Maura Blacke (Germany)
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My English Learning Journey
In Germany, my English learning journey began in class 1 when I was 6 years old. We learned basic vocabulary such as animals, body parts, colors, and, of course,
the most essential: food! However, it was insufficient for practical communication. By class 5, we started constructing sentences and gradually improved our English
proficiency. The school tasks became more challenging over time, but the structured learning approach was beneficial. I was also part of a specialized program called
“bilingual lessons,” where some of our regular subjects such as geography, history, and biology were taught in English.
When you aspire to learn a new language, it is indeed a rewarding but demanding endeavor. I began enhancing my listening skills by watching English movies, starting
with Disney films, which I thoroughly enjoyed. As time went by, I progressed from movies featuring native English speakers, gradually to ones with various accents,
including Indian and Chinese. Watching favorite movies and series in English significantly contributed to my language comprehension.
Improving speaking skills primarily involves practice. I initially conversed with a German friend, which led to some translation and mixing of German words. Singing
English songs with clear pronunciation helped me advance from simpler tunes to more complex ones swiftly. Engaging with a foreign friend who was learning German
provided a valuable language exchange opportunity, enhancing both my English and her German skills. Presently, I am part of a diverse global group where English
is the shared language, necessitating regular communication in English.
I have developed a fondness for the English language due to its simplicity and expressiveness, allowing for nuanced communication of emotions. Words often carry
multiple meanings, with context defining their significance. Writing poems in English has become a creative outlet that I cherish.
If I were to offer one piece of advice on learning English, it would be to immerse yourself in the language through consistent communication. Mastery will come
sooner than you expect.