English as a Second Language
Learning or acquisition of any language as a second one remains a challenge to anyone particularly if the countries of origin barely use it in their regular life (Boscov, 2012). This was my case was when I started learning English as my second language. I faced many obstacles to gain good command of English but I am happy I made it even though not proficient enough.
It is important to note that the level of efficiency required by the learner highly relies on the area they want to apply it to. For instance, as a student who was to use English a medium of education I not only needed to understand it but express my ability to freely write in it (Patel, 2011). Even though English is not very difficult to learn, there are several areas that gave me a tough time. Initially, I had a problem with the multiplicity of the word-meaning and the vocabulary (Zinsser, 2012). Many vocabularies and meanings of many words still give me a hell of time, leaving me confused at times. In the end, understanding of the whole sentence to get the intended meaning becomes a problem. Construction of a good sentence in English was a nightmare although I am now in a good position to do so. Other areas that gave me a hard time to learn English include how to use prepositions and idiomatic expressions.
Nevertheless, I am doing all my best to ensure that I improve my English on daily basis through writing and giving my friends to commend on it and reading English books and other forms of writings. Additionally, I listen and watch English music, news and movies especially on the TV channels dedicated for international audience. I practice a lot through communicating with my friends who are native English speakers and ask for help. As Sabatier (2012) points out, communication is one of the best ways to learn and acquire a second language.
English Alphabet and numbering (source: http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/english-second-language/)
Zinsser, W. (2012). Writing English as a Second Language. Retrieved 15 May, 2012 from http://theamericanscholar.org/writing-english-as-a-second-language/
Patel, R. (2011). Second Language Acquisition: Problems of Learning English as a Second Language: ESL Difficulties. Retrieved 15 May, 2012 from http://saleheensblog.hubpages.com/hub/Problems-of-learning-English-as-a-foreign-or-second-language
Boscov, N. (2012). Learning a Foreign Language Easily and Quickly – My Personal Experience. Retrieved 15 May, 2012 from http://nemanjaboskov.hubpages.com/hub/Learning-a-Foreign-Language-Easily-and-Quickly-My-Personal-Experience
Sabatier, J. (2012). English as a Second Language. Retrieved 15 May, 2012 from http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/english-second-language/
