Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

The Unknown Su · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 14 Location: Winnipeg, Canada

I've read many threads regarding students who want to speak more with foreigners or native English speakers but refrain from doing so due to lack of confidence or embarrassment. As a student, I strongly feel that there is no better way to help practice your pronunciation than to communicate with native English speakers. (especially if you have no one to converse with)

Speaking for most travelers, I'm almost positive they wouldn't mind helping you and spending a bit of their time. What are your opinions? Good luck everyone.

Cas · Joined: 03 Apr 2004 Posts: 7

nfet · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 5 Location: Niagara Falls

I agree, although studying & writing helps....it is always best to listen and practise speech.

I am trying to start a service that will help people practise listening and speaking English. Because it is over the internet, it might be useful for those who ae shy.

Email to [email protected] for more information. We are very new, so the service is free for now. We are based in Niagara Falls.

Su, how is Winnipeg?? it is my hometown, but I am glad not to be there for the winters anymore!!.
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[email protected]

zhongkeyuan · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 2

I can not agree with you more.I come from China.I am a university student.I had a foreign teacher in my second year.I find talking with him is really very helpful.We just talk about common things in our daily lives,such as family ,learning as well as shopping.All those small things fill out our life,and language is to describe those things and to tell others about them.You live and you talk.Sometimes I made mistakes that may offend him,but he just forgive me for I am just a beginner.He is so kind to tell me where I was wrong.That's all right if we can understand each other.I find learning English is very interesting.It help me make new friends everywhere.I just think English is to help us live more happily in this world,with more friends in whatever countries and against whatever backgrounds.So please forgive me if I make mistakes here.I do not mean to hurt anybody.I just hope I can be a friend with you.

changkaiye · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Beijing,China

I'm also a Chinese guy.Nice to meet u.

ivory · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 3

most english speakers will be more than happy to talk to you and help you out. Just ask. The worst thing that can happen is that he/she will say no.
Embarassed

existenz · Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 44

Speaking for myself, I'd say that there is no problem when you speak with a foreigner if he actually understands your case and invites you to overcome your shyness instead of laughing at you or just refraining from speaking.

I am native Arabic speaker from the "Holy Land", and so I got friends who are learning Arabic. In case they misspell any word I simply try help them profoundly to be better.

I guess if you know who to get along with in any other country, then maybe your sadness or embarrassment will turn to enjoyment.

abdikadar mohamed · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

My grammar are poor. How can me improved grammer?

The Unknown Su · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 14 Location: Winnipeg, Canada

I made this post because I am a traveler and though I am of Chinese descent, English is my most fluent language. Saying this, I certainly enjoy chatting with locals and am most enthusiastically willing to give up some of my 'traveling' time to help others. My point is, students wanting to converse with foreigners should give it a shot and chat them up. I agree with ivory, what's the worst that can happen? A polite, "Sorry, I'm busy at the moment."

Nfet, I've lived in Winnipeg for 20 odd years now but I moved out to Calgary for 2 years and just recently came back. Not much has changed but I can see that the city has been expanding, a bit. If you were to come back, I highly doubt you'd notice a difference, other than the arena, or something rather, they are building downtown.

The Unknown Su · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 14 Location: Winnipeg, Canada

By the way Nfet, I totally agree with you on the winters in Winnipeg. You are extremely fortunate for the past winter was a brutal one. We experienced almost a whole month of -50C (including windchill). No, people of this forum, you did not read wrong, that is MINUS 50 DEGREES CELCIUS.

RedRose · Joined: 21 May 2004 Posts: 2735 Location: GuangZhou, China

Su,I partly agree about your opinions.but your words are often inconsistent with your actions.

for example,you allowed me to talk with you,that is great! Unfortunately,as I spoke english to you,you often can't help laughing,you see,I am very shy, so then I had to input what I wanted to say for you,but you demanded me to speak english daringly and not to worry what might happen,of course,I spoke english to you once more,but you often misunderstood me. do you remember? one time,I said:" Su, how to improve English ability?" you replied:" redrose,did you just ask me about how to improve the dating ability? right? oh,I know it,and it is simple,you just need practise,practice,and practice! no good ways but practice! If you meet as many guys as I meet girls,there you go! No s-h-i-t! Good luck to you!"

Su,just read your post, so I had to reply your post. But please believe me,I don't mean to offend you. Although your words were so inconsistent, but you are a charming and alluring guy.And I ask you not to expel me.

wish you good luck,te!

rose