Learning a Second Language
By lauriefnp
@lauriefnp (5109)
United States
December 14, 2006 7:21pm CST
I have noticed that so many MyLot users are from places around the world where English is not their native language. What is your motivation to learn English?
Is it required in the schools, or is it a choice?
Does the government sponsor you to learn English?
11 responses
@Marie2473 (8512)
• Sweden
29 Jan 07
Here in sweden we are reqired to learn english in school. They start at the age of 9 or 10 I think and these days (not when I grew up) I also think that u are reqired to learn a third one (either german, spanish or french)
all the films and programs over here are In english (if the original is) with swedish subs wich is good, coz I just hate it when they Dub movies =)
1 person likes this
@Marie2473 (8512)
• Sweden
1 Feb 07
I do think that sweden has a great educationsystem and that we are fortunate in that way..
We do not speak english at home - we speak swedish, but all people must learn it so most people could speak it at home I guess =)
1 person likes this
@lauriefnp (5109)
• United States
1 Feb 07
Thanks for this response, Marie! I hate dubbed movies also; it's so fake! It's amazing that kids in Sweden learn 2 languages, much less having to learn a third! That's awesome. Do most people in Sweden speak English at home, or is it a mix? I had a reply to a post this morning from a Swedish teenager and I am so impressed with the educational curriculum and what is required of the kids to graduate in Sweden and other foreign countries. I think that the U.S. definitely needs to take some lessons in this department from the International Community.
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
20 Jan 07
I speak English, as it is my countries language. However I have asked this question before. The responses were that they learned it in school as a second language. It was not an option either.
1 person likes this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
27 Jan 07
Depending on what country you live in, a second or third language is deffinately a plus. I'm like you, one is hard enough. :)
1 person likes this
@lauriefnp (5109)
• United States
25 Jan 07
I think that anyone who can speak more than one language is amazing! I have enough trouble with one. Being bilingual in today's world is certainly an asset.
@mvsrao (4365)
• India
16 Dec 06
as the first respondent said , English
is a global language . studying it is
must in curriculum of many countries .
English is the language for sciences
including information technology . Most
of the research works is published in
English . English has all the scientific
words to communicate any new things .
we donot have the complete scientific
terminology in other languages ...
And English is the language for literature .
It includes fiction and non-fiction ...
however , in many parts of the world
English is taking over the native
language (mother tongue)- sad . this
should not be allowed .
English should be received as the
additional language to communicate
with the world but at the home one
should use native language ...
1 person likes this
@lauriefnp (5109)
• United States
16 Dec 06
Thanks for the excellent response. I agree, it's sad that the native languages are being pushed aside in favor of English. I agree with you that the native language should be spoken at home and in social settings, and English should be the second language. I have a feeling, though, that eventually English will take over.
@cute_missmary (3866)
• United States
15 Dec 06
no i think the gov. dont sponser, may b because English is going to b universal language soon
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
27 Jan 07
It pretty much is already I think.
1 person likes this
@lauriefnp (5109)
• United States
28 Jan 07
You're right, it is. I never realized before coming on this forum that people were required to learn English in so many other countries.
@crazy_me (588)
• Philippines
30 Jan 07
I am one of the many members here whose first language is not English. I am Filipino, born and raised here in the Philippines. I have never been to any other country. Here, English is a school subject and the students are encouraged to speak in English even after that class, except of course during the Filipino subject period and the what we call "Linggo ng Wika" or the week of our native language. Most kids here are being talked to by their parents and relatives in Filipino, English, and their dialects since they were babies. So many Filipinos can speak or understand English, or even both.
To enhance my English vocabulary, I read lots of books written in English. Reading has always been my hobby since I was a kid. I borrowed many books in the school library. And I always had a dictionary so whenever I see an unfamiliar word, I just check its meaning and pronunciation in my ever reliable pocket dictionary. :)
Nowadays, I practice my English by talking to friends, singing out loud (to improve my diction), and by posting here in myLot. I know my English still needs a lot of improvement. :)
1 person likes this
@lauriefnp (5109)
• United States
1 Feb 07
Thanks for the great response! Your English is better than many who speak it as their native language! Your dedication and hard work shows in your vocabulary and grammar. I always have so much admiration for people who are self-learners and who strive for excellence in whatever they do, as you obviously do. It must be strange to live in a country where several languages are spoken; I know that English is considered to be the "Universal Language", but I think that it's wrong to expect countries to phase out their native languages.
@olaff123 (433)
• Namibia
11 Feb 07
I'm Afrikaans speaking, and live in Namibia. We speak eleven languages in Namibia (eleven ethnice groups). English is the official language and used for education, government etc. We had to learn English at school. I've never regretted that, but do regret the fact that we were never taught at least one of the native languages as well, like Oshivambo.
1 person likes this
@lauriefnp (5109)
• United States
11 Feb 07
I find it fascinating that there are 11 distinct languages spoken in Namibia alone! Isn't it true that Namibia has one of the lowest populations of the African nations? It must be so difficult to communicate with someone if they do not know English. I can see where it would be required to learn English, as it is the official language, but it seems that they should require you to learn at least one other language. Are the 11 languages similar? Is there any sign that any of them are being "phased out" at all? Africa is one of the places at the top of my list where I want to travel some day. It is such an interesting continent with so much culture and diversity.
@Tushardhoot1 (248)
• Canada
15 Dec 06
I'm from India and I moved to Canada but from what I heard is that since English is a national language you have to learn it in school and college. If you liked my post, press the "+" button to the right of this post. Thanks!
1 person likes this
@lauriefnp (5109)
• United States
15 Dec 06
How do people in other countries feel about being forced to learn another language, then?
