I really like to read comments from you guys as I will get to know your thinking and feelings towards learning. Your comments offer me the chance to give you more guidance and suggestions, and at the same time, allow me to understand more, so please let me know your troubles in learning, don't keep them to yourselves.
This entry is a response to Phy's comment on the entry Learning Method & Psychology: Why Can't I Speak Fluent English?
A recap of what she said,
"Agree Locky's suggestions
I do think that grammar is more important than other elements. At least I can express my basic meaning of a sentence even though I use a limited vocabularies. Once you build up confidence, you hope to varify your vocabularies.Sometimes I have chance in speaking English in daily counter duty. I'll memorize some frequently used keywords and sentences. It may be a helpful method to handle daily requests. After the transaction, I usually think the whole conversation again what should I say/ how to express better next time."
In my opinions, sometimes, you do need to memorise expressions related to your work so that you get immediate improvement in your English, like in Phy's case. This is an area of study in English called ESP, English for Specific Purposes. In the long run, however, it is important to build a firm foundation. For me, grammar and vocabulary are both equally important, and I believe they can both be trained at the same time, which is why I started this blog.
But then again, some learners will put more emphasis in grammar, others might opt for vocabulary, everybody's different. The key here is to understand what type of learner you are -- which one you need to more or which you will be more interested to begin your learning with. Eventually, everyone will arrive at the same point of achievement no matter which route you decide to take.
Say for example, if your work requires you to speak perfect English, almost to a native level because your company is filled with westerners, then I suggest you first spend a little time on finding your errors in your spoken English, then correct them through repeated drillings --the "Hear Yourself" method. Once your grammar is fixed, you can pay more emphasis in vocabulary that is related to your work.
On the other hand, if you are bored to death by grammar, then start with vocabulary first. Get to know more about the world through reading fashion magazines, listening to songs, watching movies, etc., find interests in life and in English first before you go deeper into the grammatical aspects of English.
I believe that there is really no such thing as "the only approach" in learning something, only "the most interesting approach" and "the most relevant approach". My choice is always the former one because if you are keen on something, you will work on it!
Resources:
http://lockyep.blogspot.com/2010/02/learning-method-psychology-why-cant-i.html
http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=8433985884370686932&searchType=ALL&txtKeywords=&label=World
http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=8433985884370686932&searchType=ALL&txtKeywords=&label=Reading
http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=8433985884370686932&searchType=ALL&txtKeywords=&label=Songs
http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=8433985884370686932&searchType=ALL&txtKeywords=&label=Movies
Thank You Locky's response to my comment !!
ReplyDelete"ESP" is a convenient method to my work. To remember keywords and speak simple grammar are enough for me to solve clients enquiries. Clients get what they want and I finish my task. Not only in learning, but also in the reality of working environment, I just think that it is also a kind of working skill to survive.
In my situation, I should use "Hear Yourself" to practise more spoken grammar. In the past, Locky you recommended <>, it's really a good grammar book - clear and simple explanation. But <>, I still think that it is hard.
Thus, I pay attention to your writing/grammar more than vocabularies when reading your blog. I'll think why you write like this or that......and then try to remember.
Listening English song is one my favourite hobbies and naturally I'll search lyrics what the songs are about. Nowadays it is easy to search a song with lyrics on the web so as to learn English as well.
I absolutely agree that interest is a big big motivation to learn something.
I think that vocabulary is more important. With limited vocabulary, it is difficult to express yourselves clearly.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I found that somethings were missing.
ReplyDeleteI mean that Locky recommended 2 grammar books before :
1. "English Grammar in Use" is good and clear explanation
2. "Practical English Usage" is difficult
Hi Locky, thanks for keeping invent "learning method" and sharing to us.
ReplyDeletefor me, vocabulary is more important(i guess). coz i always cant remember the vocabularies when i speak in english ^^! and i even cant remember what did i say after the conversation ^^! (of coz i remember the content but not every word i said) and once i want to organise my garmmer, then the whole content would be screwed up @.@
i think i need to put more effort to english even the course end..
Celia
You are welcome, Celia. Always hope the methods can help some of you.
ReplyDelete