Communicate on different themes.
develop their linguistic skills.
okey, i'm first.
I' Kate. I'm 14.
I live in Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk city.
I wont a learn english, but I can't because I don't have a practice!
HELP ME please!!!!!!
oh, hello Kate))) i'm Inna from Kherson))) i'll help you to practice in your English with pleasure)))) it's not a problem for me but interesting))) so you are 8th or 9th former now???
I'm Igor. I was born in Kiev, Ukraine. In 1994 I moved to US. Now i live in Los Angeles, Ca. I'd be happy to help anyone who wants to practice in English
Well... LA is the largest city in the world built in the desert. It's very nice city, and it's huge. The city spans the over 498.3 square miles (1,290.6 sq. km). The Los Angeles metropolitan area is home to nearly 12.9 million residents. City was founded on Sept. 4, 1781. The Original name of the city was El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles (The Village of Our Lady, the Queen of the Angels). As you can see the LA's nickname "City of Angels" is not quite right.
Nice climate. The period of May through October is warm to hot and dry with average high temperatures of 23–29 °C and lows of 14–19 °C, however temperatures frequently exceed 32 °C and occasionally reach 100 °F 38 °C in inland areas..
The period of November through April is mild and somewhat rainy with average high temperatures of 20–23 °C and lows of 9–12 °C, but temperatures can occasionally drop to the low ~5°C or be as high as 27 °C for a few days during winter.
Average number of rainy days per year - 27.
But it's said that nothing comes free. The price Angelenos pay for such nice climate is pretty frequent earthquakes. There are approximately 10,000 earthquakes every year in LA area.
When I moved to US I THOUGHT I knew English. But, as it turned out that wasn't 100% true. Here's the story.
In about a month after I moved here was my birthday. At that time I was considered the most fluent English speaker in our household, so, my wife asked me to go to the bakery and buy some cakes for tea. In the bakery I saw very unusual cakes. They looked like balls about 5-7 cm in diameter, sprinkled with a lot of crumbs and nuts. I asked the assistant what that was. She answered me something which sounded to me like "blah-blah-blah-apple" and I decided that those cakes had apple inside. I bought 7 of them, one for each family member. When we gathered around the table, it turned out that those weren't cakes at all. They were caramel apples (apples dipped in caramel and sprinkled with a lot of crumbs and nuts). My first birthday in US was spoiled. :(
obtained that you was hard communication in USA...
tell me please, have I a chans fluent English speaker in Ukraine without practice?
sometimes i fly with my father in different country for example: Turkey, Emirates, Egypet....
My father told me, that i fluent English, we will fly in USA!!!!=)))))))))))))
Unfortunately, nothing comes without practice. You HAVE TO practice. But, the good thing is you can choose your way of practicing. You can read the books (try to read the original English books, not the simplified ones), find online friends (preferably native English speakers or those who live in English-spoken countries for pretty long time). When communicate with English speakers, ask them to correct you if you do mistakes. (No offense, bu I couldn't understand the first phrase in your previous post). The most important: build phrases directly in English, not translate them from Russian. Unlike Russian (or Ukrainian), English is the language with the FIXED order of words. Changing the words order can give a sentence a completely different meaning. We can say in Russian: "Лошадь видит собаку." or "Собаку видит лошадь". The meaning of the phrase hasn't changed after changing the words order. We understand who sees whom. That's because Russian nouns has cases (падежи). There's no such thing in English. "A horse sees a dog" means that a horse looks at the dog ans sees it, while "A dog sees a horse" means the opposite thing.
Another example of the FIXED order of words is when you switch a subject and a verb. If a subject PRECEDES a verb the sentence is narrative; if a subject FOLLOWS a verb the sentence is a question!
Hi, my name is Ann (as u can see) :)
I'm from Moscow!
Have a lot of questions to Igor :)
Why did you decide to leave Kiev? Why did you choose La...not London, NY, Paris for example..? Do you still remember russian? Don't you want to come back to Ukraine?
Sorry about my mistakes, sometimes I'm not good in grammar, because don't have enough practice(
Thank you for the answer!)
