JudyThompson_English

English spelling doesn't make sense. Other languages are logical in that their alphabets were developed to represent the oral language (spoken languages come first - writing second), this didn't happen with English (a capitalist name William Caxton made a mess of English when he wrote it down in 1476 and didn't modify the alphabet). Students bring the logic software of their first language to the table when they study English. When it doesn't work out - they blame themselves. Heart breaking.

Listening is the access to speaking and reading is the access to writing. There is a bad myth out there (propagated by education sadly) that adults don't learn languages as fast as children. What studies (as far back as 1972) show is that adults learn languages differently than children and in many ways better. First and foremost, if you are learning any language force yourself to authentically engage in it. Listen to podcasts, talk to strangers... let go of trying to do it perfectly. You are going to make mistakes, everyone loves you more for them, learn from them. Be brave.

We, (when I say 'we' I mean trained native English speaking ESL teachers) were taught to teach mostly grammar. Grammar is not the best way to teach/learn a language and our poor results bore that out. What I came to learn in my career was that English Speaking and English Writing are unconnected. The alphabet doesn't make sense so there is no logical bridge from reading and writing (26 letters) and listening and speaking (40+ sounds). When I teach them separately the students do well in both.

I love this question! When I was teaching in Korea - all Korean students, only one student had to 'get' the lesson and 'Korean telegraph' understanding swept through the class in seconds. First language can be used to expedite information. The part of this question I am most excited about is all major languages use about 40 sounds and any two languages use almost identical sets of sounds. There is a great tool out now for any one to compare the sounds and rules of their first language with the sounds and rules of English to ONLY LEARN THE DIFFERENCES. I harvest similarities between first language and English. I know what you are saying though - should people be allowed to chat away not in English i class? If it is about English - yes. If it is about their new boyfriend - no.

If you want English for academic purposes the existing tests are all skewed for that. If you want to speak fluently, talk to strangers. "Excuse me, could you spare 5 minutes of your time to help me with my English?" Most will say yes, some will say no - don't be discouraged. Ask the same questions over and over again to different people. "How do I get to the museum from here?"... "Excuse me, could you take my picture in front of the statue?"... Be prepared to make lots of wonderful, interesting, even embarrassing mistakes. There is no short cut. You can only become fluent in English by speaking English.