my experience of learning english as a second language essay

Essay About My Experience Learning English

I love English language. It’s one of my favorite things in the world. I think it’s amazing how such a complex and nuanced language can be learned by anyone who is willing to put in the effort.

English has truly opened up opportunities for me both professionally and personally. I’ve been able to travel to many different parts of the world and communicate with people from all walks of life. And I know that my ability to speak English has helped me stand out from the competition in the job market.

To me, learning English is a lifelong journey. There’s always something new to learn about this fascinating language. I hope to continue learning and using English for many years to come.

As someone who has learned English as a second language, I appreciate the nuances and complexity of the English language. It can be challenging to learn, but it is also a very rewarding experience. English is spoken in so many different countries around the world, and it is the language of business and diplomacy. Learning English gives you access to a global community of speakers.

English is such a versatile language. You can use it to communicate with people from all walks of life, in all parts of the world. It is the official language of more than 60 countries, so there are plenty of opportunities to practice your skills! Whether you are traveling or doing business overseas, knowing English will help you get by in any situation.

English can be a difficult language to learn, but it is definitely worth the effort. With so many opportunities to use it, learning English is a great investment in your future. I encourage everyone to give it a try!

I would sit in my crib and look at the pictures in these books. My parents read to me every day, and by the time I was two years old, I could already read a few words. My parents were very proud of this accomplishment. I continued to learn more about the English language at school. In the second grade, I learned about nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions.

I also learned about sentence structure and how to write a five-paragraph essay. My teacher also introduced me to great authors such as Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. I was very impressed by their writing style, and I wanted to imitate their writing techniques in my own essays. However, I soon realized that their writing style was very difficult to imitate.

I think that being read to as a child helped me develop a love for reading. I also think that it helped me learn English more easily. When I was in high school, I took an English course in order to fulfill my foreign language requirement. Even though I had been speaking English since I was a baby, I still struggled with the grammar and vocabulary concepts that were taught in the class. However, by the end of the semester, I had learned more about English than I ever would have if I had not taken the course.

I believe that learning a second language is important, and that everyone should have the opportunity to learn at least one other language. However, learning a second language is not always easy. It takes time and practice to become proficient in a foreign language. I think that the best way to learn a second language is by using immersion methods. Immersion methods involve learning a language in a setting where only that language is spoken. This can be done by living in a country where the target language is spoken, or by attending a school where the target language is the primary medium of instruction.

I have had the opportunity to use immersion methods to learn Spanish and French. I spent two summers living in Spain, and I currently attend a university where all classes are taught in French. I have found that immersion methods are the best way to learn a foreign language. When you are immersed in a language, you are forced to use it constantly. You can’t rely on your native language to help you communicate with others. This type of exposure to a foreign language helps you learn the grammar and vocabulary more quickly and effectively.

I think that English is an important language to learn, and that everyone should have the opportunity to learn it. I also believe that immersion methods are the best way to learn English. I have seen first-hand how effective immersion methods can be, and I am confident that anyone who uses them will be able to learn English quickly and effectively.

I would also play alphabet games and learn new words every day. I was very excited to be learning a new language, and it showed in my eagerness to participate in class and learn as much as possible.

Now that I am an adult, I still appreciate the English language for its nuances and its ability to communicate complex thoughts and feelings. There are so many words in the English language that have multiple meanings, depending on the context in which they are used. This level of complexity allows for a high degree of expression, which is why I believe that the English language is one of the most beautiful languages in the world.

It is also a very versatile language, which allows for its speakers to communicate with people from all over the globe. I am grateful to have been taught English at a young age, and I continue to learn new aspects of the language every day. I believe that it is never too late to learn and appreciate the English language.

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My Experience of Learning a New Language

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Updated: 5 December, 2023

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Works Cited

Gardner, R. C., & Lambert, W. E. (1972). Attitudes and Motivation in Second-Language Learning. Newbury House Publishers.
Dörnyei, Z., & Ushioda, E. (2011). Teaching and Researching Motivation (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Brown, H. D. (2007). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (5th ed.). Pearson Education.
Cook, V. (2008). Second Language Learning and Language Teaching (4th ed.). Routledge.
Ellis, R. (2008). The Study of Second Language Acquisition (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Larsen-Freeman, D., & Anderson, M. (2013). Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Lightbown, P. M., & Spada, N. (2013). How Languages are Learned (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Nunan, D. (2004). Task-Based Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press.
Nation, P. (2001). Learning Vocabulary in Another Language. Cambridge University Press.
Schmitt, N., & McCarthy, M. (Eds.). (1997). Vocabulary: Description, Acquisition, and Pedagogy. Cambridge University Press.

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When Learning Is Easy: My Experience in English

Introduction.

At first it seems obvious that the knowledge of a foreign language, especially English, which is extremely widespread nowadays, is essential for everyone. However, when it came to the actual process of learning, I realized that it took a great effort to study the language. Nevertheless, with the help of efficient studying plan and sufficient experience, I managed to prove that learning English is much easier than one might expect.

One of the issues that made the studying process extremely complicated and bothered me to absorb new knowledge was the fact that English was my second language. Thus, I had no previous experience of learning languages and did not know where or what to start from. In addition, I could not imagine how to switch from my native language to the foreign one. Because of the above-mentioned problem, I could not associate the English words with their meaning, which caused further confusion. In addition, the number of meanings that a single word could have in the English language made me feel quite puzzled, since I could not draw any parallels with the meanings that the given word had in my native language, which also caused quite a problem.

Since at first my success in English was barely noticeable and I made a lot of mistakes, especially when talking in English (for instance, I could easily confuse such words as “affect” and “effect”), I decided to take up a special English class, where I could train my skills in speaking the English language correctly. I must admit that at first I felt quite embarrassed and hesitated to ask questions, but further on, I started making progress.

After several weeks of training, I started realizing that I stopped confusing certain words. Moreover, I figured out the way in which I could learn new words faster and more efficiently. To study the new terms and their meaning in my native language, I put each phrase or word down in my vocabulary list and then tried making at least three sentences with each of the newly learned words.

It is worth mentioning that having an English class was great fun, since all the students were involved in each activity. While some of the tasks were designed for each student specifically, the others demanded the participation of a group of students or even an entire class, which made us learn on each other’s mistakes and remember the material several times faster than we would do in a typical class environment.

Among the rest of the assignments that we were supposed to complete, the one that I remembered best was writing an essay in a group of three. After each of us got a topic to write an essay on, we started figuring out the best way to write the papers to combine them into a single writing. In the end, our team came up with a series of three short essays which combined well and were really fun to write together.

Soon I began to realize that my English skills started to improve even faster, especially the ones concerning the spoken language. I learned a lot of synonyms which helped me to make my speech more eloquent, and a number of standard phrases which people use in certain situations, not to get confused when someone asks what time is it and in the similar situations. Working on my conversational English, I started feeling more certain and stopped fearing to make a mistake. Even though the changes were not instant and it took quite a while for me to learn the basic vocabulary, as well as to understand the spoken language, I realized that I am still able of learning English.

With the help of the classes, I managed to learn a lot about the English grammar and, which is the most important, understand how it actually works. Now that I know the principles of the English grammar, I will be able to deal even with the most complicated assignments and use all kinds of styles, starting with the scholar one and up to the conversational English, which is also quite hard, mostly because of the vocabulary.

However, it is also worth mentioning that the hardest part was the one concerning the stylistic differences. Since English was my second language, it was hard to conceive the difference between seemingly similar words straightaway.