I left Kiev in 1994. If you remember the quality of life people in the former Soviet Union had at that time, you'd understand me. I've chosen LA because my brother (he moved in 1989) and my parents (they moved in 1992) lived here. Yes, I still can speak Russian, this is the language we speak home. I visited Ukraine in the summer of 2007. I liked it a lot... as a visitor. People were very friendly and everything was affordable, at least for me. I understand if I lived there it wouldn't be so affordable for me. If you want to ask me if I'd like to move back, the answer would be "No!". I'm an American citizen now and definitely don't want go go back to the uncertainty, the people of Ukraine experience in their everyday life.
I didn't mean to offend anybody and I'm bringing my apologies in advance to those who might have been offended.
English grammar is ridiculously easy. It's just different from the Russian grammar. The major accent of the Russian grammar is the noun. The major accent of the English grammar is the verb. I know, you are confused with the huge number of the tenses. The total number of tenses in English is 32. 6 of them are NEVER used which lives us only 26. Perfect Continuous group of tenses is so exotic you can live without it. That leaves only 18 tenses (both active and passive voices). Actively only about 12 - 14 are used. Now let's see what we have in Russian. Активный и пассивный залог, совершенный и несовершенный вид, 3 времени. That gives us 12. Not a big difference, eh? Add here лицо, род, наклонение and спряжение and you'll see that Russian grammar is much more difficult to study. Russian is easy for you because it's you mother's tongue. Believe me if you are neither native English speaker, nor native Russian speaker English would be much easier for you to study and learn than Russian.
I know that English better than Russian, I know...
And I hope that I'll teach this tenses...
because I asked you and other people to help me!
Thank you very much!
Hello Igor. How long you could not understand english of americans? I am going to live in London after several years (I am 16 for now) and I am worried about how will i speak there. I have been studying english for 9 years already. Thanks
When I came to the US I had pretty good basis. It wasn't too difficult to understand the Americans. In most cases I experienced difficulties only when they were talking about the things that were completely new for me. Don't forget, that was 1994. There was a lot of thing common to Americans that we (in the USSR) never heard of. Like those caramel apples I was talking in my post #9. But, again, I had pretty good basis. 6 years in the school, 3 years in the university. Those years of study gave me an ability to read and write. Just before leaving I was studying English with American teachers. In 1993 in 5 Russian cities and in Kiev English schools were opened by the organization called International Teacher's Services. Instructors were Americans who couldn't speak Russian at all. The course was split into 6 semesters 8 weeks each. There was 2 classes per week. Their goal was to make us speaking. The tuition fee was $7 per semester. In 1994 that was a lot of money. At least in Kiev. I had completed 4 semesters before I left.
Hi, Kate. My name is Ksenya. I'm from Russia, Kaluga. I'm not sure with you about 'English is bette then Russian'. Why you think so? Sorry for my English:) Please, write me somebody where's my mistakes.
well... I've hadn't any practice, but I thought I knew english enough to go to GB
now I think I won't be able to say even two words.... right or without dictionary, at least
I'm not sure with you... - I don't agree with you...
Please, write me somebody where's my mistakes. - Please, somebody point me where my mistakes are. or ...point me to my mistakes.
And about your question why 'English is better than Russian'... I believe, Kate meant 'English is EASIER TO STUDY than Russian'. I personally don't see why one language can be better or worse than other.
They are in mourning even when a woman dies :)). It's another mistake that we were taught in school (at least I was). Maybe it's related to a stupid political correctness, but in modern American English (sorry, do not know about the British English) man is rarely used in the meaning of человек.
When a person dies, survivors mourn the loss of him/her.
do you watch a movie on English? - Do you watch movies on English? (You usually watch more than one movie)
and this help in your English? - And DOES this help you in your English?
Do you mean the official mourning? Usually the official mourning consists only in the lowered flags. It's not like in Russia. No canceled events, no "Swan Lake" on TV. When Michael Jackson died people payed him a tribute by bringing flowers to his house and all radio stations played his songs. I moved to the US just after Pres. Nixon died. One month of mourning was declared. But again, month of mourning meant that flags were lowered for one month. Same happened when Pres. Reagan died.
about films.
