Is the expression "guys" too informal in professional environment?
It depends. Every business is different, every company is different and even individual departments have their own culture.At a macro level French offices are more formal than most American ones, but the rules are always relaxed when speaking English and in an international environment. Some things will always be a problem. In the US it is common to use shortened forms of first names in the workplace; I have yet to see a French company that isn’t a startup where this is the norm.A lot depends also on who you are and who you are talking to. A younger employee talking to other younger employees could use “guys” and nobody would be bothered. An older employee could also say it to their peers. Between generations it might sound strange to some people, especially in a more traditional company.My advice would be to listen to what the others use and not be the first to bring “guys” to the office, unless being edgy is your brand. In some ways being bold actually increases your status, though it can also backfire. Investment banking doesn’t sound like a business where people are mostly non traditional, but your mileage might vary.Even within the same building I have seen cultures vary quite significantly. Often it is the boss who sets the tone, so watch him/her for clues. Sit in a place where you can see them with your peripheral vision and see if they cringe when you say “guys”.But since you are addressing a group of people it is much less likely to offend anyone than a one-to-one conversation.
Do Japanese people speak English?
Thanks for the A2A.I don’t know what percentage of Germans speak English but I can assure you the number of Japanese who speak English in a way that is more than just a few phrases (even though it is part of compulsory education) is really small - I think about 2–3% at best.The reason for this is as follows:There is no need - simply put, Japanese people don’t need to speak English in order to live their daily lives and unless you are doing business with English speakers, hanging out with expats or married to someone who speaks English, there is no one to practice/converse with.The only place where you can get a proper English education is in expat schools (American schools, British schools, etc.). This is because simply, most Japanese English teachers have not even lived in a English speaking countries for more than a couple of years at most (I think 3 months is the common length). THIS IS AN IMPROVEMENT. In the past, it was common for English teachers to have NEVER EVEN SET FOOT IN AN ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY.Although there are people who lived in an English speaking country while they were kids and went back to Japan due to their parent’s work situation, most lose their language skills because of reasons one and two. I know so many people who grew up in the US who were native level English speakers growing up who went back to Japan during their teenage years and completely lost their ability by the time they are out in the workforce.There is kind of an anti-English feeling in Japan. What I mean by this is that if you do speak English, you’re either seen as highly intelligent (not necessarily but again, since English is part of school, those who do good in English are considered “smart”) and cool or you’re trying too hard to be cool. The problem is that if you’re seen as “trying too hard to be cool,” it discourages most people from putting in real effort to learn the language.To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised that more people are fluent in German in Japan because of #4 and there’s a history of people who used German as their trade language (German was mandatory for doctors pre-WWII and the Japanese legal system is based on the German system so academic law researchers probably use it too)…well, maybe not.
American moving to Russia!?
Well if u are from Idaho and did not travel out of your state much, u sure are going to have this culture shock. Moscow is a world city with all the nicest looking people gathered. Nannying for u is a chance to see the relaxed side of Moscow fortunately. Trying to get urself into the metro in the morning is not very much Idahoan, i'd say. Dont expect smily faces. Russians dont smile unless there is something to be smiled/laughed at. No hypocrisy there. Tho once u get to know them, u're gonna make good friends out of them with all the laughter and so on. Moscow metro is like a podium. Perfectly dressed up girls with a sense of fashion. U'll get to find many kinds of American franchises. Dont expect to drive around much. Driving a car as a means of transport in Moscow is not very practical. Public transportation is very well developed plus u get to see and meet a lot of people (meeting someone in Moscow metro is common, at least it was for me, especially if u travel in those relaxed non rush-hour times) Ah and last but not least, it's an expensive city. I assume that this'll be ur first time out of the US. Please try learning the culture of others. This experience is going to change your view of life if u can use it. Do not lock yourself up at home whole day when in Moscow and definitely make friends of your age so that u'll get the essence of it.
How to deal with stress from working in collections?
Okay, short story version here.... I used to be a very relaxed, stoic, hippie type person. Very relaxed, go with the flow kind of guy. Since I started working in Collections for the last 4 years, I have become very stressed. I have had panic attacks, panic attacks on planes, my heart races during conversations....keep in mind I take about 14 calls per hour and get screamed at on nearly half of them. I do have an English degree, but the market is so bad I can't land a teaching job. My wife wants me to go on meds, but I'm not sure......i just need advice....my fight or flight response is thru the roof, my face flushes red......help.
Nervous about the immigration interview...?
Is your interview for your adjustment of status or for the conditions to be removed from your green card? Either-way, it is a very informal interview and very much an anti-climax to what you build it up to be. The entire event is nothing more than a formality, were you wait for your interview, submit your forms and documentation and then get asked very basic questions about your relationship. A couple of quick signitures and you are on your way, the entire interivew shouldn't last more than 7-8 minutes although you can expect to wait a couple of hours for your number to actually be called for the interview. Don't worry, just relax and answer all questions truthfully and if you don't understand something, never be afraid to ask for clarification as they expect you to be a little nervous on the day and are well prepered for such events. You will be in and out before you know it.
Please fix my mistakes from english letter?
I need this for school. The topic: a friend of yours has sent you a letter asking for our advice as he and his parents disagree about what he should study at university. Write a letter givinghim your advice. Dear Sophia, Hi, i received your letter right now! I am sorry to read about your problem... I imagine how unpleasant it is when your parents disagree with your career wishes. Parents approval is very important, althrough it is very personal desision. Try not to argue with your parents. They want you all the best, you know. The best thing to do is brew some tea at evening, ask them to sit down for a honest conversation to make things clear- why they dont want you to be a biologist, what do they offer. Try to stay relaxed and rethink, do you really want to be a biologist? Maybe they tell you the truth. Otherwise, if you firmly know that it is your life mission- go ahead, it is your choice. Show them that you care what they think, your passion for biology, your impovement and your work. Hope my advices will help you. Let me know how things are going on. Regards, Amber