At present, it is obvious that I have not reached my top yet and there is a lot of room for further development. I still have to work hard on my pronunciation, on the grammatical issues and on the vocabulary. In addition, I would like to develop my own writing style. However, with the help of practicing and using various learning methods to train difficult rules, as well as working on the language specifics with the help of various exercises, I hope to speak someday as if English was my naïve tongue.

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A Student’s Struggle to Speak English Leads to a Career as a Communicator

my experience of learning english as a second language essay

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Fiorella Riccobono first contributed to Knowledge@Wharton High School back in 2015, when she was interviewed for her high school social entrepreneurship project helping coffee bean farmers in Northwest Haiti. She has stayed in touch ever since, sharing insights from her college and social-awareness experiences at Florida State University. You can check out Riccobono’s KWHS contributions in the Related KWHS Stories tab accompanying this article.

As always, we appreciated hearing from Riccobono this week, when she reached out to tell us about her new job (she graduated in December) and share her perspective on a very personal topic: how her journey learning to speak English has influenced her life and career decisions.

In this personal essay, she expresses why she hopes that “more people in our society, especially in today’s political climate, analyze their perceptions of disadvantage and accept that qualities like language “barriers” can in fact be personal strengths.”

I vividly remember the moment when I became a shy girl and developed a profound fear of public speaking. I was in my pre-k classroom sitting in a big circle of 4-year-olds, when our teacher asked us to share what we had eaten for breakfast. My parents had immigrated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. from Venezuela shortly before my brother and I were born, and we only spoke Spanish at home. However, this was my second year enrolled in school in Davie, Florida, so I had picked up enough English to understand the question. But I was still learning. I raised my hand and responded “cereal con leche.” My visibly angry teacher asked me again and again to repeat my answer, and I couldn’t understand why.

Falling Silent

Eighteen years later, I still recall the shame of being scolded for my inability to communicate in the appropriate way – in this case, fully in English. Luckily, my teacher’s aide spoke Spanish and translated that I was saying “cereal with milk.” But at that point, the damage had been done. I was wounded and crying. I remember thinking to myself that I wouldn’t speak in class unless I absolutely had to. It was an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy; something a four-year-old girl should never experience.

That feeling stayed with me. In high school, I would choose to be absent on days when I knew I had to present projects to the class. My eyes would water when I had to speak in front of my classmates, my voice would shake, and so would my legs.

This story marks the start of my improbable triumph.

My favorite author, Malcom Gladwell, poses an interesting question: “Why do we automatically assume that someone who is smaller or poorer or less skilled is necessarily at a disadvantage?” I believe that we have a very limited definition of what constitutes an advantage.

Now, at the age of 22, a recent graduate of Florida State University and a new employee of the Florida Senate, I am very clear on my own advantages. Being the daughter of two Venezuelan immigrants made me the professional woman I am today, and that identity has been a driving factor in my success.

Much of the credit goes to my so-called language “barrier” and struggle with “broken” English. During my years of learning English, my mom and I would sit down together to do my homework. When I was tired of studying, and I didn’t want to practice spelling out any more words, my mom would softly and persuasively say, “Dale Fiore, otro treinta minutos, porque cuando tu aprendes, yo aprendo tambien,” which translates to: “Let’s study another half hour, Fiore, because when you learn, I learn too.”

That phrase kept me going. We would sit there at the table laughing hysterically as we butchered the words we were spelling aloud to each other. When test day came, I would remember the mistakes we made, because they were so funny to me, and that helped me memorize the correct spelling. The way we had to study turned spelling and vocabulary tests into a fun game. I began to appreciate a certain joy and fulfillment of studying for the sake of knowledge, not to overcome an inadequacy, and I also had the deep satisfaction of watching my mom learn English.

Conventional thought suggests that if you live in the U.S. you should learn English, and we eventually did. But the truth of the matter is that not knowing English made me a better student. It meant that I had to work harder and couldn’t lose focus in class. I paid close attention to how people spoke and pronounced words. When I was tired and wanted to stop, I had to keep studying. Many would argue that my inability to fluently speak English in my childhood was a weakness, when in fact it turned out to be one of my greatest strengths.

While I still hold onto some of the feelings I had all those years ago in my pre-k classroom, I have grown to embrace my Venezuelan heritage and language as motivations for my achievements in the U.S. The fact that I am not a native English speaker has made me more empathetic. It has helped me truly understand why diversity of thought is such a strength in the workplace, and, ironically, has made me a far more effective communicator.

I majored in finance, economics , and social entrepreneurship at Florida State, and graduated a semester early in December 2018. I am now the reading clerk for the 2019 session of the Florida Senate. Our state constitution requires senators to read bills three times before voting on them. I stand at the podium and read these documents aloud for the 60 days that the Senate is in session, navigating the language that could ultimately become Florida law. That one-time shy, silent little girl actually pursued and landed a job that now requires me to regularly stand in front of 40 state senators and read proposed legislation – in English.

I also speak Spanish every day, with family and friends. My college roommate and best friend is from Mexico, so we speak to each other in Spanish. I am bilingual in my professional life, as well. Just this week, the Florida Senate phones were blowing up with citizens supporting or condoning a controversial bill that entered committee. This specific bill prompted lots of calls from Spanish speakers and I was the only person on staff who could speak Spanish. So I answered the phones and spoke with the Spanish citizens, communicating about their opinions on this piece of legislation. I helped the voices of non-English-speaking citizens be heard.

Shifting Perceptions

I see how speaking English as a second language actually adds to the richness of this country. As a Venezuelan immigrant, I grew up forcing myself into situations where I had no choice but to confront my fears, and I would do it again and again until that specific situation no longer made me uncomfortable. I have contributed deeply to my school and now my work communities because my “otherness” sparked my intellectual curiosity and my desire to work that much harder to achieve my personal goals.

My hope is that more people in our society, especially in today’s political climate, analyze their perceptions of disadvantage and accept that qualities like language “barriers” can in fact be personal strengths that open up entire worlds of opportunity and accomplishment.

To the students who relate to my experiences and who may be struggling with their inability or even lack of desire to learn English, I ask you to shift your perception and embrace the opportunity in your challenge. I ask you to consider how you can spin this perceived weakness and draw energy from it to become a stronger student, friend, and contributing member to society. Don’t accept the notion that you are disadvantaged. Learning English and being able to effectively communicate with your peers is rewarding. More importantly, how you speak, complete with your thick, beautiful accent, is an advantage and an asset, not an inadequacy you must overcome.

Conversation Starters

Fiorella Riccobono says, “My hope is that more people in our society, especially in today’s political climate, analyze their perceptions of disadvantage.” What does she mean by this?

How would you describe Fiorella’s “improbable triumph?”

Does Fiorella’s story resonate with you? Can you relate to some of her struggles learning the English language and how that has helped to define her course? Why or why not?

