10 myths about learning English

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Elena Britova from "Translink-Education" - about why it is never too early or too late to learn a language and whether it is possible to cope with a task using only applications.

Myth 1. English can be spoken in one day

It is forbidden. Even if for two. To get an idea of what this language is, what its structure is and how it works - yes. Get advice on how to study it - yes. Learn - no. Be it the 25th frame, a super-unique technique or a magic teacher. And even if all together.

To learn is to speak, and to speak and understand is a skill.

For the formation of a skill, as everyone already knows, regular training is needed. It is almost impossible to form a skill in a day or two, especially a communicative one. Practice English regularly!

Myth number 2. You can learn to think in English

This phrase is a commercial move, advertising that has nothing to do with the process.

Imagine, I tell you the word "table". What's in your head? Picture of the table: familiar, standard, of what is now in front of you. But definitely not a four-letter word.

We do not think in words. We have figurative thinking.

If I change the word "table" to table and if you know this word, then you will have the same picture in your head. Will it change depending on the language? Unlikely. We think we are not in the language. And therefore no one can teach us this.

But learning to formulate a thought, taking into account the structure of the English language, is quite real. Rebuild the Russian sentence into an English manner, and then translate.

Myth 3. English can be learned

Learning is a very broad concept. We have been using our native language since childhood. Have we learned it from start to finish? Certainly not: we do not know all the spelling rules and sometimes we make mistakes, and there will certainly be words whose meanings we do not know.

And even more so, it is impossible to learn a foreign language from beginning to end, simply because no one knows what is the very end. You need to determine what to teach, depending on the situations in which you will use the language. Learn English step by step, moving from level to level.

Myth 4. You can learn English on your own

If English is the fifth language in your piggy bank, or at least the second foreign language, then this is quite possible. But if this is the first foreign student and you are just at the beginning of the journey, then this is almost impossible.

It is the teacher who will significantly speed up this process, because it is he who will select both the material and the way of working on the material, adequate to your knowledge, skills, way of perception and individual peculiarities of thinking. It is the teacher who will adjust the direction of study, taking into account your strengths and weaknesses of speech. This is especially important at the very beginning of training.

Myth 5. A language can be learned with applications and programs

Now there are many technical means for learning English: all kinds of applications, websites. Most of them are very competently designed and greatly facilitate the learning process, making it mobile, continuous and interesting. But this is not always enough.

Expand your vocabulary - yes. To master and train grammar - yes. Spelling - yes. But to train pronunciation, speaking and understanding is not. This requires a teacher. It is he who will hear mistakes, it is he who will create situations in the classroom for training speaking and understanding, support the conversation and build it in such a way as to give you the opportunity to find an adequate speech output from different speech situations.

Combining technical means and teaching with a teacher is the best way. Take advantage of the 21st century for extra training and practice.

Myth 6. Learning English is not given to everyone

No inclination for languages. Any teacher (professional, of course) will tell you that there are no unteachable people. There are the wrong tools, teaching methods, teacher and lack of motivation. And also natural human laziness.

Our brain is designed in such a way that it can master almost everything. It's a matter of time and desire, not a lack of ability.

Set a goal using the SMART method, look for a good teacher, and forward to new knowledge!

Myth 7. It all depends on the teacher

A lot depends on the teacher, but not everything. A properly selected teacher - 50% of success: he will be additional motivation, he will be able to individually select the forms of work for you, he will be an example to follow, he will be able to captivate and interest you.

But, unfortunately, this is not a guarantee of the result. The remaining 50% is your area of responsibility. Choose a teacher as a husband or wife (first of all, it should be comfortable and interesting) and see the next point.

Myth 8. It all depends only on the student

It is clear from the previous point that the responsibility is divided equally between the student and the teacher. The student's area of responsibility includes: regular visits, no interruptions in the process, independent studies, following the teacher's recommendations and being active during classes.

If you are bored, if something annoys you in the teacher, if you do not understand the way of presenting the material, or you catch yourself thinking that you are increasingly looking for reasons to skip the lesson, do not be afraid to change the teacher.

If you understand that you are interested in the lesson and you are involved, but once again forget about your homework or do not follow the teacher's recommendations, change your approach to the process. Use self-encouragement or self-punishment, define a "carrot" for yourself or prioritize. If they don't have English, don't torture yourself or the teacher.

Myth 9. It's too late to learn English

It's never too late. One of my students was 82 when he first started learning English.

It's all about motivation. If you really need it, then age is not a hindrance.

Even if there are no apparent reasons (you are not going abroad in the near future, and you have no foreign friends), but you really want to, then all the more dare. English can be learned just for fun. In addition, learning foreign languages is a good exercise for the brain, additional memory training, prevention of diseases and dementia. Learn a language, train your brain!

Myth 10. It's too early to learn English

The main argument against: native speech may suffer. This is a very controversial issue. What about bilingual children? Their speech is all right. The child's brain is much more perfect and more flexible than that of any adult, he actively learns everything, this is his main task.

The study of foreign languages significantly expands the vocabulary in the native speech and actively develops logical thinking. One thing: the child will come to school and they will start teaching him from the beginning. He may get bored and lose interest in the subject.

If you decide to teach your child English from early childhood, then be prepared to give additional knowledge throughout the school years so that he improves his skills and actively moves forward. If you are in doubt or are afraid for speaking, consult a speech therapist if your child has any contraindications. Approach the learning process without fanaticism.

Down with stereotypes and myths! Think about prospects, focus on the desire or need for learning English, and forward, for knowledge that will open up new opportunities.