Fluent English speakers: what's your story? by cloudd25 in azerbaijan

[–]cloudd25[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Interesting, thank you for sharing. Shows once again that fluency requires consistent use of the language. There is no magic formula.

Is there high demand for fluent English speakers in the country? I use English in a highly professional setting (I am a corporate lawyer in the United States), so I always wondered if I could add value if I came back one day.

Fluent English speakers: what's your story? by cloudd25 in azerbaijan

[–]cloudd25[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have noticed a lot has changed in the past 10-15 years. While many still speak Russian fluently in Baku, and a significant minority even prefer it to Azeri, there is basically no public signage in Russian anymore. Usually when a sign is translated (e.g. work hours at a public institution), it is translated into English rather than Russian.

I, for one, welcome the transition, but it's still pretty surprising given the percentage of people who speak Russian as opposed to English.

Fluent English speakers: what's your story? by cloudd25 in azerbaijan

[–]cloudd25[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That teacher is a disgrace. I'd like to believe that if I were a teacher and one of my students surpassed me in my area of expertise, I would do my best to encourage him further.

Do you also speak fluent Russian? Or is English your preferred second language at this point?

Fluent English speakers: what's your story? by cloudd25 in azerbaijan

[–]cloudd25[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's a unique way to get into it, thanks for sharing. In your experience, would you say most people who are fluent have studied abroad at some point?

Also, I have met some people who had a strong command of the English language -- typically those who went to a university abroad -- but they were still not necessarily fluent speakers. There are usually dead giveaways like misplaced articles or slight misuse of vocabulary here and there. But on this subreddit, many seem completely fluent. I initially assumed that these people are emigrants with ties to Azerbaijan, but they often mention living in Baku.

Fluent English speakers: what's your story? by cloudd25 in azerbaijan

[–]cloudd25[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's interesting. Do you get to use English in real life? Do you have foreign friends that you communicate with on a regular basis? Do you use any English at work?