9 comments on “ A Student’s Struggle to Speak English Leads to a Career as a Communicator ”

While scrolling through the articles listed on the webpage, this unique one caught my eye immediately. What it described is a complete mirror of my experience, my pain and my struggle. More importantly, when looking through it, I realized the way I should face myself, both strengths and weaknesses. Fiorella’s “improbable triumph” is truly “improbable”, at least that’s what I believed before finishing this article. She did undergo many challenging situations, difficulties that her first language Spanish but not English. And for me, a second language learner becomes a Florida Senate sounds totally incredible. Since my first language is also not English, I know how much struggles and courage it needs to be able to speak out in front of people, let alone standing in front of 40 state senators and read proposed legislation. But I believe that’s one of the main reason why she made to her position, it is because she already has a strong heart, enough self-confidence and a constant thirst for knowledge. These were all honed from her school years. I was always the top students back in my home country and English was one of my strongest subject. However, it was opposite when I came to Canada. The “barrier” of language discourages me from participating in school activities, being actively during class. During my first year, Every time I was in class, I was worried whether the teacher would ask me to answer questions or not. I always remember my first speech. I practiced it over and over again, but some students still didn’t understand what I was talking about and I couldn’t answer their questions. Same as Fiorella, my mom also played an important role. She practice my presentation’s script with me and she told me that there is no way to be ashamed by my accent or the fact that I am a second language learner. She told me that’s exactly the point I should be proud of myself because I am able to speak both two languages. I have always been grateful for my parents, without them I couldn’t be where I am today. I enrolled my school’s principle list every semester and honor roll on the Waterloo Math Contest. Now, I am preparing for my debate club as a leader with my friends. I always believe man grows in adversity, I don’t regret any of the attempts I’ve made, even if I fail and fall. Isn’t the realization of my shortcomings also a progress? Tribulation is accompanied by harvest. Just as Fiorella Riccobono says to “analyze perceptions of disadvantage.” I was contradict to communicate because my accent, lack of vocabulary, different culture, when I read the last paragraph of this article, I just found that all my worries and evasions were ridiculous and untenable. This article once again strengthens my heart and guides my future efforts, to become a stronger student, friend, and contributing member to society. Everything I have and experienced has made me who I am now, and it takes that to make me whole.

Hi Jasmine,

Thank you for your fantastic comment!

Also as an immigrant to Canada at an older age (14), I find your experience much more relatable than Fiorella’s. I believe that one of the reasons why I agreed to my parents’ idea of immigrating, is that I was confident in my “English” language, and that was partly because I was performing well during English class in my home country. However, it was really different being in an environment where you are forced to speak the language. My problem wasn’t during class and academics but in my social life. What a teenage girl needs the most perhaps is a social life, friends. At least for me. But it was extremely hard to make friends if I wasn’t willing to make a step out, to talk to people. Fortunately, with my mother’s little push, I was able to do so. Even though I stumbled through the beginning, attending lots of social events and making awkward conversations, I eventually made a couple of great friends and got to know many other people. Joining the debate club and filing applications to other councils was difficult because I wasn’t confident in my speaking and was afraid that I would make fun of myself. Which I did, modelling the motion “THW lift patents” supporting patents. But I gained a lot of valuable experience in the process, found my passion in debating, and ultimately improved my English speaking and confidence. However, I do believe that this struggle is just a part of the journey of fitting in the new language environment.

This unique title also did catch my eyes, but I wasn’t feeling related while reading the article. I thought that at the age of four, it would be really easy to learn English and be amalgamated into the American society. It was hard to believe that a four-year-old memory could be carved so deeply in her mind, also how does over ten years of living in an English environment she is still not confident of her language? With doubt and suspicion, I finished the article.

I agree with you and Fiorella that by analyzing and reconsidering our “perception of disadvantages”, we could learn how to embrace and turn our so-called disadvantages into motivation and strength. However, I do not believe that her “triumph” is “improbable”. In my opinion, her “triumph” is being confident of speaking English and eventually becoming an employee of the Florida state senate. Admittedly, she is quite successful in her confidence and career. But again, as a person living in the states, speaking English for so many years since childhood, her English will come as she grows. I believe that her “solving all the obstacles” is just a process of fitting into the new environment, what actually brought out her “triumph”, is her action of acknowledging and recognizing her former disadvantages, then turning it into her interest and continued pursuing it.  The society is biased, being a good English speaker is important for our success in the future or just to be more like a part of the society, but the process of learning is crucial as well, it teaches us life-long skills — persistence and motivation for learning.

Jasmine, your story of progress and growth in language learning is truly inspiring. Your journey, from feeling apprehensive about participating in class due to language barriers to becoming a leader in the debate club in your second language, showcases a remarkable testament to your determination and perseverance. Reading about your experiences motivates me to push myself further in my own language studies. In a few years, I’ll be taking my AP Spanish exam, and your story constantly reminds me that with determination and continuous effort, I can overcome the challenges I currently face in learning Spanish and achieve my goals. Your narrative has given me valuable insights into the complexities of language acquisition, which directly resonates with the struggles my parents faced when learning English as a second language. I used to find humor in their pronunciation struggles, not fully comprehending the difficulties they were encountering. However, my own language-learning experiences have humbled me, and now I hold a profound respect for their determination in learning a second language. My language teacher once said, “Once you dream in a language, you know you’re fluent,” and this notion fascinates me as I strive to achieve a similar level of language mastery in Spanish. Your narrative also got me thinking about the remarkable ability of some individuals, including yourself, to learn languages quickly. This phenomenon is not limited to children but also extends to certain adults. I decided to conduct some of my own research on the topic to gain a better understanding. In my investigation, I found that certain cognitive factors and personality traits can contribute to accelerated language learning. For example, individuals with strong working memory and high levels of empathy tend to grasp language nuances more quickly. Moreover, the motivation to learn a new language, much like your own drive, can significantly impact the speed of acquisition. Additionally, exposure to immersive language environments and consistent practice plays a crucial role in fostering rapid language development. This would also explain why children have a unique advantage in language learning, primarily due to their lack of prior knowledge in the target language. Their immersion in an environment where the target language is consistently spoken enables them to develop an intuitive grasp of grammar, pronunciation, and cultural nuances. Imagine a child stepping into a world where everything they hear and see is in a new language. They don’t have preconceived notions or linguistic habits to overcome. It’s a blank canvas waiting to be filled with the colors of this unfamiliar language. As they interact with native speakers and engage in daily activities, they naturally absorb the language without conscious effort. This lack of pre-existing linguistic baggage allows them to embrace the new language wholeheartedly, much like effortlessly stepping into a racecar and taking the wheel without any previous experience in driving. Your efforts to learn a language is truly commendable, Jasmine, and it serves as an inspiration for others to follow. Your dedication and enthusiasm for language learning are evident throughout your essay, and I want to express my appreciation for sharing your journey with us. Your story has not only motivated me personally but also broadened my understanding of the multifaceted aspects of language acquisition. Keep up the incredible work!🚀

I think that perspective is one of the greatest traits that a person can have. It has the ability to bridge almost any gap of all sorts of disparity; economic, cultural, political, the list goes on and on. It’s this trait that is not found often enough in society that is key to understanding why others around you say what they say, do what they do, and believe what they believe. In the instance of Fiorella Riccobono, this was in regards to the perspective of a four year-old girl who had immigrated to the United States with her parents in search of a better life. Now 22, Fiorella boldly states “My hope is that more people in our society, especially in today’s political climate, analyze their perceptions of disadvantage”. Her saying is meant to imply that those of us who are at what we perceive as an adversity to our aspirations ought to gain more perspective to realize that it is often the greatest challenges that create the best people.

