Can't speak the local language

People can be so critical and many are shocked when they hear that you can't speak the local language after being in the country for so many years.

And yes, there are many that would argue that we as foreigners need to learn the local language, which in this case is both Kazakh & Russian. But as these are both considered difficult languages,  I think that people shouldn't be so hard on foreigners that only planned to stay for a year and before they knew it turned into a few years.

Learning a language is tough for some, and I believe it is either an ability that you have or don't have. For me... I have known for a long time that languages are not my strongest point, even at school this was very obvious as I tried my luck with various European languages and can honestly say ... that I have a language disability : )
It is a skill, like remembering names.. another weakness of mine.
But faces... I never forget a face.

I don't consider myself unintelligent... now book smarts is not a problem for me!!! But I just wished that people would understand that not every one can pick up a language like those that have the knack for languages.

So good luck to all of you thinking of learning Russian or Kazakh, maybe you are lucky and pick it up quickly, but don't be too hard on yourself when it is something that just doesn't come naturally.