I like english, but now studying the master, I've noticed that speaking is the weakest skill, I think because I don't speak at my job and because of this I'm not fluent, it looks like I don't know the right words, but I do know them I just can't use them at the moment I'm speaking. To improve this skill I try to watch T.V. programs in english and keep some expressions in my mind, the thing is, if I don't have the opportunity to use them they will be forgotten. Another idea that comes to my mind is to ask my teachers and classmates to correct me when I make mistakes. Listening is getting better, thanks to T.V. too and of course, classes, I'm getting used to different "pronunciations" from our teachers, but it's great to understand easily.
I believe that my strongest skills are reading and writing, it's easy to me to write and read about something, I think it's because I have more time to think about and look for the unknown words in the dictionary.
Even though, reading and writing are a bit easier for me, I think the best way to be fluent in a second language is to practice it in a natural context so, this is what I have to do from now on, specially speaking in classes, taking a deep breath, think carefully on the best words and ..........speak.
Hi Carmen. I think Bernadita mentioned an interesting concept in her first post; the idea of being a risk-taker. Playing with language and experimenting is a great way to try out new expressions etc.
ResponderEliminarPersonally, I think reading is the best way to find new vocabulary. You have to be a risk-taker to try it out in real language contexts.
Yes you are right. I hadn't think about it, but now it makes sense, because I'm not a person who dares to take risks, I'm not so brave in every day situations, before making decisions I think a lot and reflect on what I'm going to do. Now I realized that the same happens when I have to speak in english.So the conclusion is from now on, let's speak english don't be afraid!
ResponderEliminarI agree with you Carmen.I know it is not easy but when you begin and take risks you can develop your skills successfully.A few years ago I didn't feel comfortable when I had the opportunity to speak English but little by little I got used to. People,I met were so nice people that I made great efforts to improve my oral skills.Some of them knew that I was trying to improve and they helped me a lot.
ResponderEliminarI agree with you! Sometimes we think too much before speaking! It has to do with self confidence and be more relaxed! And in fact, at school our English isn`t going to improve, because we ussualy use the same words and sentences! You are doing it well by watching TV, because you have a goal, wchich is improve pronunciation, expressions, etc!!
ResponderEliminarto improve we need to make mistakes! It sounds very contradictory but it is also very true. Perhaps that's why children learn faster than adults, cause they just don't care about making mistakes. It is difficult to accept it and deal with it, but we'got to start somehow.It's also very difficult to convince young students that they will have to make mistakes in order to reach fluecy.
ResponderEliminar