My view on Fiorella’s “improbable triumph” revolves around the idea that her success was reliant on her individual positive mindset. She disregarded society’s notion that her not knowing English was an inherent disadvantage that she would be restrained by, and rather turns it into an opportunity to show growth and determination. She says herself that “Many would argue that my inability to fluently speak English in my childhood was a weakness, when in fact it turned out to be one of my greatest strengths”. This ideal mindset is exactly what in my opinion needs to be emphasized in society; the concept that people’s ability to move up the ladder is mostly in their own hands, and even if there are inevitable obstacles, it is the individual’s responsibility to face them head on. This is why stories such as Fiorella’s must be celebrated and showcased more often, to teach communities and especially youth to not accept that they are disadvantaged and that there is nothing that they can do about it. Mindsets that accept there is nothing left to change the status quo are the most dangerous; they not only remove any potential to make change, but pass down ideology to younger generations, creating a cycle of lost opportunity. That’s why Fiorella’s “improbable triumph” and stories like it must be highlighted in communities all across the world.

In regards to Fiorella’s story, it resonates quite deep personally with my family and I. As the son of immigrants, it was easy to relate to the struggles she describes of getting past the initial language/cultural barrier that occurs when getting used to living in a new country. My parents came to the United States 17 years ago, knowing a few sentences they had learned from a Hindi-to-English pocketbook dictionary, a couple hundred dollars, and a 3 year old son, my older brother. I was born a year later, and then we eventually moved to Tampa, Florida as my dad had received a job offer. As I was born in the US and naturally learned the language, culture, and customs, I became more and more observant of the divide between what I saw as “normal” at school and what my parents did. They had been in the country for a number of years, but still were speaking that “broken English” that Fiorella references. Naturally as a kid, I met and hung out with my friends outside of school, often encountering their parents who had often either lived their whole life in America or had been living here for decades. They spoke perfect English, much better than that of a eight-year-old, and certainly better than that of a husband and wife that had only been in the country for a few years. As I came home from playing with my friends, I became frustrated at communicating in English with my parents as they were not as good as the moms and dads I met at my friends’ houses. Being naive, I did not understand why they were unable to speak that fluent English that I always listened to outside my home. I actually became embarrassed when friends came over to my home to hang out, only to be confused by how my parents tried to greet them using English that was often grammatically wrong and covered with a thick accent. I was ashamed of it for a long time, and looking back I even admit it made me angry that my family was different than others. I just wanted to be the acclaimed “normal” that every kid always desired. However, as I began to grow up, I had an experience that completely changed the lense that I was looking at my parents through. That year I had begun staying up later at night to complete homework and other commitments that started as high school began becoming more demanding. On a particular night that year, when I had finally finished my homework and whatever else I had to do that late night, I decided to get some water downstairs before I went to bed. When I came down, I saw that my father had left his computer on; so naturally, I went over to turn it off. When I was about to press the power button, the screen caught my eye: “Online Tutoring for English”. It had never occurred to me that my dad was taking lessons to improve his English – to say I was surprised would be quite the understatement. The realization had dawned upon me that specific moment how difficult life truly was for an immigrant – and in this case – my parents. Any notions to myself thinking that I had a lot of work and stress to deal with in high school quickly evaporated, as I really took a moment to reflect on my father’s journey all these years later. To leave his family and friends behind in India, travel thousands of miles to a foreign country, not knowing the language or anybody to help him, and having no other option than making it knowing he had a wife and young son counting on him finally hit me. I was humbled. I was washed over with a sense of regret and shame for always being mad all those years at my parents for not being fluent English speakers. That night was years ago. Today, as I write this, I have the upmost pride in knowing that those two immigrants who came to this country not knowing the language, are MY parents. I feel that this story is not exclusively mine, but rather one that millions of other immigrants who have come to this country have experienced as well, and it’s comforting know that all of us have made it against all odds. Just like Fiorella, I want to take this moment that showed a disadvantage that my family had gotten past and transform it into a showcase of how rewarding resilience can truly be. While I was privileged to learn the language as I grew up, I appreciate the perspective of someone who only had a pocketbook dictionary and a strong will to make it in a foreign country for their family, and that is something I will cherish for a lifetime.

The ability to turn a disadvantage into an advantage is what paves the way for “improbable triumph”.

In the words of Fiorella: “I believe that we have a very limited definition of what constitutes an advantage.” She could not be more correct.

As the son of immigrants, this is an article that resonated with me. Like Fiorella, English was not the primary language spoken within our house. Like Fiorella, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy for not being able to speak English as well as my peers. Like Fiorella, these feelings created shyness and timidity that affected my participation in class. But most importantly, like Fiorella, this ‘disadvantage’ of mine turned out to be the driving cause of one of my greatest accomplishments.

Fiorella says that not knowing English made her a better student. She cites the extra effort she had to put in to understand concepts as the root of her strong work ethic. My own childhood was characterized less by a struggle to learn English, but more by a persistent feeling of insecurity about cultural norms. In other words, while I was able to overcome the language barrier, the cultural barrier that existed created a constant pressure of inadequacy; it felt like everyone was part of an inside joke that I wasn’t allowed to know. But in the same way Fiorella responded to adversity by bouncing back with fervor, I responded to my perceived disadvantage by turning it into an advantage. I developed a passion for public speaking in middle school, determined to change my impression of “the quiet kid” into someone who was outspoken and confident. When I think back to what ignited that sudden change, I honestly think it was simply to spite those who underestimated me. It was a way for me to put myself out there and feel included despite the nagging feeling of cultural difference that made me feel separated.

This passion for public speaking developed into a passion for argumentation. I joined the debate team in high school and won many awards. More importantly, I made friends and broadened my perspective. Last year I was even fortunate enough to be selected for the USA development debate team, representing the nation while competing against international teams across the globe. The experiences I had as a part of this team are what makes Fiorella’s statement ring so true for me. Meeting debaters from all over the world changed my perspective – what society considers an advantage is extremely limited in its scope.

In the world of international debate, English is the lingua franca. You would think that the Western countries would then be at an advantage, being more comfortable with English and thus being better speakers. Yet, some of the best communicators I’ve met speak English as a second language. When we versed the national Bangladesh team, we were amazed by how skillfully they debated. Yes, they had an accent, and yes their grammar and word choice were awkward at times, but the meaning they conveyed was poignant. If the round felt difficult, the conversation I had with them in Bengali afterwards felt like they were running circles around me. I realized that they focused on meaning of the words not how they sound. They may not have been familiar with English, but their ideas were strong and they conveyed them directly and powerfully. Their articulation wasted no time, unlike them teams from Western countries, who used extravagant vocabulary and complicated metaphors. Team Bangladesh went on to do extremely well in the tournament despite their unfamiliarity with English, truly encapsulating the essence of “improbable triumph”.

From the shy, timid student, to the debater representing the USA, I had an improbable triumph of my own. As I found my voice and people listened, I realized that the cultural barrier I thought was inhibiting me was empowering me. At first it was simply by giving myself an obstacle to overcome, but then I realized how my own cultural experiences gave me a diverse worldview that enhanced everything I did. It propelled me to my position on the national debate team which served to further my diverse worldview. Aaditya mentioned his personal story about his parents in an earlier comment, Jasmine and Eileen discussed their hardships in immigrating to Canada, and Fiorella mentions her own struggles in the article above. However, in the end, the disadvantages we all faced made us stronger and gave us character. In a way, I am grateful for the disadvantages I had to deal with.

Throughout the article, and above in my own comment, the term improbable triumph has been used to describe success in the face of disadvantages. Yet, it seems that triumph becomes more probable in the face of disadvantages that must be overcome and learned from. We really should change our conception of advantage then, because disadvantages can be advantages in disguise and make improbable triumphs less improbable.

