Learning English as a Second Language

Anyone who is thinking of moving to an English speaking country will clearly be anxious to
learn the language, so they can integrate themselves easily. Learning English as a second
language opens many doors for people and provides them with a variety of options they might
have otherwise gone without. ELS persons will be able to converse freely with people they meet,
making getting settled in a new home much easier. People also want to have an understanding of
English for work purposes, as an internationally accepted language and the language of business,
the English language is imperative to the success and advancement in many industries and
workplaces.
In order to learn English with no existing knowledge base, a person will need to know their
options in terms of programs and school that will work best for their learning style. For example,
a person could sign up for a night school class, or a college course, or try to learn English using
audio tapes and books. A popular option for many students is to participate in an online program.
Learning using online tools and support systems can be helpful for anyone who has work or
family commitments and cannot attend a weekly lesson. This type of learning is much more
interactive than trying to learn using audio and books alone, and can usually provide extra
resources and support for student struggling with course material.

By using online facilities to learn English as a second language, students will find that they are
able to manage their lessons much easier and see improvements in the speaking and
understanding of the English language . They can learn at their own pace and be able to go over
anything that they do not understand, which makes the whole experience a lot more positive.
Having the flexibility to learn English as a second language in your spare time means that the
student will not have to alter their usual routine to accommodate their coursework.
Another benefit of using the internet to learn English as a second language is that popular
language courses may offer students a free lesson when they begin. This will help a learner to get
a feeling of the course, and decide whether or not it would be suitable for them. Without this
kind of session a lot of potential learners can be put off by the style of learning/teaching before
signing up for a full course or series.
The benefits of learning English as a second language in a user-friendly environment are very
valuable and will be greatly utilized in future communication experiences, including personal,
professional, and educational. Anyone thinking of expanding their language skills should
certainly consider using online learning tools to help them succeed. Using such a method is not
only interesting and interactive, but it can also be very enjoyable and is perfect for anyone with a
busy schedule.

Most students in rural areas in Sabah are found to have problems in learning the English
Language.
When interviewed, it was found that students were not aware of the English around them and
hence
said that it was difficult for them to learn the language. Furthermore, they do not use the
language
apart from during English classes. Most of them do not realized that, learning English can be
fun,
easy and they do not need a dictionary all the time when it comes to learning new English words,
no
matter how alien the words seem to be for them. As having ample vocabulary in English is
important
in mastering the language, using materials closest to them could provide some vocabularies that
are
used daily and outside their classroom. Students will be able to add on their vocabularies in the
absence of the dictionary. This approach could enlighten students in learning English in a fun
way
as well as bringing them beyond the classroom and in a less intimidating environment. This
activity
provides learners motivation in learning the English Language. Most importantly, they change
their
attitudes, and perceptions towards learning a foreign language, hence enjoy learning the
language
more.
I_TRODUCTIO_:
Many English Language learners in rural schools (in Sabah), are not motivated to learn the
language
basically because they think that English is a difficult subject. For them, learning English means
knowing grammar and knowing how to answer exam questions only. They are not motivated
even
from the beginning i.e. primary schools because of their learning environment at home and also
at
school. For them, learning English is only done at school and in school only. Learning English
for
them is like any other subject and that they need to memorize the grammar in order to answer
questions without even knowing what to do with the grammar they have learnt. Learners are
found
lacking in vocabulary simply because they do not read in English, or they are only exposed to the
language used by the teacher during classes.
Lack of vocabulary has been a major problem in the learning of English in rural areas in Sabah.
In other word, students do not realize what they are learning, and how to learn the language
because
they are lacking in English vocabulary. In due course, by the time they go to secondary schools,
students become lost and helpless in learning the language. They struggle and in the end, they
become demotivated and some even give up learning the language.
The idea of using ‘rubbish’ to teach these students English actually emphasize on words
acquisition.

Language Enrichment-ESL is designed for non-native speakers of English

whose language skills need further development in order to cope more
effectively with the academic demands of the subjects they are studying at
ISKL. Instruction helps to strengthen and build on the existing language
skills of the student in the four skill areas of reading, writing, listening,
and speaking. Another goal is to enhance the student’s self esteem and
confidence in the use of English.

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Home Page > Education > Languages > Difficulties and challenges in teaching English as the
second language

Difficulties and challenges in teaching

English as the second language
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<h1>Difficulties and challenges
the second language</h1>
<p><strong>By: <a

These days, there is no doubting the fact that the English language is becoming something of a
forerunner in global communication. It is the language of choice in most countries of the word.
Almost 70% of the Internet is in English. A good volume of the services rendered through the
Internet is also in English. Thus, English is playing a very significant role in bringing the world
together. Therefore, many people are involved in the job of teaching English to people of foreign
origin. In spite of the heightened interest in the English language, teachers often face various
difficulties and challenges while teaching English as a foreign language. There are many reasons
for this. Let us look at some of the most important reasons.
Attitude: Many people around the world are overawed by English and English-speaking people.
A part of the reason is historical, when natives were expected to look up to their British
conquerors with fear and respect. The subsequent development and prosperity enjoyed by the
Western world placed the English speaking people, their countries and cultures on a high
pedestal. As a result, many natives have an innate and unexplained fear of the English language,
which makes them shy of handling the language.
Pronunciation: One of the biggest difficulties a teacher faces when teaching English as a second
language is to inculcate proper pronunciation in native speakers. The English language has a
number of characteristic features which most foreign speakers do not imbibe readily. That is the
reason why different regions have their own English accents. So if English is spoken in 50
different regions, it is likely that it is spoken in 50 different ways. This also explains why many
students have great difficulty in understanding native English. Thus, there is a very clear gap to
be bridged between the teacher and their students before actual communication and education
starts.
Grammar: The fact that English grammar has its own set of complicated rules and regulations
makes it a tough language to conquer. A good number of students struggle with these rules, and
cannot really understand many of the principles on first or second reading. To make matters
worse, English itself is of different varieties. Therefore, students may find the Queen's English
quite different from American English.
These exacting and tricky challenges make it necessary for any teacher of English to have a
formal training

in teaching practices and methods. It is not enough to have sufficient skills in listening and
understanding the language. Even a native speaker of the English language requires a methodical
and intensive training program to qualify as a good teacher of English as a foreign language.
Many of the skills like understanding specific problems related to particular regions and building
basic communication skills in students etc can only be acquired through a formal learning of the
same. A commonsensical approach would be of no help here. Teachers have to be prepared for
the most bizarre mistakes, and need to know how to handle these delicate situations with aplomb.
That is why it is important to undergo formal training in teaching English before you actually
begin the process of teaching English as a foreign language.

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