Is it necessary to learn English again as an adult at age of 38 years old?

China
May 21, 2010 4:38am CST
Firstly,sorry to my poor english, i am an adult man of 38 years old, because i really need english conversation in my job, but i am afraid i can't speak english very well so the colleagues,clients or employees will laugh at me. But i really want to improve my job and my english. Someone maybe can help me and understand my thought and tell me how would i do, thanks a lot. And i hope warmheart mylotters to point out my mistakes and usages in my discussion, thanks again. I'm now in west africa to looking for projects for few months.
10 responses
@keval32 (1096)
• India
22 May 10
Ya, you have to learn English, since it is an international language, it is being spoken all over the world. In business it is necessary that one should learn English, because the business is growing from locally to internationally, and employee has to interact with international customers. English is necessary if you are dealing internationally, it is also necessary in local but not that much. You may join any good English class, or you may learn it online there are many programs are there. I will recommend you a software called Rosseta Stone for learning English and other international languages as well. As far as your mistakes concern, I will advise you to use 'I' as a CAPITAL when ever you write, and make first character CAPITAL of every personal noun. By the way be confident while trying to speak and remember if you really want to improve your English, then think in English, believe me it helps a lot, and be with myLot it will also help you much to improve your English. Best of Luck!!
@_Honey_ (780)
• Philippines
23 May 10
Rosetta's quite expensive. It's good, though. Keep on practicing. I suggest you read good books. IT doesn't have to a real serious read. So long as it will help you understand how grammars are constructed. Don't rush. Learning is like growing up. It takes time.
• China
22 May 10
Thank you very much, I will try the software called Rosseta Stone. Think in English is a good idea, but i think that need a long time for me.
@_Honey_ (780)
• Philippines
21 May 10
Hello. First of all, learning never stops. Age doesn't matter. Even the brightest people still learn something new each day. Take some time to learn till you fully understand it. What matters is that whenever there's a word that you don't understand, check it in a dictionary for you to know the meaning of that word and how they use it. Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Listen, listen, listen and speak, speak, speak. Practice always makes things perfect. You may not have the perfect grammar but in my opinion, you are doing fine. I perfectly understand what you are trying to say on how you compose your sentences. Goodluck!
@_Honey_ (780)
• Philippines
23 May 10
I know it's not easy. I find it not easy too. English is not my native language. I'm a Filipino living with a Filipino family and use our native Filipino language in our day to day lives. We learned English at school since Kindergarten. Although English has always been part of the Filipino school's curriculum, Filipinos don't use it often. We don't use it that much in speaking at all. Thanks to modern era, most movies, drama and music played here are in English. You know how it's like when you understand English well even if you can't talk in the same good way? That's how it's like here. Talking or using English is a different story because it's you who will compose the grammar yourself. But you're doing just fine. Just keep on participating in forums, watch good English movies online and you'll even find yourself progressing each day.
• China
22 May 10
haha,Read,read.Write, write.Listen,listen and speak speak,it sounds good,but it not easy, i will try my best to do above. Your are right that it took so many times to compose my sentence when i talked about with other people.
• Philippines
22 May 10
Age is not a hindrance in learning english. If you want to learn now do it now. As you said you need if for your job. do not get affected to some of the people that will laugh at you, there is nothing to laugh for. If you made a mistake from it learn it and move on. If you really want to learn speaking english watch English movies, tv program or shows. When they speak try to hear and speak it too. Talk the way they talk. Read english grammar books, read newspaper. AFter a few months you will be happy of the result of you being determined to learn english.
• China
23 May 10
Than I expected, there were many friends to help me and give me more opinions and good advice or skills. Thanks a lot for everybody who cared about me.
@vjsinduja (1031)
• Sri Lanka
21 May 10
As English is an International language, it's necessary to know how to speak n write.. Until u r 38 yrs, where did u work, Up to now u didn't have problem in communicating in English with any one.. By the way, in which country are u living? As u can write, read and understand English... to good standard,, all u need is be sure with what u speak.. When it comes to English, speaking and writing are both the same way. U speak also grammatically.. unlike in languages like Sinhala and Tamil, where u don't have the need to speak grammatically. But when it comes to English it's different... What I could suggest u to improve ur English, is read a lot.. story books, novels, papers.. magazines.. watch English channels.. If u aren't much sure about ur grammar, u can learn about that.... Also if u can get hold on with a person who can speak both English and ur native language fluently.. it will be much easier for u to learn more easily as he can explain u in ur native language.. If u want some help with grammar, I can send u my e book about grammar, which I prepared for my Teacher Training Project.... If u r interested let me know...
@vjsinduja (1031)
• Sri Lanka
23 May 10
I'll be sure to email u
• China
22 May 10
Thank you for your help,im late to reply. How can i get your e book about grammar, if you don't mind i really want to get more books and training data. Here is my Emai:zhangxy999@163.com, thanks!
@evanya (72)
• United States
21 May 10
maybe it is a little difficult for us who treat the english as the second language to learn.though some people who not growth in english country can speak english well,it's to be proved that we can also speak english influently in the future,so you should insist on them for a long time, and express ideas what you want to convey,generally speaking,the successful can be back to three points:self-confidence,another is desire,and still another is determination.as for me,there is the same suffering with you,we all should remain a good mood,and often practise english,especailly oral english in spare time.it is lucky for you in a good environment,so believe in yourself.more importantly,you need to pluck up your courage to express your opinion.Good Luck To You!
• China
21 May 10
Thanks for your advice,i feel better just read your response. I am going to practise from now. I will post the three points:Self-confidence, desire and determination on my desk. Appreciate!
21 May 10
Good post!I can't find any mistakes in your post,it proves that your English is not as poor as you have thought.I advice you to speak English more often.enjoy "losing face"!As time goes by,you will make big progress.
• China
22 May 10
Thank you for your encourage!
• Philippines
21 May 10
Since English is consider as the International language you really have to learn how to use it even you're on that age. Age doesn't matter actually. All you have to do is keep on talking in English. You can enroll an online class to help you correct your sentences and gives you a chance to talk in English. Effort and confidence is really necessary. You have to believe in yourself. Goodluck!!
• China
21 May 10
Thank you for your responds, i am very glad to read your words as a new user. Indeed i need more confidence and effort to keep up,so i want to reply the discussion to encourage me to improve my english everyday. Thanks a lot again.
• India
21 May 10
its allur wish and willl
@ebuscat (5935)
• Philippines
22 May 10
For me age doesn't matter to learn as long as we want to learn and have the capability to learn.
@umabharti (3972)
• India
21 May 10
hi , English language is important however many are surviving in this world without english.Age is not a hurdle to learn english .If we stop learning and not trying to solve our mistakes then we would had to face more things in future.Internet can be a helpful tool .Best of luck
• China
21 May 10
You are right, i get more confidence from mylot. Just do it! Thanks!