Hi, I’m Barbara.
Being a multi-linguist myself, I know how hard but also rewarding language learning can be. I provide language and intercultural competence training for international businesses and I’m an engaging public speaker. My hometown and base is Salzburg but I have lived abroad and love to travel whenever possible.
Language Training
I believe that learning a foreign language is much more than just learning about grammar and vocabulary, it is about truly communicating and connecting with other people and their cultures.
Language teachers should instruct their students on the cultural background of language usage, choose individual teaching styles, and explore culturally based linguistic differences to promote understanding instead of misconceptions or prejudices.
My knowledge all comes from 20 years of experience of language learning and teaching and my practical and engaging approach has helped many people overcome their inhibition and successfully master a foreign language at any age.
“The best thing about learning German with Barbara is that, with her expertise, she promptly gauged my current level of command on the language and thereafter, made sure that I improve on it gradually, but sure-footedly, which in-turn gave a huge boost to my confidence while using the language. She has always made learning the German language truly interesting and comprehensive through her interactive and motivating teaching methods. Thanks you so much, Barbara!”
-Harikrishnan Nair(Red Bull participant)
Intercultural Communication and Competence Training
The world is rapidly turning into a global village as we are all interconnected due to physical and virtual mobility. In creating a respectful environment for all employees, we must become more aware and sensitive to the issues and challenges we face living and working in diverse communities.
Language is used differently in every culture and there are culturally specific patterns of communication. In order to avoid ambiguity and frustration, it is essential know and understand such differences in communication styles. Nowadays, it is not enough to be culturally knowledgeable, aware or sensitive, we must move beyond this point and begin a journey towards becoming interculturally competent.
Translations
Translators are better at translating into their native language than into a second or third language, which is why I only offer translations from English to German. Even though I consider English as my second first language, I have a more profound linguistic and cultural background of German and hence a more natural and practical knowledge of the various linguistic elements such as semantics, syntax, morphology and lexicology. In addition, translation into the first language enables me to render cultural elements such as proverbs, idioms, metaphors, collocations and swear words into proper equivalents in my mother tongue.
“Every new language is like an open window that shows a new view of the world and expands your attitude towards life.”
-Frank Harris