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Conquering the English Only Community (EOC)
by Steven Van Vlack
LinguaExpress is designed as a kind of English immersion center.
This means that everyone who comes to LinguaExpress, for whatever
reason, has to speak only in English. In fact, everyone has
to read, write, and listen to English all the time as well.
This might be scary for many people, but it doesn't have to
be. There is nothing really scary about English at all. All
of us really know much more English than we think we do. The
problem is just using it. There are a few simple tricks, which
will help you not only encounter English in LinguaExpress,
but will enable you to conquer the English only community
here.
The most important thing is that you are not nervous. Language
is a living, breathing thing. It is there to be used. Use
it. Nobody here will judge you. Nobody will make fun of you
or think badly of you. Here in the English-only community
we are all equal. We all want the same thing, to be able to
communicate in English. This means getting our ideas across
to others. All of you can do that. No need to be nervous.
Being nervous will stop you from trying to communicate and
you won't have a good time here.
Being friendly will also go a far way in helping you have
a good time here. Again, we are all in the same boat. All
of us have to speak English. Let's use English as a way of
bonding. It is our common treasure and tribulation. It is
important that we help each other, because that is the essence
of communication.
Get into the spirit of the English-only community. We will
be doing many different things here. Be prepared to experience
things in a different way than you do in the outside world.
It is important that you keep an open mind and are willing
to take risks. You have to take charge of the situation. No
one can force you to talk. You have to decide to do it yourself.
Interacting with people in English is much easier than you
think. Start with basic things first. So, when you come to
LinguaExpress, stop for a second and order a coffee in English.
Sit down and take in the sights and sounds of English as you
enjoy your drink. You can even start talking to someone. Introduce
yourself and ask a few questions.
A: Hi! I'm Ji-hyun.
B: Hi
A: Are you a student here?
B: Yes, I study physics.
See! Communicating in English is not that difficult. Getting
started is the hardest part. Here are a few basic expressions
for getting conversations started.
How are you?
What's going on?
I don't think we've met.
I'm Myoung-ji. Wow!
Look at that!
Can I buy you a coffee?
Are we in the same class?
Dare to speak English. Try to speak English. Take advantage
of all there is to see, do, and experience at the English-only
community in LinguaExpress. Remember, communicating in English
is easy if you have the right attitude and are just willing
to try. Let's work together to make sure that we really improve.
Let's have fun!!!.
(Prof. Stephen van Vlack is the program coordinator of LinguaExpress,
The International Institute of Language Education, Sookmyung
Women's University) |
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