The battle between mother tongue and English

This is by far one of the greatest challenges beginners have – based on my observations. Speaking in your first language all your life and then having to switch to a completely foreign language in class can be really challenging.

This is often the case when students of the same nationality are in a class together.’ Why struggle with English when I can tell you in our native language?’. This is a major setback as it defeats the purpose of using the language you have learnt. 

So how can we overcome this? 

Use whatever you can to your advantage. For example, in class you have your teacher – whose main purpose is to teach and provide you with support. Try and use some example words and phrases to give the teacher or your peer better idea of what you’re talking about.

For example, if you want to get to the word ‘doctor’, instead of saying it in your native language ask your peer/teacher to assist you. What are some examples we can use to get to the word ‘doctor’?

Maybe – when I go to the hospital who do I see? Who helps us get better when we are sick?, etc. Or you can make things interesting by doing some actions.

Making these small changes to move away from using your first language makes a significant difference in your English language learning journey.

Translate! Translate! Translate!

As a beginner it’s most common and understandable that students want to translate almost everything! This also defeats the purpose of using what you already know. 

In class, most of the time you don’t need language that you haven’t learnt. Growth comes   step by step and the main aim is to utilize what you have learnt from the beginning. If you have forgotten some of the information, you can go back in your workbook and check.  There is no need to use a translator unnecessarily. 

So how can we overcome this? 

Instead, replace translating with revising. Go back in your notes, use what you have right at your fingertips. Or say what you want to say in the most basic way possible, even if you know it’s not correct (Your teacher knows your ways of communicating certain things- most of the time they will understand what you’re trying to say).

Learning English is not a race, you’re not meant to know everything from the get-go. Be patient with yourself and use what you already know, don’t feel defeated before you’ve even tried. 

Five jumps forward – Ten jumps back

Many beginners want to jump to elementary, and when they get to elementary they want to jump to intermediate. Haste! Haste! Haste! If you intend on having the skills of an advanced student, rushing through levels is not the way to go.

Being able to use English at an advanced/proficient level, requires all the skills that you have learnt from beginner right through to proficient. 

Each level has some basic components that lay the foundation and as you move up the ladder, the content in your course becomes more ‘in-depth’. 

It’s like building a house. If you build your house with bricks, but decide to skip a few steps or leave some bricks out – your house is going to crumble. Your foundation is not stable. 

It is so important that you make the most of the resources and time you have at each level. It will benefit you in so many ways when you reach the next level and save you so much time as you won’t have to keep looking back for the missing pieces. 

Take your time when building your house. Patience is key.

Learning anything new can be challenging at times. But rest assured, we are here to guide you all the way through.

There are a series of levels to be completed – these are measured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). They are measured as follows:

Levels:

A1 – Beginner 
A2 – Elementary 
B1 – Pre-Intermediate 
B2 – Upper-Intermediate 
C1 – Advanced 
C2 – Proficient

How does it work?

If you are just beginning your English language learning journey, you will most likely start at A0 – this is the basic foundational level. Here, you will learn the most basic words and phrases. Here, you will also be introduced to the alphabet and how to pronounce letters. Often, A0 students have no knowledge of English at all and this is where they begin to build the foundation.

From level A1-B2 is where students build on all of their language skills most significantly. After completing a level (which takes a few weeks or longer depending on how much time you need), you will be able to move up to the next level. 

To demonstrate your ability to understand and use the skills you have learnt in a particular level you will most likely be tested at the end of the level. 

So in summary, you will move from  A1 (Beginner) up to C1/C2 (Advanced/Proficient).

How long will it take for me to get to advanced/proficient?

In short – this is all student-dependent. 

Most students underestimate the amount of time that needs to be dedicated towards developing these language skills. There is no ‘quick fix’ way to get hold of an English language certificate. Your qualification is earned through time, perseverance and dedication towards your English studies. The more effort you put into your studies, the faster you will see results.

Here are a few things we suggest you keep in mind:

• Find your pace – Pace yourself. Move at the speed you feel most comfortable with. ‘Rome was not built in a day’ – unfortunately, you’re not going to jump from beginner to advanced in one day. Instead, find your feet and rejoice with every step of progress you make, regardless of how big that step is. 
• Set realistic goals – Set some goals for yourself – goals that are within reach. Share them with your teacher and ask them about the best way forward. 
• Dedicate some time outside of your classes – A one/two hour class is great, but the more time you can invest after class the faster you  will be able to reach those goals. Use the tools and resources provided by your teacher and spend some time with them outside of class-time.