Welcome To Zhuhai !
I
have seen a lot of Chinglish in official publications,
websites and even English textbooks, which is either unreadable
or complete nonsense. The main challenge that I can see
is that most English learners have very little opportunity
to use their language and especially to practice their
speaking and listening skills so what I call their "language
sense" is never developed.
There are certain educational principles, however, which
hold true in most situations. Learning a language is as
much about acquiring a skill, as memorizing grammatical
rules and vocabulary. Our memory is made up much more of
experience than facts and figures, so when we have positive
and enjoyable experience learning is much more effective.
Children do not study any grammar books or memorize vocabulary
when learning a language but learn through mimicry and
trying to express their needs and desires. Learning a
second language is a little different and is more difficult
for adults, but many of the same principles of the "communicative"
approach still apply.
These are the principles we are using in our residential
program at Gateway Language Village and they are proving
extremely effective. We are trying to break down the old
stereotypes and attitudes towards learning by providing
a "total immersion experience" (TIE). We are
still developing our programs but so far have trained
several thousand people and the transformation in their
confidence in speaking and using the language in most
encouraging.
Getting
it right (II)
Getting
it right (III)
If
you wish to comment on the above article send an e-mail
message to me at gordonjkerr@glvchina.com
or call Gateway Language Village, Zhuhai
0756-2291934
Website:
www.glvchina.com.
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