Diana wrote about her story as an immigrant who was having a hard time breaking the language barriers in the United States. I felt camaraderie with her story as a foreigner who has gone through a similar experience in adapting to a culture and language that I have never been exposed to ever since I was born. She said she was having a hard time breaking the implicit barrier between her and people in the States, and so did I. It took me so long to get used to just speaking and writing my thoughts in English to share with my friends, and many people are struggling with that too. I was admitted to my current school in the first year of the Pandemic, and trying to make friends when everyone had to stay inside their homes was a horrible experience. I took all of my classes virtually, without a single experience of speaking English. My school initially did not even provide an ESL program to help foreign students like me. Also, I was not able to socialize with other kids in the school because there were no chances. I finished my first year with a lot of struggles, and I moved into the school for the second year. I tried to make lots of friends because I realized that if I didn’t get used to this environment, I thought I would never be able to get friends in school. So, I decided to play some sports, join clubs, and be active in class.

During those times, I’ve seen many students who are also having a hard time like me. I’ve seen a lot of smart Asian students talented in many different fields, but are unable to express their creative ideas as they were not able to speak English fluently. I remember the time when, I was in my math class, and we were solving a hard calculus problem that required us to see it with a creative perspective that people normally cannot even imagine. However, Chan, my Chinese friend, raised his hand and tried to explain his thoughts on the problem in front of the whole class. It took a while for many students in my class to understand his words because of his accent and his fluency in English. Later, he had to just write down equations and variables on the board to enable others to understand what he was trying to understand. Though some people might think that it is Chan’s fault for not being able to fluently speak English while going to a public school in the United States. However, for those people, I want to ask, ‘since when did English become the Nation’s official language?’ I, knowing how talented Chan is in transforming hard math problems into simple solutions during when we worked on a math project together, felt sorry for his embarrassment. At that moment, I realized that the existing educational system does not support many talented students to overcome their language barrier to reach their full potential. As a person who also went through a similar experience of having a hard time, I wanted to make a change in the current form of education for future generations of students in the overlooked population. I did not want any more students to not reach their 100% potential just because of the language barrier. From my experience, I learned that the school’s ESL classes do not practically help foreign students to learn English in a short period of time. Even more, I realize that there is no support system in our education that could help foreign students who are struggling with their school work just because they cannot speak English fluently. Realizing that there has to be an end to this continuing educational disparity, I decided to run a student club “Near2Perfection” that can help talented students who are suffering because of language or cultural barriers. Currently, in the United States, the majority of people expect immigrants to speak English fluently, even when 14.4% of its total population consists of immigrants whose mother tongue is not English. Empathizing with these often overlooked populations in our society, I and Near2Perfection aim to support them to socialize with other students and break the language barrier to spread their innovative dreams that could change the world. For instance, one of my friends from Taiwan, Tiger Ding, was struggling in his language & literature class, and especially with speaking and writing an essay in English. Like me, he never left his home country before coming to Salisbury school, and it was the first time he came to an English-only learning environment. Our club helped him to get familiar with the different cultures and languages by introducing our club members and giving him a tour of our school. Throughout the semester, we helped him with writing essays, providing him notes on how to write a persuasive essay, while doing daily assignments together, and having lunch with other classmates to make them feel inclusive in the school community.

After reading this article and reading through the comment section, I’m so glad that there are others who also recognize that all people, regardless of race, gender, age, and fluency in speaking English, have remarkable talents, energy, knowledge, and creativity to innovate the world. Being motivated, In the near future, I want to build a non-profit organization that promotes collaborations among lots of companies in the private industry in different countries. The goal of this organization is to play a significant role in “breaking the barrier” to help companies in different nations to introduce their innovative business ideas more easily. With my unending passion to promote equity, I am eager to collaborate with many other innovative peers in different nations to put our heads together and make the world a better place.

“I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.” is a monumental quote stated by Kurt Cobain. This quote not only illustrates the social concern of insecurities but also reflected an image of my life in general. The article, “A Student’s Struggle to Speak English Leads to a Career as a Communicator”, was especially intriguing to me because it shows how one’s aversion towards a certain area may also make them emotionally stronger by forcing them to step outside of their comfort zone. As Fiorella Riccobono stated, “My hope is that more people in our society, especially in today’s political climate, analyze their perceptions of disadvantage.” This suggests that rather than viewing stereotypically bad behavior as something we should avoid, we should also consider the delight it has brought to us and the positive adjustments it has made to our lives as a whole. For example, Fiorella Riccobono’s inability to communicate in English when she was younger forced her to go through an ordeal that has damaged her internally, but ultimately acknowledged the idea that having communication problems is not necessarily a drawback. The student underwent the hardship of learning a foreign language and overcame her insecurities on self-consciousness which is ultimately, her “improbable triumph”. As a ten-year-old little boy stepped into a foreign country where the environment was completely new to him, it was inevitable for him to face issues like language barriers, culture shock and discrimination. When I immigrated to Singapore from my homeland China, where I had spent the previous ten years, I attended an international school and did not speak a single word of English. I used to be in the English as a Second Language(EAL) course for three years hoping that one day I could be moved to English as a First Language(EFL) class. Throughout these years, I have seen many of my fellow classmates get transferred to EFL after only a few months of learning English, but I still had not yet met the requirements for EFL. I often asked myself, “Am I dumb?”, “Why am I always different from others?” and “Why can’t I just be like them?” Every time I speak in front of the class, I feel that I am stuttering and making simple grammar mistakes in my speech. I used to always be afraid to look others in the eye because I knew they might be making fun of my accent and giving me judgemental looks. Later in life, I was inspired by an artist that promotes the concept of ‘self-love’. The artist has numerous songs implying that we should not try to pretend to be someone that we are not in order to fit into a specific type of community and we should always love ourselves and embrace who we are individually. That was the moment when I realized that my insecurities are confining my individuality and it is perfectly fine to be different. I joined a local service called “Her Journey” that advocates Migrant Domestic Workers’ Rights and some people questioned why I am involved in a ‘Her’ related activity. I simply replied, “I am just doing what I love”, that is empowering the women in my society and beyond. The younger me tried really hard to be a ‘normal’ student but soon acknowledged that there is no category of ‘normal’ in our modern society. I started not caring about my accent and whether I can speak ‘perfect’ English or not because as Fiorella Riccobono stated, “This story marks the start of my improbable triumph.”

Fiorella’s story as the child of Venezuelan immigrants inversely mirrors my own experience as the child of two Korean immigrants. Her story starts with the shame and insecurity of not knowing English in her pre-K classroom, leading her to the realization that this “barrier” bolstered her work ethic and beliefs on diversity. My own story is similar: my struggle to resonate with my Korean identity as a Korean-American made me curious and led me to building my own community.

“Conventional thought suggests that if you live in the U.S. you should learn English,” Fiorella writes, and while this is true, I present another version of this line in a way applicable to my life: Conventional thought suggests that if you have family from outside of the U.S., you should be able to speak their language. When I was in first grade, I traded my once-fluent Korean for perfect English. This sacrifice gave way to the insecurity and shame that Fiorella alludes to in her article. Whenever I went back to Korea to visit family, I felt a sense of isolation as the only one who wasn’t fluent in Korean. I felt like a particularly grotesque piece of artwork, while my family looked at me as if they couldn’t quite figure me out. “Can you try to speak Korean around us?” they would ask, but the moment I spoke, they would chastise my poor grammar and even poorer pronunciation. They would comment on my colored hair and clothes, blaming it on the “American influence.” Language was not the only barrier that separated me from my Korean family. Korean mannerisms and culture that my family had practiced all their lives were unfamiliar to me, only feeding my insecurity. As the shame grew, I marginalized myself from my Korean identity and pushed myself to become more American. I stopped speaking Korean altogether, because every time I did, I was reminded that I didn’t quite belong.

