It's an advantage - Hebrew - Articles about Israel

When you're rich
They think you really know
-Tevye,
Fiddler on the Roof

So, you speak English? It's a foreign language around these parts, but most foreign languages do give you an advantage in Israel. English seems to be more beneficial than most other languages.

Of course, Americans, Englishmen, or other speakers of the international language should work on changing their attitude. They often expect everybody else, in every other country, to converse or communicate with them in English.

The Israeli attitude is different. All Israelis who have studied in the public school system speak at least two languages, and some are blessed with an ability to speak many languages.

These Israelis sometimes pigeonhole others according to their country of origin.

Now, we won't justify any attempt to consider some people to be "better" than others because of their native language. However, by a quirk of fate, this stereotype works in favor of those who speak English. "Anglo-Saxons" are considered to be on a higher social stratum than those who come from countries in which other languages are spoken.

Whether this is justified is not the point. You will be labeled an English-speaker (as opposed to a speaker of English), and your foreign-sounding "r" will not let others forget your country of origin.

However, that "r" is a blessing. When you begin to speak, you will command an initial reaction of respect. The audience will listen to your first statements quietly - and they will anticipate and expect words of wisdom. Your subsequent words will determine whether that respect will continue.

Remember Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof? He wished that he would be a rich man because then people would listen to him. They would think that he�s a wise man.

Irrelevant of your bank account, you will benefit from the aura that Tevye craved as soon as you open your mouth.

Use it to your advantage.

Where do you want to go now?