The Informed English Student: It's the verb!

[Warren]

When Eduardo asked me to join this group, I wasn't sure how I would
participate. This group is for English learners who listen to the ESL
Podcast to practice using their English. And I think that's a great
idea! However, I'm an English teacher and I don't want to interrupt
(stop what your are doing) your conversations!

I decided to try to write a short essay, or article, each week to help
you become better independent English learners. This is the first one.

Today I want you to think about two verbs that language specialists
use. The first verb is "acquire"; the second is "learn". Acquiring a
language is very different from learning a language. And if you want
to improve your English, you should know the difference.

Acquiring a language is a natural process. It is the way we all
develop our first language ability. It is automatic. It is
subconscious (we don't notice it). And it is the result of natural
experience of the language. When we experience language that we
understand - especially by reading or listening - we acquire (absorb
or pick up) more of that language.

When we try to learn a language, we study and memorize rules about the
language. It is a conscious process (we are aware of, or notice, it).

Why is this difference important? It's important because scientific
research tells us that most of our fluency (language ability) comes
from acquired language, not from learned language.

Last week I read an article by Dr. John Truscott, a well-known
professor who has looked at hundreds of research studies on language
acquisition and learning. In this article, he makes it very clear that
we do not have to consciously learn vocabulary or grammar. He says
that we acquire language as a natural result of reading or listening
for pleasure. Other experts, like Dr. Stephen Krashen and Dr. Jeff
McQuillan, have said the same thing.

Let me tell you a story that will illustrate (show) what I am talking
about. Mr. M is a retired Japanese high school English teacher. About
three years ago, he came to my ESL class in southern California. He
knew a lot of English vocabulary. He could identify the subjunctive.
He had learned a lot about English. But it was very hard for him to
converse (talk together) or write in English.

I never ask my students to memorize rules. And I only teach grammar
occasionally, when it helps my students understand something better.
We spend as much time as possible sharing natural experiences in
English. In that environment, Mr. M's English began to improve. And
when he wasn't in class, he looked for opportunities to talk to people
who spoke English. Today his ability to converse and write is much
better than it was when he came.

A few months ago, I received an e-mail from Mr. M. In it he wrote a
very simple message: "Thank you for teaching me a better way."

Learn from Mr. M. Try a better way. Look for as much natural
experience with English as possible. Read. Listen. Have conversations
with English speakers. If you do, I think you will be surprised at how
much English you acquire.

Warren

[Eduardo G.]

Hi Warren,

I´m sure that your life experience as a teacher can make a big difference on how
the people learn (acquire) a new language (not only English).

I felt uncomfortable learning English by traditional way, Book 1, Book 2 ... Book 100, Book 1000...

Now with this new viewpoint in how to learn a language and with your explanation my studies
are pointing toward new directions.

With good web sites (like eslpod.com and successfulenglish.com) that increase and diffuse
this way for acquire a language I bet too much "Language Learners" will review your idea.

Best Wishes,

Eduardo G. (edgnets)

[pchamorro]

What a good advice, thank you!

Pablo

[Dalton]

Hi Warren, and a big hello to the others who read this.

You've explained (to me) what I've been telling ESL students who come
to me for help over the last seven years. But, I must say you said it
better. I tell them to read, and speak and immerse themselves in the
language. Most recently my latest quest is to get them blogging about
things they're passionate about. Thank you for providing a deeper
understanding of what I've felt was the best way to learn English.

I don't have a bunch of letters behind my name, I'm just a guy who
grew up with a love for words and where they came from. Along with an
honest desire to help people. I appreciate the insight that you and
those you've read bring to ESL learning or should I say aquiring. lol

As someone who is new to this google group thing, it's my first time.
I encourage you to please keep posting as it's not only the students
who directly read it you'll be helping but you'll be reaching out to
the students of people like me who will pass this knowledge on.

Thanks, David Dalton

[Warren]

David, thank you very much.

I'm delighted to find others, like you, who have that honest desire to
help people. Keep up the good work! You seem to be doing the right
thing.

BTW, I laughed with you! That was a good line.

Warren