Speaking or not speaking?
As far as I am concerned, there are two different theories for speaking English. One groups of teachers believe that speaking is a really sensitive task which students must do it only with teachers’ surveliance. If students speak by themselves and their teacher do not correct them. They will understand bad English and bad English will be their bad habits and to forget the bad habits are really difficult. Therefore, It is better to talk in front of a teacher who corrects English errors.
Another groups of teacher think differently. They encourage students to speak as much as they can, with error or without errors. The goal of speaking is to communicate with people. Communicating is more important than English mistakes. They want students learn English speaking naturally. They want them to speak English without thinking of English grammars.
I examined the first theory. I did not speak unless I am sure to speak properly, without any errors. While speaking, I was thinking of grammar. I tried but I was slow. When I read about the second theory, I felt better. It gave a good feeling because I at least tried to speak. Trying is better than doing nothing. I spoke even I had grammar mistakes. Making mistakes do not matter, I think making mistakes is part of a learning process. How can I ride a bicycle without riding or learning just by watching a bicycle?
When I know truely about a subject, there is a possibility of making mistakes. I know driving a car but there is always the possibility of an accident. If I know grammar, there is the possibility of making mistakes. I have seen native speakers make many English mistakes, how they want me not to make mistakes while speaking?
I think the first theory is not practical. But, what do you think? Do you think the same or have different idea? which ones are better?
Mike Said,
December 15, 2008 @ 10:52 am
Greetings,
While I can see your point on having two theories for learning English, I would have to agree with the first. In order to be able to effectively learn the language, you need to be able to understand the grammar. If you start to understand the grammar, you’ll get a better grasp of the language, quicker.
I found a free software that helps you learn English using both theories. You are free to speak as much as you can, but you will also receive immediate feedback on your pronunciation. You read Businessweek magazine while learning English. Very cool - I encourage you to check it out. http://www.businessweekbsl.com
nafis Said,
December 16, 2008 @ 11:09 am
Dear Mike,
I saw the software. I think it is fantastic and I also read your blog, Edisco Agenda. It has valuable information about English. Thank you so much for telling me.
Best regards,
Mike Said,
December 17, 2008 @ 10:23 am
Hi Nafis,
Thanks for the reply. I hope you find the software useful and that you’ll let others know how it can benefit them while they practice their English.
If you need anything or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Cheers,
Mike
Anny Said,
December 18, 2008 @ 6:26 am
Hi,
These experiences are great! I’d been an exchange student and was trying to speak English by my best like a native speaker. Reading these theories, I have admitted that my way to learn to speak English is the second theory because I made a lot of mistakes while I was speaking. Well, however, when I moved to another state to study, nobody had any wonder that I’m an international student. I was in my pronunciation class and the teacher asked me what I need to be help because my pronunciation is pretty correct. Some teacher told me that if they don’t notice, my pronunciation sounds like native speaker, pretty perfect.
Ha, I’m not trying to write this to show off my goal; but, in my idea, we should try both of two theories above. Try to speak and correct yourself as much as you can. In addition, apply your most grammar skills into speaking. My writing teacher has told me “The more you speak English, the better you write”
I enjoyed my speaking English.So, enjoy to speak English is the best than you put yourself to have to do it.
Anny
nafis Said,
December 18, 2008 @ 8:38 am
Dear Anny,
Thank you so much for the comment and sharing your English experiences with me. I am really happy you wrote your story here and I agree with you completely, we should use two theories, the first and second.
Dear Anny, I will be very glad if you tell me how you practice pronunciation and share your English learning experiencs here. It sounds you are so good at speaking. My goal in my little weblog is to share my English learning experiences with others and learn from others as well. It will be very great if English learners exchange their experiences. So, please come here and tell your story. I will blog them as a seperate post by your name.
You were International student and I know you have great experience.
hope see you again,
Good luck,
nafis Said,
December 18, 2008 @ 9:11 am
Dear Mike,
I installed the software on my PC successfully but when I wanted to use it, it says that Practice Player needs to be up-to-date. I did that too. But again, I see this message: there was a problem while downloading the update. Would you please help me how to install it?
Thanks a lot,
Best regards,
Mike Said,
December 18, 2008 @ 10:19 am
Hi Nafis,
To help resolve this problem, can you provide me with:
1. Your user account credentials ( username that was used to login to the Player )
2. Your log file which can be accessed from the following directory:
C:\Program Files\neuroLanguage\Practice Player\data
-log file would in the following format: app_”date” ( date of issue occurance )
Any further details that you could send would be most helpful towards a quicker resolution.
You send all details directly to me at: mdoyonATneurolanguageDOTcom
Sorry for the inconvenience,
Mike