Self-acceptance took a lot of work over the years, and admittedly, I still harbor some of those feelings from when I was younger. But like Fiorella’s connection to her identity, mine blossomed into a unique strength. Being Korean-American caused me to ask questions about who I really was, leading me to discover a community where my hyphenated identity has evolved into something entirely its own. Discovering the Korean-American community in my town let me uphold a blend of what both cultures have to offer; for example, many Korean-Americans bond over our experiences in Korea, the struggle of learning a language, and aspects of Korean culture that we can only confide in each other in America, such as Korean music and fashion. The Korean diaspora in the United States is comprised of nearly 2 million individuals, and after connecting with those like myself, I realized that I had spent my entire life trying to conform to one group or another when really, all I had to do was recognize that I had been part of one all along.

At the end of her article, Fiorella writes, “To the students who relate to my experiences and who may be struggling with their inability or even lack of desire to learn English, I ask you to shift your perception and embrace the opportunity in your challenge. I ask you to consider how you can spin this perceived weakness and draw energy from it to become a stronger student, friend, and contributing member to society.” This is exactly what I aspire to do. Already, I have contributed to my school and community through the thing that made me different and made me doubt myself all my life – in this case, my Korean-American identity – because it ultimately sparked my intellectual curiosity and allowed me to cross barriers to reach people like myself. Our identities are not deficits, barriers, or obstacles, as Fiorella has found out for herself. No matter our challenges, our ethnic origins, beliefs, gender, religion, and nationalities make us who we are, and being Korean-American has allowed me to find a community between lands, oceans, and cultures that feels like home.

I deeply resonate with your experiences as an Asian-American navigating the waters of having many different cultural identities. As an immigrant who has lived in four countries, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, and the US, I can empathize with the challenges you faced in connecting with your Korean roots while adapting to American culture.

Although I have not experienced living in India and spent most of my formative years in Japan, my Indian heritage has always been an essential part of who I am. I always found it difficult to answer the seemingly simple question, “where are you from?” Whenever it comes up, I am faced with a dilemma: Should I say that I am Indian, even though I never lived in India, but my parents were born and raised there? Should I say that I am American, despite the fact that I have lived here for only 3 years? Or should I say I am Japanese, since I have spent many years immersed in their culture, but was always seen as a foreigner? These moments make me feel isolated from those around me, like I don’t entirely fit into one particular mold.

However, I have learned to make light out of my situation. Akin to Fiorella’s realization of the “barrier” being a catalyst for growth, my journey has allowed me to experience the world through differing and often contrasting perspectives, providing a greater sense of depth in my life. As you put it, “Our identities are not deficits, barriers, or obstacles… our ethnic origins, beliefs, gender, religion, and nationalities make us who we are.”

Reflecting on your story, I’m reminded of a quote from an Indian hero, Mahatma Gandhi: “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.” Similar to how you’ve discovered a unique strength in your assorted identity, I have learned to embrace my diversity, allowing me to better understand myself and those around me.

Just like you, I agree that our identities are not limited to the place we currently live in, where we were born, or where we grew up; they are a culmination of our experiences and family heritage and are a part of what makes us unique. Learning about Indian values and traditions is a beautiful journey of self-discovery, and I find comfort in knowing that there are others, like you and Fiorella, who share similar experiences.

Today, when asked the question “Where are you from?” Instead of attempting to provide a simple one-word answer, I take the opportunity to share my journey through different cultures and the countries that have been an integral part of my life. I proudly acknowledge my Indian heritage while also showing gratitude for the Japanese customs and American values that have shaped my present day self. I have come to realize that my story cannot be explained by a single place; rather, it is a beautiful mosaic of influences from the various cultures that have touched my life.

Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that our identities are all unique, and our ability to embrace diversity can lead to a richer, more connected world.

Learning English as a Second Language: Why and How?

If you haven’t found the motivation or a suitable method to learn English as a second language, look inside. We have all the answers.

Why Learn English in the First Place?

What is esl, common obstacles esl students may face, how to get started with learning esl, how to choose a suitable esl program, the bottom line.

Characters talking about traveling, one of them thinks about improving their English

It’s no secret that English is the most widely spoken language in the world. In fact, there are more than 1.5 billion English speakers worldwide, of which over a billion people are non-native English speakers. And that number is only increasing as more and more people choose to learn English as a second language.

However, if you're going to learn a foreign language from scratch, it can be difficult to know where to start. With so many different resources and methods available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

But don't worry, we're here to help! We already talked about teaching English as a foreign language, but in this article, we’ll focus on why taking ESL classes can be beneficial, and we’ll give you some tips on how to get started. Let's dive in!

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Before we get into how to learn English, let's first take a look at some of the benefits of learning this language. Whether you're looking to improve your career prospects, make new friends, or travel the world, learning English can help you achieve your goals.

Here are just a few of the many advantages of learning English as a second language:

English is the language of business , so learning it can help you boost your career prospects.
English is the language of travel, so learning it can help you learn more about foreign cultures and make the most of your vacations.
English is the language of technology and science , so learning it can help you stay connected with the latest industry trends, as well as enhance your professional expertise.
English is the language of culture , so learning it can help you better understand films, books, and music from around the world.

Other than that, learning English can also help improve your communication skills , build your confidence , and make you more independent .

So, as you can see, learning English as a second language can be a truly rewarding experience. If you want to get a fuller picture of these benefits, make sure to check our article on reasons to start your English language learning journey now.

ESL stands for English as a Second Language . It's a type of language instruction for non-native English speakers who want to improve their language skills.

ESL classes can be taken online or in a classroom setting, and they can be taken at different levels, from beginner to advanced. Usually, they focus on teaching English grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills. Many classes also include cultural lessons to help ESL students better understand life in an English-speaking country.

There are also a variety of specialized ESL programs available, such as business English or medical English, so it's important to choose one that's right for your needs. For example, if you're looking to improve your English for business purposes, you'll want to choose a course that focuses on business vocabulary and conversation.

Choosing the right ESL program is an important decision, as it will determine how quickly and effectively you learn English. When choosing a program, it's important to consider your learning goals, schedule, and budget.

To be successful in an academic setting, students need more than just basic language skills. They also need what's known as cognitive academic language proficiency ( CALP ).

CALP is the ability to think critically and solve problems in the English language. It's often referred to as higher-order thinking, and it's an essential skill for ESL students who want to succeed in an academic setting.

Fortunately, ESL classes can help students develop CALP. By providing opportunities to listen to lectures, read academic texts, and write essays in English, ESL classes give English learners the chance to practice and improve their CALP skills, regardless of their native language.

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Learning English as a second language is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. After all, there are so many new words and rules for beginning English language learners to get overwhelmed by.

Here are some common obstacles that ESL students may face along the way and how to overcome them:

One of the biggest challenges for non-native speakers is overcoming language barriers . This can be difficult, especially for beginners, but it's important to remember that everyone starts at the same place. With time and practice, you'll be able to understand and be understood in English.

Another common obstacle is cultural differences . This is especially true for students who are learning English in a country where the culture is different from their own. However, it can be helpful to learn about the culture of your new classmates, as this will make it easier to communicate and connect with them.

