When it comes to working in English, every Dutch lawyer has a different history, different aptitudes, different interests and different skills—not even to mention a different area of law and different clients. Each of us has our own style. We enjoy learning in different ways, and we each experience language in different ways.
This is why it is so important for each of us to take charge of our own language learning. Just as we are ultimately each our own career managers, we are also each responsible for developing our own language skills.
The best approach is to try to become an “autonomous learner”, that is, a professional able and willing to proactively take charge of his or her own language development.
So ask yourself this: Are you hoping that your English will improve “naturally” because of the work crossing your desk? Or as a result of the courses being offered by your organisation?
Or are you in charge?
Greg Korbee (Originally published in December 2013. Republished in January 2019.)