That help in your english? (films)
I watched a films, and many things I don't understand... many word....(((
it's concerned a some book and newspapers and magazines, too...((
For better understanding try not to use bilingual dictionaries. Try to get Webster's or Oxford dictionary. They are similar to словарям Даля и Ожегова. That's what I did when I moved to the US.
Turning on subtitles is OK. But when you read them you have to listen. Listening must be your primary goal while reading subtitles is a secondary goal.
Hi everybody) I have a quistion to Igor/ You said early you have been living in LA since 1994,and how the USA changed for this period ? I'm intrested it, because I've been there last summer ( near your hometown,in SD,CA)) previous thank)
Because my father said me: ''Kate when you learn English and be able to freely communicate on it then any country is open for you, teach English as learn any time and talk.''=)))
She meant that New York is a city like Moscow, but London is a historical city and there I can rise my knowledge. I forgot! I wanted to ask you: how much different in British and American english?
May i join you all? I wonna sharing my spring feelings with you:) In my native city Samara the weather is great!!!All day long the sun was shining, it was just hot!!And what about your cities?
British (B) and American (A) English are slightly different.
1. Spelling:
centre (B) vs. center(A)
colour (B) vs. color (A)
2. Different words for the same thing:
flat (B) vs. apartment (A)
lorry (British) vs. truck (American)
3. Using of the word "have":
Have you a book? (B) vs. Do you have a book? (A)
I have not a book (B) vs. I don't have a book (A)
There are also difference in pronunciation. But grammar usage and rules are the same.
Hello, Igor! Thanks you a lot,that you could find a little bit time to help us! Before I have found this groupe, I was so upset,(((( because it was so difficult to find some people, who can help me to practice my English!!!
Now I'm stydying English in IQ Consultancy School, in Pre-Intermediate level.. it's very reliable and nice school, but I want to improve my skills of English more quickly!))) I am learning English so that I can change my job and may be(I hope this!) move to another country..or may be just for travelling! Any way..
I hope, that writing with you give me a good experience!
You wrote this phrase - (try to read the original English books, not the simplified ones). I tryied! Really! I don't think so, because it's too difficult for my level!!! I tryied, but I could to translate only 1 page! and I was so exhaused!! there are specifific words in these type of books, I think this way really good for people who knows english perfect.. ma y be better to read newspapers?What's your opinion?
I know ?that I have too much grammar mistakes and not very good lexicon..but I hope, you can to correct me if you see it..
Thanks, sorry for my English!)))
hello ,my name Anar.I'm from Dnepropetrovsk,my hooby is sport and many different thing,I want you tell but I don't have this time and knowledge =)))
In future a want will learn English and could free have a chat...please tell me ,how me achieve this =))))
мой Англ.мягко сказано "хромает",но я пытаюсь устранить эту проблему..)
I've already written this in the other topic (sorry, I don't remember in which one), but I think it worth repeating.
In my opinion, our common problem (I mean people who lives in the former USSR) is the wrong methodology we are taught foreign languages. At least the methodology used prior to 1994. That's when I moved to the US. maybe something has been changed by now, but I doubt it. In our schools we were starting with reading and writing. And this is the MAIN problem. Just think of the way a child starts learning the language. First comes understanding, then speaking, after that reading, and writing comes the last. The same approach is used in American schools when kids start studying foreign languages. The same approach is also used in adult ESL schools. The standard ESL course is split on 6 levels. People start reading on Level 2 and writing on Level 3. This approach combined with banning on using bilingual dictionaries produce good results. When I was studying English in ITS school (see my post #22) there was no such thing as reading and writing. Even on Level 6. Their goal was to MAKE US SPEAK. And, the most important thing, they didn't let us communicate in Russian during class.
About your mistakes. Majority of them are spelling related, such as tryied (should be TRIED). Also, do not put "to" after the modal verbs can, may, must, could, would, might.
