Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[komathee kolandasoo]

First of all I'm really proud of Dave's ESL cafe's service. Thanks a lot.

I agree that online language learning is something good and interesting
way of learning a language. Though, I feel a bit confussion . Usually language learning need more exercise of tongue or oral communication. So is it possible to learn a language ( ENGLISH ) with 100% through internet? Hopefully , you people can clear my doubt.

Thanks.

[advoca]

It depends what you mean by "through the internet." Obviously you cannot learn a language entirely by only reading and writing it, particularly English because of its strange spelling and pronunciation. But if you have a good internet learning program and a teacher with whom you can talk then you can make good progress.

But you must find a way of using your ear and your tongue.

I have helped students improve their writing skills trough the internet but their ability to understand foreigners lags far behind. Their diction is also defective. Some these students are diligent in asking how a particular word is pronounced. This helps, but progress in the language is handicapped if there are few opportunities to speak and listen.

There are ways of getting speaking and listening practice. Telephoning the teacher for example or joining what is known as an English corner.

One of my students met and fell in love with a student from Finland. He spoke no Chinese and she spoke no Finnish, so they had to communicate in English. Learning by speaking to a foreign lover can be a great help (sometimes known as pillow talk) and they have both become very much better at English as a result.

So, in general terms, the internet is a good way to improve your written English but it is not a good way to learn the language.

[komathee kolandasoo]

You are very correct!

Language is all about practice. So there should be a source ( teacher , friends, partner ) to become a good user of language .

A teacher is always a teacher!