Finally, many ESL students are afraid of making mistakes . But, this is perfectly normal – even native English speakers make them! Making mistakes is how we learn. The important thing is to not let your mistakes stop you from speaking English. The more you practice, the better you'll become, and eventually, you'll make fewer and fewer mistakes.

Character not understanding what others are saying

If you're interested in learning ESL, there are a few things you'll need to do to get started.

First, you'll need to assess your current level of English . This will help you determine which classes or programs are right for you. There are a variety of online tests and quizzes that can help you determine your English level, such as the Cambridge English Placement Test ( CEPT ) or the Duolingo English Test.

Next, you should find a suitable ESL program. There are many different programs available, so it's important to do your research and choose one that meets your needs. If you don’t know where to start looking, you can check the ESL directory that enables searching for programs by country. Once you've found a program, you can start your learning journey!

You'll also need to make sure you have the right resources at hand. There are a number of excellent books, websites, and apps that can help you learn English effectively, such as Langster, which focuses on learning English through stories. Some of our other favorites include Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone.

Furthermore, you'll need to find a way to practice English outside of the classroom . This is essential for developing your speaking and listening skills. There are a number of ways to do this, such as finding an English-speaking friend to practice with or watching English-language movies and TV shows with subtitles.

Finally, make sure to set some realistic goals for yourself. Learning a foreign language takes time, so don't expect to become fluent overnight. By setting small, achievable goals, you'll be more likely to stick with them and see desired results over time.

We have a bunch of articles dedicated to learning English from scratch and honing particular English language skills both online and in a classroom setting. Make sure to browse them for more information on topics you’re particularly interested in.

With so many different ESL courses available, it can be difficult to know how to choose the right one. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

Learning goals . What do you hope to achieve by learning English? Do you want to improve your speaking skills? Build your vocabulary? Learn grammar rules? Once you know your goals, you'll be able to narrow down your options and choose a program that's right for you.
Schedule . How much time do you have to dedicate to learning English? Are you looking for a full-time program or something more flexible? Make sure to choose a program that fits your schedule and lifestyle so that learning won’t feel like a chore.
Budget . There are a variety of programs available at different price points. Do some research to find one that's affordable for you.
Read reviews! Once you've found a few programs you're interested in, check out online reviews to get a sense of what other students have thought about the program.

With these criteria in mind, you should be able to find an ESL program that's right for you.

Character in front of the world map, thinking about going to Canada

Learning English as a second language can have numerous benefits. It can improve your communication skills, help you learn new vocabulary and grammar rules, and even make you new friends from around the world.

And, with so many different programs available, there's sure to be one that's right for you – just make sure you stay motivated and set achievable goals. So, why not give it a try? You may be surprised at just how much you can learn!

Ellis is a seasoned polyglot and one of the creative minds behind Langster Blog, where she shares effective language learning strategies and insights from her own journey mastering the four languages. Ellis strives to empower learners globally to embrace new languages with confidence and curiosity. Off the blog, she immerses herself in exploring diverse cultures through cinema and contemporary fiction, further fueling her passion for language and connection.

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What Is a Polyglot? Decoding the Minds of Multilingual Speakers

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Teaching English As a Foreign Language: Tips and Resources

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My Experience in Learning English

Practice in Writing

Write my experience in learning english.

English is very important today. It’s like a bridge that connects people, nations and countries. It’s a language of bussines, commerce, politics, sport, fashion, culture and glamour. Without knowledge of English you won’t be able to find a good job and reach success in your future career. I understand it very well, so I study hard to master English .

I’d like to share my experience in learning English. I have been learning English for nine years, and it’s my favourite subject at school. I learned my first English words and expressions at the age of five with the help of colourful books. Now I’m studying in year 8 at school spezialized in learning foreign languages. I have five English classes per week. We read and discuss texts, have practice in listening and writing and do lots of grammar and vocabulary exercises. My favourite activities in English classes are the following: doing computer tests, doing projects and speaking. As for extra-curricular work I like taking part in English contests and act in perfomances.

I’m crazy about rock music and I love songs of English-speaking singers and bands. I often surf the Internet and find interesting websites about them. It’s not a problem for me to read information in English. One of my hobbies is playing the guitar and singing songs in English.

In my free time I enjoy playing computer games online. It’s a great chance for me to communicate with teens from different countries. I always speak to foreigners who visit our school and our town. It’s fun!

I also attend extra English classes which do me a lot of good. I make pressentations and write essays to be published on my teacher’s website, where I have my own page.

To cut a long story short, I use every opportunity to practice English and develop my reading, writing and listening skills. My goal is to become a fluent speaker.

In conclusion, I’d like to recommend everyone to study English hard and not to waste time. Remember the proverb that lost time is never found again. In my opinion, if you know English well, you will climb the ladder of success.

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My Dream School

Schools and School Life

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Thank you very much for this essay this inspired me and gave me some ideas for writing my own essay

It’s great that you found my work useful! It’s cool that English unites people. I’d like to know what country you are from, it would we great to communicate.

Wow it’s very interesting I’m Cambodain but I really like English subject Because I will climb the ladder of success

Woww, bravo, your essay gives me lot of motivation, thank you so much, I try to be better in English language. But it doesn’t happen. Do you have any idea, please!

What just you read? The essay above clearly explain that The more you learn the more you will earn ..

Can you please give me some other material?

it’s a long time that i am trying to become a fluent English speaker; but it’s never happened..

Learning English As A Second Language Essay Example

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Literature , Politics , Media , Friendship , Learning , Writing , TESOL , English

Published: 12/17/2019

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English as a Second Language

Learning or acquisition of any language as a second one remains a challenge to anyone particularly if the countries of origin barely use it in their regular life (Boscov, 2012). This was my case was when I started learning English as my second language. I faced many obstacles to gain good command of English but I am happy I made it even though not proficient enough. It is important to note that the level of efficiency required by the learner highly relies on the area they want to apply it to. For instance, as a student who was to use English a medium of education I not only needed to understand it but express my ability to freely write in it (Patel, 2011). Even though English is not very difficult to learn, there are several areas that gave me a tough time. Initially, I had a problem with the multiplicity of the word-meaning and the vocabulary (Zinsser, 2012). Many vocabularies and meanings of many words still give me a hell of time, leaving me confused at times. In the end, understanding of the whole sentence to get the intended meaning becomes a problem. Construction of a good sentence in English was a nightmare although I am now in a good position to do so. Other areas that gave me a hard time to learn English include how to use prepositions and idiomatic expressions. Nevertheless, I am doing all my best to ensure that I improve my English on daily basis through writing and giving my friends to commend on it and reading English books and other forms of writings. Additionally, I listen and watch English music, news and movies especially on the TV channels dedicated for international audience. I practice a lot through communicating with my friends who are native English speakers and ask for help. As Sabatier (2012) points out, communication is one of the best ways to learn and acquire a second language.

English Alphabet and numbering (source: http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/english-second-language/)

Zinsser, W. (2012). Writing English as a Second Language. Retrieved 15 May, 2012 from http://theamericanscholar.org/writing-english-as-a-second-language/ Patel, R. (2011). Second Language Acquisition: Problems of Learning English as a Second Language: ESL Difficulties. Retrieved 15 May, 2012 from http://saleheensblog.hubpages.com/hub/Problems-of-learning-English-as-a-foreign-or-second-language Boscov, N. (2012). Learning a Foreign Language Easily and Quickly – My Personal Experience. Retrieved 15 May, 2012 from http://nemanjaboskov.hubpages.com/hub/Learning-a-Foreign-Language-Easily-and-Quickly-My-Personal-Experience Sabatier, J. (2012). English as a Second Language. Retrieved 15 May, 2012 from http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/english-second-language/

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My experience learning a second language, it takes time and dedication.