As of newspapers... their language is very specific. Especially, American newspapers. I remember that I was able to freely read "Moscow News" (I don't know if this newspaper still exists), but couldn't read "The Los Angeles Times"
Igor, maybe the thing is that some of the english-language newspapers printed in Moscow are simply the translated russian originals... For example, Moscow News that you've mentioned. But some of them are written by native-speaking journalists or at least bilinguals (i guess, 50% of Moscow Times is like that, Passport, etc).
And regarding Maria's questions, I would not recommend trying to broaden your vocabulary by reading the newspapers. Journalists use lots of idiomas, neologisms and other specific lexical constructions what makes understanding even harder.
You can start reading foreign literature specifically adopted for foreign students. Not simply original texts, but the ones with the translation at the back of the book.
And practice, practice, practice. You can learn language only by communicating with others))
PS Sorry for interrupting your dialogue, I just felt a serious urge to speak (yep, right at the middle of the night...) ;)
Thank you for your advices, and thanks to Igor,who corrected me!I fixed it! To Uliya- I've found in this groupe some people, who would like to help me practice! I'm really happy!)))Do you know some methology the best way how to learn new words? My teather said that I should to repeat new words three time in different sentences..not: opposite, opposite, opposite.. and so on and so forth...
Mary, it is interesting methology... I think, that is realy worth to try. Thank you))))
My name is Alina.
I'm 15.
I go to school with English grade, but my lexical reserve consists of real primitive common phrases(( I understand only some words in sentences. And I'm not friends with grammar. For example, verbs in sentences.
But I realy want to know these interesting language! Advice me anything!)))))
Hello Alina, I'm Kate,I'm 14))))
I'm from in Ukraine, Dnipropetrovsk (where do you from?)
I want to know English too...
I can help you, if you help me))))
My name is Nickolay.
I'm 20 years old.
I was learning English for 10 years in school and 3 years in University. I like books about Harry Potter, American and Soviet Movies and British Sci-Fi TV series "Doctor Who". I watch DW every week without translate.
That was exactly my point. Newspapers are not the best source for the beginners. As of newspapers written by native-speaking journalists. I left country 16 years ago when there wasn't such thing. I'm so left behind.
To Мария Сиднева (#175)
I knew one English teacher here in LA (at least he thought that he was a teacher). He taught English to newcomers, mostly elderly people. Here is his methodology for memorizing new words.
You need to write each word on a separate card with color markers. The word should be written nicely. You have to like the way how it's written. The more you like it the faster you'll memorize the word.
Don't ask me what I personally think of this metodology. :)
One of my friends, when he just moved to he US, to better understan Englis speach was listening only to the rap stations on the radio. It worked for him. I tried it and it didn't work for two reasons. First, I hate rap. Second, when I listen to the rap music, I can't understand a word, even if it's Russian.
#188, Igor:
<<That was exactly my point. Newspapers are not the best source for the beginners.>>
+1, i agree for sure. I remember when at school they gave us english newspapers, books.. We didnt know even how to discribe our family.. hehe.. And we tried to read about english politic system.. it was fun.
Language there very specific. And for people who only start its really difficult.
#175 Маria, agree, this is the best way to incorporate new words into your vocabulary. This technique is recommended not only for learning foreign language but also reachening your own))..
hi everyone!
i ve been in LA for almost 2 years already. And i can tell u guys that i believe before i came here i used to know english better than now. in america no one really use that much grammar, as they teach us at school. and besides, i never have a chance to use a lot of lexics i used to learn in my university. so what's left in my mind after this time, is only things that im using in everyday speech.
Also, when i came, thou i knew the language at a pretty high level, i couldnt understand quite an amount of what i heard. but all u need is just to get used to their accent! so now when im watchin a movie (like Alice In Wonderland...thats omg!!!!!!))) this british accent! Now i cant understand it any longer!!! And american accent seems so easy now to me! That when some actors speak british i prefer to read Spanish subtitles!!! =)))))))))) axaxaxaaa!! LOL
Vot do 4ego dowlo!!! Tak 4to vse prixodit s opbltom! i esli komy-to iz vas dejstvitelbno pridetsya ispolbzovatb english v jizni, vbl bblsto etomy nay4itesb (xotya bbl neobxodimomy dlya obweniya minimymy), a esli net - to i ne nyjen on vam! ;))
Yda4i!
