Part I Motivation of Learning English
I’m glad there’re many new friends who are interested in English on forum these days. Charles and Panpanpan’s posts also remind me a lot about linguistics. I’d like to tell something learning English according to my own experience.
What do we learn English for? The answer may be simple, however it really puzzles many of us. When I was asked of the question, I answered with smile, “Nothing but interest.” Once I pondered on it seriously, I found it was not true. Interest always doesn’t demand high expectation for achievement. Actually I have an urgent desire to improve English, but I have no idea which level I could reach in recent years. So I have a goal in mind already, but it wasn’t definite. Now I have to make it clear.
Most English learners have its definite motivation and they have a goal to achieve (Students majored in English and those who master English are not among them). We can divide English learners into three groups according to motivation and goal. People in the first group learn English for passing examinations to get degree or certificates. Those in the second group study English to meet the need of every day work or want to go abroad for further study. The last group of people has great interest in English. they hope to know more about western culture besides common communication with native speakers.
Most people are among the first group. English is just a tool or a bridge for them to achieve other aims. They have to learn English to make dreams come true. They seldom or never learn English any more after they make it. It’s not difficult for those people to learn English, because there aren’t shortcuts to learn English well, while there are many shortcuts to pass the examinations.
It’s kind of difficult for the second group of people to reach its English goal. They have to spend much time and energy on English. They communicate with customers in English in every day life. Some write emails or letters in English; some speak English while negotiating or attending a technology meeting; others have to lay a solid foundation before going abroad. They have to learn English well to meet different needs of work. It’s possible for them to achieve it in a short period of time based on CET 4 or CET 6(one year or more). For example, suppose you’re in a trade company. You contact with foreign customers in English, include written English and oral English. You can attend a special course about trade. After a period of train, you will be qualified for the job. Of course you should spend more time on English learning if you want to work more efficiently.
It seems there are a few people in the last group. Maybe the demand is too rigorous. They have a strong willing to know about foreign lifestyle or culture. It’s almost impossible for them to make it without strong interest. They hope to reach the summit of English among amateurish English learners. The reasonable goal is about the level of graduates majored in English. “Level” here means real capacity in application, not include examination. English is part of their hobby in every day life. However it’s very difficult for them to make it all lives, for the goal is so vague and it’s hard to overcome the great obstacles without practical motivations. Once they begin to enjoy foreign culture while learning English, it really makes difference to their lives.
I’m glad and a little sad that I’m among the last group. I feel delighted because I enjoy English and become mad about it. At the same time I feel frustrated for I have a long way to cover. I never regret my decision even I couldn’t make my dream come true in life long learning.
(To be continued ......)
Azure