I am bilingual, having studied Spanish throughout my entire school experience. Learning a second language requires dedication and immersion.

My first real experience learning Spanish in a classroom was in elementary school. A Spanish teacher came once a week to our class and taught us basic vocabulary. I remember coming up with tricks in order to memorize the words we were learning, such as saying that sábado started with the same letters as Saturday and that miércoles was the weirdest sounding word, just as Wednesday was in English. Creating word associations and looking for similar root words definitely was helpful in learning the language.

As I went on to middle school, I did not take a Spanish class as art was my elective of choice. In my high school, at least two foreign language courses were required in order to graduate. I decided to sign up for Spanish because I thought it would the most useful to learn.

In Spanish 1, I was taken aback by the teacher, who really emphasized self-teaching. He mostly spoke in English during class, except for songs that he taught us. Every day at the start of class, we sang songs. It started with “A-E-I-O-U,” then moving on “Los Pollitos,” “Un Elefante,” “Sana Sana,” and “Los Colores.” It seemed childish at the time, but today I am glad to have learned these songs. Having to learn vocabulary and grammar through self-teaching gave me skills that have been useful in college and beyond.

Since I enjoyed Spanish 1 & 2, I decided to enroll in Spanish 3. Much to my dismay, I was assigned a new teacher. Her class was handled very differently. This was also the first time I formerly learned Spanish grammar. After this course ended, I no longer wanted to continue. I moved on to a broadcasting course while many of my friends took Spanish 4.

Senior year, I had put Spanish 4 as an alternate course, but aimed to take the next level of the broadcasting class. However, budget cuts were implemented and the broadcasting class was one of the first to go. I was placed in my alternate course: Spanish 4. Since there were only two other students taking level 4, we were placed into the same class as the AP students.

This course was rigorous, and sometimes I felt that I had missed out on some basic Spanish skills that I should have learned. We were given the same instruction and assignments as the AP students. However, as the course went on, I definitely felt more confident in my abilities.

When I first arrived in college, I intended to minor in Spanish and figure out my major somewhere down the road. After taking a Hispanic Cinema class, I realized I had a love for the language and culture and declared my major in Spanish language and literature.

One thing I have taken note of in many of my college-level language courses is the number of students that have been able to travel abroad. I have never been given that opportunity, though it has been a life-long dream to travel.

Luckily, I am still able to converse with native speakers here in Raleigh. Speaking with native speakers is something I would encourage any student of a language to do, as it really helps advance your skills.

The other thing that enables me to learn culture and Spanish outside of class is my love for music and film. I regularly listen to Spanish music and enjoy watching Spanish-language movies.

Although I have not traveled, I hope to in the future and until then I will continue learning what I can in Raleigh. Learning a language is challenging, but it is worth it. It truly is amazing being able to converse with a new group of people!

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25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble .

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

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Issues in Learning English as a Second Language Essay

Introduction.

English is being acknowledged as a global language nowadays. This means it has become a language of international business communication; this is one of the three main languages of such organizations as the European Union. The English language is one of the most wanted languages to learn and speak. Many people tend to learn it and even become bilingual, even though they live far away from either of the countries, which are considered to be the countries of the EL as native. The flow of immigrating people is rising day in and day out. However, it is a hard job to learn the language and use it in a proper way, such as to achieve the objectives sought at the beginning of the learning, as the language is not a good major, but rather a great complement to the major of a person. From this point, a question arises – whether English as a second language, with all the obstacles to learning, is really worth learning. It is evident that learning English as a Second Language (ESL) has its challenges, but considering all the facts, it does not outweigh its benefits.

Firstly, it is vital to understand that English is a constantly changing language. However, changes in the language should stand the test of history. English is an evolving language that is always changing, adding novel terms and progressively changing some of its existing lexical units (Yenikeyeva, S., & Klymenko, 2021). That makes it so vital to have good communication skills to be able through communication keep up-to-date information about all the changes taking place within the language transformations. These skills additionally contribute to the level of one’s own English and help to feel quite satisfied with all the inclusiveness. History test is one of the strictest ones in terms of language survival. Any language lives while it is a spoken language, and there are descendants who are going to inherit the language and willingly speak it. As for the English language, it either should not be afraid of the history test or at least not in the foreseeable future as too many people depend on it now.

Secondly, the given English as a Second Language essay shows the ways of teaching English are being constantly developed. The reason behind this is that some of the teaching methods are not successful, and others seem to be perfect but still need some improvements. Methodologists should take into account a variety of elements when teaching English that could impede those individuals from learning the language successfully (Rus, 2020). Belonging to a different language family is one of the most frequent causes, which raises questions about word usage, syntax, and the arrangement of words within sentences, among other issues (Croft, 2022). The objective of those teachers is to make people understand some existing language truths that are not common to their mother language. However, alongside such methods, there are other ways to learn English as a second language quickly. One of the most expanded ones is going to a country where English is the state language. This method might be quite a shock for people. Moreover, they should come to the country with at least some basic knowledge of the language. However, it is an entertaining and quick method to understand the inexplicable truths existing in any language. The method has both pros and cons, as there are few countries where English is spoken as a state language, while there are too many people willing to go under it. The methods might vary, and each person should decide which method is the most suitable for them.

Thirdly, it is a widely known fact that employees who have a good command of English are preferable. Multilingual employees are considered to be specialists who have the necessary knowledge (Rustamov et al., 2022). This directly reflects on the salary of the worker. Consequently, most CVs have a subdivision, considering language knowledge, where they put the fluency of their language skills. Multilingual employees are regarded as being able to negotiate with other businesses and employees, resulting in better communication (Holm et al., 2020). Such workers have a more stable and high-paying position than the others who do not know the languages. Not only does language fluency make the worker stand out from the other employees, but proficient communication skills also benefit his abilities and his position as a high-level professional. So, everyone who claims to have outstanding knowledge of English or any other foreign language should be ready to hold negotiations using the best of his or her proficient communication skills.

In summary, the given English as Second Language essay showed that although the English language is hard to learn, it is worthwhile learning it as a Second language and even more beneficial as a bilingual. Firstly, the English language is most likely to stand the severe history test and survive as a language, as too many people depend on its usage. Then, the methods of teaching English continue to be improved, made more fun, and made more manageable, which makes the learning process really interesting. Finally, a good command of English benefits the employee rate, stability, and salary, proposed as a reward for language fluency and good communication skills.

Croft, W. (2022). Morphosyntax: Constructions of the world’s languages . Cambridge University Press.
Holm, A. E., O’Rourke, B., & Danson, M. (2020). “Employers could use us, but they don’t”: voices from blue-collar workplaces in a northern periphery . Language Policy, 19 , 389-416. Web.
Rus, D. (2020). Creative methodologies in teaching English for engineering students . Procedia Manufacturing, 46 , 337-343. Web.
Rustamov, I. T., & Mamaziyayev, Z. X. (2022). Development of speaking comprehension in teaching foreign language for professional purposes . Asian Journal of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities, 12 (2), 227-233. Web.
Yenikeyeva, S., & Klymenko, O. (2021). Synergy of modern English word-formation system. Linguistics and Culture Review, 5 (1), 1110-1122.
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