2011 10:23:04 PM 578 Views
I thought the same - 24/06/2011 10:29:03 PM 1034 Views
Not sure but I am almost there with English *NM* - 24/06/2011 03:52:30 AM 247 Views
neat question. - 24/06/2011 06:36:09 AM 578 Views
I'd say it depends on the purpose... - 24/06/2011 10:04:48 AM 732 Views
I agree that it varies on why you're being asked - 24/06/2011 10:45:02 AM 671 Views
- 24/06/2011 09:01:42 PM 526 Views
I tend to give a long speech - 24/06/2011 11:02:22 AM 589 Views
Agree with jh - 24/06/2011 02:19:21 PM 597 Views
I think if you would be able to make not just basic needs known... - 24/06/2011 04:58:05 PM 588 Views
check noteboard *NM* - 25/06/2011 04:38:48 PM 316 Views
Very good question. - 24/06/2011 08:22:47 PM 646 Views
I had a feeling you might enjoy the survey. - 24/06/2011 10:50:47 PM 495 Views
What can I say, I'm predictable? - 25/06/2011 01:00:49 AM 580 Views
Two words: constant practice - 25/06/2011 02:34:52 AM 634 Views
True. - 25/06/2011 04:13:06 PM 591 Views
"Sank beneath the the waves of the Lethe" is an incredible phrase. *NM* - 26/06/2011 06:01:00 AM 250 Views
Glad you enjoyed it! *NM* - 26/06/2011 05:08:49 PM 249 Views
If you have at least an elementary school understanding of the language - 24/06/2011 10:19:45 PM 567 Views
My own survey answers - 24/06/2011 11:07:12 PM 602 Views
Funny how your taste in languages still to learn parallels mine to a great extent. - 25/06/2011 01:04:36 AM 554 Views
Yeah, and I realized that last list should include Farsi and Arabic. - 25/06/2011 02:24:06 AM 541 Views
I suppose Farsi must be easier than Arabic. - 26/06/2011 11:18:23 AM 594 Views
Yes and no. - 26/06/2011 05:08:29 PM 1646 Views
Interesting. Makes sense, I guess. - 26/06/2011 05:49:25 PM 587 Views
The timing of your question makes me giggle. - 26/06/2011 04:05:07 AM 656 Views

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