This is Part 3 of a three part series on learning English. To read the first article in the series, click here.
Why So Serious?
We don’t have to take language learning too seriously. Although the English test at school will still require standard answers, getting high grades and marks should not be our main goal in learning English. After all, the purpose of learning a language is to be able to communicate with people. It is very important to speak often and openly.
Many people often learn English grammar and memorize English vocabulary words with a lot of effort, but they hesitate to speak a word when facing foreigners. It is a pity that English learners in Taiwan especially dare not speak to foreigners. How to overcome this fear?
Made a Mistake Speaking? Just Smile and Keep on Going!
Next time, when you see a foreigner on the road or meet a classmate in class, say “Hi!” or “Good Morning!” generously to say hello. Believe me, once you open your mouth, you will find that speaking English is not as difficult as you imagined. Let us start with simple words and practice step-by-step to integrate new languages into our lives!
In addition, when you accidentally use the wrong word or mispronounce it in a conversation, you don’t have to feel ashamed at all, just smile. Even as native speakers of Chinese, we sometimes forget how to write, pronounce, and use a character during a conversation. It isn’t something to be embarrassed about at all. We can and must overcome the traumas from the education system where students are expected to be perfect!
Maintain A Growth Mindset Instead of a Fixed Mindset for Language Learning
This is the essence of having a growth mindset when it comes to learning a new language such as English. It is completely normal to make mistakes in communication. Instead of letting it shut you down, you let obstacles and failures propel you to keep going. Keep going one day at a time to build the health habits of speaking a little bit daily.
The next time you make a mistake, remember to give yourself a thumbs up, because it means that you are trying and are on the right path! Wishing everyone the best in their English learning journey.
About Sensay: Sensay is an AI-powered platform that makes English speaking practice and assessment easy. Our mission is to help K-12 English learners worldwide love and find joy in speaking English.