[Spline]

Working as a translator involves a high degree of responsibility, and learning from watching movies does not cut it. you need to know that language perfectly and have a vast vocabulary. I learned Italian from watching tv + 4 years in school and I had no problem speaking to native speakers in Italy but I'd never use that as a basis for a serious job application.

And when he said that this country has failed him, that was plain lack of responsibility on his part. Nevertheless it was a hard lesson for him and maybe in time he will realise that the country did not fail him, it was only his own projection of the UK based on unrealistic assumptions at fault.

We all have to start somewhere and accurate self assesment goes a long way in getting you closer to the real world. My advice: put money aside, buy some books if he can't afford courses. Study insanely for a year or two, then he'll have a chance.

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

I also agree - I do think she was completely unaware of how her comments may have come over, I do not think there was malice or intent to be racist.

She was being racist, but coming from a mono-ethnic background where she said they have white skin only she doesn't realise that times have changed in the last 50 years and it's not acceptable anymore to throw insulting prejudice on national tv.

By saying "We're living with black people but we don't really mind, because they're friendly" means she's telling the other people at that table that "black people" can be friendly. wow! Now that makes one wonder what were her initial assumptions

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

It's fine to laugh (and yes, I did think.... ha ha, you're not that smart)... but after about 2 seconds I realised that at least he could speak 4 languages despite his young age.

How many in this country, UK born and bred caucasion British Citizens can speak 4 languages? Not many, with a high proportion having very limited English skills, never mind any other language far less a third or a fourth.

Being able to speak a language is very different from the written form - the guy did seem to have a 'rose tinted' idea - I can't deny that - but as I say, regardless of where he learned the languages: he spoke them well enough for the agency worker to verbalise with him. It was his written work that caused him the issues.

It's rare, I agree but I don't see why anyone should you speak 4 languages if they don't need them. It's a waste of energy/time and you forget them all if you don't use them.
Sherlock Holmes didn't know the Earth went around the sun and wasn't ashamed of admiting it because to him that was useless information.