英语阅读：Is "learning English on the internet and on TV enough?"
The other week I received a question from a reader who was interested inbecoming a qualified English Teacher. The problem for this college student was
whether "learning English on the internet and on TV" was enough – and if not
"what else should / could" be done?
It's true. Real opportunities for mixing with native English language
speakers are few and far between. This is the situation for most English
students in China yet many make it to an intermediate or above level – enabling
them to be good and effective English language teachers – so what is the
key?
Is "learning English on the internet and on TV enough?"
Personally I would have to say it isn't. Ideally, when it comes to language
practice comprehensive exposure to reading, writing, listening and speaking
occurs. Within this 'learning English on the internet and on tv' can cover most
bases but one needs to be proactive rather than passive.
With the addition of new technologies such as Skype that allows for voice
chatting, and popular programs like QQ, there are opportunities now, which don't
have to cost money, that enable Chinese English language learners to practice
with native speakers from all over the world.
With the growing popularity of Chinese as a Foreign Language many
foreigners are interested in starting up language exchanges online. Once you
find a partner and you are able to start practice chatting away, perhaps for 30
minutes first in English and then 30 minutes in Chinese, you are getting good
'one to one' conversation practice.
There are private companies that facilitate this service, such as Idapted,
based near Wudaokou, who in addition provide qualified language instructors to
chat with over the net, backed up with particular courses be they IELTS or TOEFL
based. Of course this comes with a fee though it does provide a more focused
exchange.
I knew one Chinese fellow who in his early 20's was a self study student.
He had excellent English and he told me the way he progressed came about by
watching movies with the English subtitles turned on. With a pen and pad he
would write down any of the language he was unfamiliar with, particularly slang,
which makes up a large part of modern spoken English. Later he would go on to
practice and learn it. Through this he also adopted a fairly strong Hollywood
accent in his speaking and of course his listening was very good too.
Now according to the British Council where Chinese English students are
falling down is in their writing composition. Can this be addressed by focusing
solely on the internet? Personally I don't think so unless you have a very
patient and considerate ally who gives you writing assignments and corrects your
work and constantly goes over your errors.
One thing I have noticed is that over time too much chatting on qq or msn
can lead to excessive spelling mistakes and an over emphasis on lazy grammar.
Once asked to produce well crafted academic reports or essays then such errors
quickly become obvious. So in this case, it will take more than just chatting
online to improve your writing skills.
Finally, to the student who wrote me the letter - I'd like to offer
encouragement. I believe language is for life and there is no quick short cut.
If you are to go onto a career as a Chinese English language teacher then take
comfort that through daily work practice your English will be improving steadily
over time. Ideally it won't be too long before you too are then given an
opportunity to work, study or travel abroad.
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