Hello Kate)))
I'm from Russia, Chita. It is small city in Siberia. I was learning English for 7 years in school.
With great pleasure, Kate. What is your problem in English?
Yes, Karina)) You started learning in five years?!
My problem is about in the use of words that I know. I know different frases, but I can't time oriented. I do not understand why this is happening...
Hi, Аля! You have to use your free time for chating(or writting), you should be more a attentive. Thiрk about your phrases and use new words in speaking! After some time, you see result! I'm sure!!
Hello I''m Arthur ,I'm 17,I'm was born in russia and when I was 14 I move on to Israel by the ''NAALE" program .I need to practice my english for getting to the good job.can you help me .?!!!!
Hi, my name is Ira, I'm 16. I live in the capital of Belarussia - Minsk. I like english very much, but I need in practice. It's very cool, that you created this lesson (в смысле тему:) )
hey, I am Zaur I am 16 y.o. I wanna practise english with native speakers, is here anybody from usa,england or somewhere else????? but I am glad to chat to russians too))) so a bit about me ))) I am Zaur from North Ossetia, I take great interest in sports, particularly in football :) I am FC Chelsea fan, do ya wanna to know something else??? write me :D
Deck Igor
no it doesn't scare me , I am glad to chat to ya, what are ya doing in the USA????? what state do u live in????? how long time have ya been there????? and please correct my mistakes :)
Zaur (allon fyrank) Plaev
Do you prefer American English?
I don't care about our football teams.=) Have you ever heard the Black Mission Savage rock band?=)
When I moved to the States, I knew the abbreviation UK means United kingdom, but when I saw it the first thought was about UKraine. I was cured in couple of years
Hi! It's amazing, interesting group! I'm very glad that i founded it!
My name is Ekaterina) Katya)
I live in Arkhangelsk.
I adore English! I try to speak, to read books in the original and to watch different films on english.. but sometimes i feel that level of my english is falling without practice!
I want to communicate on english, to help each other!
And please correct my mistakes!!!!
Thanks so mush!
"I'm very glad that i founded it!" - found - нашла; founded - основала
"watch different films on English"; "I want to communicate on English" - IN English
"Thanks so mush!" - Thank YOU so much! or Thanks a lot!
Hello everyone! I'm Nataly, 23, from Kemerovo. I'm happy to join you=))
you know, I've read all the 14 pages of your messages and see that there are people with different level of English. Personally I learn English for more than 15 years (since primary school) I still got a feeling, that I'll never get enough)) The more you learn - the more you know. I've got a qualification of a Teacher of English. Now working as a translator, but I'd rather prefer to be an interpretor. From time to time work as a tutor, so you are welcome!;)
I guess, you see my point - it's easy to forget any foreign language without practice. If we could make friends, I'll be happy))))
2 Аскар Kenji Shinoda
I like Japan, a lot. I find this country very unusual (in a good sense of this word).
Sorry, I missed the point - when did you moved to Russia, or, if it's not so, where do you live now?
I know this town!))) Live in Kemerovo. A big and industrial developed city.
You asked if we heard about the Black Mission Savage. it's a rock band, isn't it? I like this style of music, and the tittle of the band is rather familiar to me... but I can't say for sure, whether I've heard them or not..
Hi, Saltanat ;)
I guess for 3 years learning you've got a good vocabulary. So, all you need is to use the words you know in speech)) There are a lot of ways to do it, but if you have no opportunity - join us, here in this group! we can discuss whatever you like;)
Hi everyone! :)
My name is Ann, i'm from Divnogorsk, Krasnoyarsk region. I study English for more than 10 years (don't actually remember when i started.. i was in kindergarten at that time). 2 years ago i decided to go to America by the programm Work&Travel. I thought i know English not bad but when i came to USA i had culture shock. I couldn't say anything and understand almost nothing. It was so hard for me for the first time. People I worked with tried to talk to me but i couldn't answer. I feel myself stupidly... In 2 weeks i began speaking and understanding everyone (even guys who speaks really fast). I lived in small town Red Lodge (MT), people was so kind to us (foreign students). I was so unhappy that this town is smaller than my Divnogorsk but than i understood that this is my privilege: there were not too much russian-speaking students. I spent my free time with my american friends. I want to say thanks to all of them, for their care and tries to understand me and to help me.
But 2 years left. Now i don't have time to take any courses or don't have people i can speak with. I've read all this staff u've written. It helps me to remember something to write the answer to all of you.
So hi guys! :) I join you if you don't mind :)
HELLO !!! My name is Lera. I am from Khabarovsk, I am 14 years old..learn english 6 years and 2 depth
I have dream learn it and travel the world, I think it is really
Hi everyone! my name is Aljona, I am from Ufa. I study english since 2002.I can understand written text and slowly oral speech well. But I`m very very bad in grammar and formed sentenses :( I beieve that can manage with it.
I dream about reading english books in the original.
I really happy to join u!
Hello!
My name is Elena! I am from Arkhangelsk.
I would like to have more practice in talking... That is why I am here.... I hope you can help me to get my aim. ...I am open for communication on any topic :)
Hi!My name is Julia!I am from Brest? but studying in Minsk. I want to improve my English speech , I need more practice. If you want to communicate write to me, I will be glad to answer!
Techicaly they are synonyms, but I've never heard the word "aim" in the meaning of "goal". Here's usual usage of these words.
Goal (n.) - something that somebody wants to achieve. Also, a target area in some games.
Target (n.) - an object or surface is aimed at in archery, rifle shooting, and similar sports.
Aim (v.) - 1. to point a weapon or object or direct a blow at somebody or something; 2. to intend or plan to do something; 3. to target words, a message, an action, or a product at a person or group
ok, hello, i'm Nathalie from Kazakhstan and i'm 19! my aim is to visit US as soon as possible to practise and improve my language level)) i'd like to have someone of my own abilities to communicate and train with!
'cause nobody writes.
Hey, my name is Michel, I'm from Kazan. I've been studin' english for about nine years. But I have nobody to practice with...( I mean with somebody from England or US. I have some teach experience...in english, of course... Also I know German a bit & study Spanish...
Hello all:)
i'm 19 years old.I study in Saint-Petersburg.I learn French,but my second language is English.I want to improve my English, but i don't have practice(((
In summer i will take an exam, but i think i will be very different for me.
Also my vocabulary is very small(((
Hello everybody!
My name is Sasha) I'm 17. I study at school. I'm going to become a teacher of English. That's why I need a lot of practice! I'll be glad to talk answer everybody!
Меня давно мучает один вопрос... Местоимение ANY. Когда оно все-таки употребляется? В школе нас учили, что только в вопросительных и отрицательных предложениях. Сейчас же я все чаще встречаю его и в утвердительных тоже.
Разъясните мне это кто-нибудь!!! Пожалуйста!!!
---например, ты ищещь работу, долго не можешь найти и жалуешься подруге: "я уже заколебалась ходить по собеседованиям!!! мне уже всё равно, мне хоть какую, ЛЮБУЮ работу бы найти!!!" - "I would be glad to get ANY job!!!"
---в подобных случаях надо хорошо чувствовать, что употреблять, какое слово.. в дальнейшем обращай внимание на те случаи, где ты встречаешь any. так натренеруешь чутьё:)
Hello everybody!
My name`s Kate. I`m from Kiev. I`m 21.
I study in the University (National Aviation University). In the future I will be an Ecologist. I`m studing in English. And I want to practice with my grammar.
Good luck to everybody.
Артикли 'a' или 'an' образованы от слова 'one', поэтому и употребляется перед существительными в единственном числе. Так что в следующий раз не грузись ))
отслеживаю обсуждения, поэтому вступлю в беседу...
если учесть контекст, то все-таки "I am reading books" or "I read books"?
In my opinion "I read" more correct.
"To know grammar very well, you may read more books or use special software."
She is answering in the sense that "I'm already doing that."
If she answers:
"I read books." - This simply means that she can read books. Она умеет читать.
Check out this rule for Present Simple:
"Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do."
-----------------------
So, in this sense, she is trying to tell you that she is already doing what you have suggested her to do.
"To know grammar very well, you may read more books or use special software."
"Но я уже делаю это."
Therefore, we have to use present continuous in this case to show that she has already begun an action in the past but the action has not yet been completed.
Try saying: "I am reading books" to answer the question that was given with a stress on the word 'am.'
хм.....поэтому я и говорю,"учитывая контекст"....
не настаиваю на "I read"....пытаюсь рассуждать..... :)
мне кажется "I am reading" значит "начала читать, читаю, но в какой-то момент остановлюсь"....так?
Только вот применительно к лучшему знанию английского...когда ж это случится??? :) Это достаточно растянутый во времени процесс. Поэтому здесь уже начинает действовать Pr.Ind.
т.е. "I read books to improve my english but realized that i'm very...bad in grammar" ...
Джон Кейн, прокомментируй, хочу,чтоб не осталось сомнений:)
Hi! I am 13. and I study English at school for 7 years.But I know English not so good. I understood all your messages in this topic. But I cant speak what I want. I havent practice. My level is-pre-intermediate.
good evening )
My name`s Dasha , i`m from Sochi, i think you know our small city))
here`s the problem
i`ve been studying english for about 5-6 years. My teacher constantly visits some of the european countries such as UK. His son has been living in London for 10 years. so , i have a good practice twice a week)
sometimes my teacher invites his friends from America, and we have practice with people whose native language is english)
And here it goes- my grandma lives in Greece. this summer i`m going to visit her.a lot of greeks like to study in America,so in her surroundings a lot of people can help me with my pronunciation. One woman offered to help. Thanks a lot to her)but i`m really aware of being such a fool in there, talking to her)
i`m also really afraid of messing up all the words and tenses))
how can i get rid of this feeling ?))
help me. and correct my mistakes,please) that`s will mean so much for me)
The best thing you can do for yourself is to learn from your mistakes. Being shy will really slow down your progress. You have to realize that you're learning a new language and in order to speak it fluently, you need to meet and converse with new people.
No one likes making mistakes, but it's part of the learning process. Look on the bright side that you are improving yourself. No need to care what others think.
hello everyone, I've been living in ES countries for pretty much 5 years already, so if u need any help with ur grammar or english, ure more than welcome to ask questions :)
I am living in Saint Petersburg in July.
Anyone here who wants enlish lessons face to face give me msg
I return you must teach me some Russian... cause otherwise i wont survive in Russia i am afraid haha
Джон Кейн
thx for your advices)
i guess, you`re right))
i almost don`t fear at all now , because i inderstood that i SHOULD talk to people, who knows language perfectly, just to approached theirs level step by step)
thaaaanks a lot)
hey, everybody! my name is Ann! I`m going to be an interpreter, and I need a lot of practice! In spite I`ll enter the university only over 2 years, I desided that it`s never to early to begin practice in speaking))
So let`s talk!))
Irina, don't be afraid of going to Malta. If you are not able (or are afraid of speaking English), I am sure you will overcome this difficulty as soon as you are there.
Just speak, speak and speak - and you will feel the ability to speak fluently!
#351
When I was abroad, I felt some difficults too, but then i began to fill free. It's a big pleasure to speak in English with somebody, who can understand you only in English) Ofcourse we have much fears, and maybe the biggest one is a fear of making mistakes. And I think that mistakes is a good thing. You can learn on your mistakes, so make your mistakes, correct them and make your English better.
That,s my opinion.
Completely agree with you. One shouldn't be afraid of making mistakes. But "You can learn on your mistakes" it's in Russian. In English you learn FROM your mistakes.
Вячеслав Андреевич, thanx for your comments. I agree somehow with your point of view. Though, I would say sometimes one should take into consideration the way how to correct the mistakes you are making.
Foreigners more often than not do not pay attention to the mistakes we are making. They say that if they understand what you are saying, then it is ok.
Nobody will tell you that you are using the incorrect verb tense or whatever.
I would add that English speaking skills to some extent depend on the personality and pshychological features. I mean that it sometimes happens that a person (having come abroad) knows numerous grammar rules, can read and write and so on, and suddenly it appears that he/she cannot speak English at all.
On the other hand, we sometimes see people who know just a few words/phrases and feel indeed free in communicating with the foreigners. And those foreigners really understand what they are saying. Body language (gestures, eye contact, etc.) help us a lot.
Thus, being a good mixer by nature enhances English speaking skills.
"They say that if they understand what you are saying, then it is OK."
It depends on the person's goal. If the person's goal is to improve English skills, then that person always pays attention to the mistakes corrected. But, if person's goal is just to be understood then all corrections are null and void.
Hello, everybody)
Ok, I`ll try to introduce myself with my tiny vocabulary.
My name is Mary, I live in Moscow and study English at school. So as you see I know this language badly, and I`m always afraid of my silly mistakes. I hope you will be able to help with my English...)
Igor, of course, I fully agree with you. This is just one of the situations I used to face from time to time when studying English (and Dutch as well).
hello! My name is Marina. I'm from Voronezh. I'm 13. I study English, but I want to know English better that I know it now. I have problems with English grammar. I need in practice.
Please, help me.)
hello everybody) Igor Deck, I see you here lodger, the questions you answer? :D
you should teach English?
i am apologize for my mistakes) just (or only...don't know) learning)
"Foreigners more often than not do not pay attention to the mistakes we are making."
because English became such a popular language and its so broke down by the immigrants, that everything seems fine, unless u speak it with the confidence lol
well most of the people can handle the grammar, but the accents, oh God...!
Hello) I am Lina. I`m 14. I study in school, and I go to RELOD. It is public school for special lessons about different lunguages.
I like English, but I often make mistakes.
I think You understand me))
I want learn English culture/
Igor Deck
Of course, they do. I agree that American one is more spread. But I'm talking about the status of American English, which hasn't its own standard as British English has.
здравствуйте,Игорь! Почитала переписку,скажу,это то,что я давно искала! Вы показались мне очень интересным и отзывчивым человеком))),я самоучка,мой английский,как говориться оставляет желать лучшего))но желание и интерес неподдельны)))))))))). Для меня понимание дается легче,чем воспроизведение слов,почему так? и еще я стесняюсь говорить английские слова и фразы,потому что мне кажется это звучит в моих устах смешно.очень сложно,когда не знаешь,где ошибки и нет разговорной практики.Чтобы вы могли посоветовать?
No, I'm talking about Standard English, which has place only in Great Britain, because they formed their ideal standard of speech, which is based on a dialect of London. But Americans didn't form standard of speech. (for example, based on a dialect of Washington) So Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders also have no standard. But namely the standard makes the status of the Language. Well, if it doesn't exist, so it's just a variant.
Well, maybe you're right. And maybe no one ever faced this problem.
And I studied the point of the status of language in USA.
I just meant that you'll understand it when you study the differences between languages, their variants and dialects, because it's exactly a pivot of current discussion.
Hello ))
i speak english very bad
excuse me in advance
i build the suggestions bad please to indicate on ny mistakes ))
My name is Olga and i would learn speaking english for talking )
Hi))
My name is Christina, i like to communicate with interesting and clever people)
also i would like to improve my knowledge))
Lets speak about summer holidays)
Hello everybody) Glad to see you) I want to learn English too. I hope you help me. I have a chance to go to Finland school of English this summer, and i'm afraid that i'll have some problems with communication(((
Hello! I`d like to join you. I study ehglish a nd I like it. But I start to forget smth becose I have no much practice last 6 month. I like to improve it. I think on summer holidays I`ll have enough time to do it. I think I should read some english book, to develop my word stock. Would anybody advice me some books? )
Hello everybody who like speak in english))
my name is R I D V A N )) I am from Ukraine,Crimean.I want to ask all of you: is it realy to learn English in 1 year period?Thanks a lot)))
Hi, RIDVAN. Of course, it depend on your character and your level at the moment, and how are you going to study English . If you study hard,you will see the result even after 1 year.. I think so..
Hi guys! )) I'm from Donetsk. I've started learning English not long ago.)) And I have some problem with my vocabulary. Can anybody advice how to memorize new words without overstudy? Thanks in advance))