Learning a new language is never an easy endeavor. However, not all complexities in comprehending English are obvious. Some reasons pose very real challenges for the ESL student. Below, we will examine a few reasons why speakers of other languages might find learning English difficult.
Reason #1: The Constant Expansion of the English Language
English is constantly evolving. Any Vocational ESL instructor can vouch for its fluidity. Therefore, words are constantly added while other words become archaic and out of date. Popular expressions invade the culture resulting from a popular movie or famous song. However, after some time, the excitement of those expressions goes away.
As America continues to welcome more immigrants, the language will change. The “fusion” of American and international cultures will impact the English language. Spanish is the second most-widely spoken language in the U.S. And there is in existence an informal language that combines the two: Spanglish. It is often spoken by bilingual children who grow up with their Spanish-speaking parents and their English-speaking friends.
Reason #2: The Pronunciation of the Speaker
The sound of English in America varies greatly according to who is talking. American accents vary according to where the speaker lives regionally. Two people can say the exact same thing, but if one is in California and the other is in Massachusetts, the accents or nuanced speech can sound drastically different. The same is true with someone in the northwest and the other in the southeast. Even if these groups are speaking formal English, it is going to sound differently. And this regional English impedes comprehension for some Vocational ESL students.
Reason #3: Americans Speak Too Fast
This is a complaint of many Vocational ESL students. Even if they listen intently, the natural speed of an American often prohibits them from completely understanding what is being said. When learning a new language, it can be challenging to understand the native speaker at their normal speed. It will take time before the student can fully grasp the informal speech, expressions, and idioms.
Reason #4: The Use of Slang, Idioms, and Phrasal Verbs
When students learn English, they often begin with formal English. The subject and verb agree. The tenses correspond to the subjects. In the real world of American English, however, it’s not so formal. Colloquial English is less formal than the Vocational ESL textbook. And formal English is not always textbook perfect. For example, it is okay to ask, “you wanna grab a bite to eat?” instead of asking “Would you like to go to lunch together?” Although the latter is more formal, the former would be acceptable.
Informal Expressions and Slang
Informal expressions and slang often deviate from standard grammar and vocabulary rules, making it challenging for learners to grasp. The use of slang or informal English is widely used but can vary according to the communities in which Americans live. Slang in one community may not be the same in another. This is why immersion in the culture can be a valuable tool in one’s English journey.
Idioms
Idioms can be difficult because they must be individually learned. If the student doesn’t know the idiom being used, then they may have missed the entire meaning of the sentence. If a native states, “my back is against the wall,” the student could wonder how that is possible if the speaker is sitting in a chair. They would have to learn that the speaker is referring to being in a difficult situation.
Reason #5: Language in Context / Cultural Inappropriateness
Learning a language fluently also means knowing how the words and expressions are used in context. For example, in America, it can be taboo to speak on certain subjects when you don’t know a person. It is generally unacceptable to ask how much a person earns and how much they pay for certain things like a mortgage. This has even more implications with women.
If you are a man, it is not acceptable to ask an American woman her age, weight, or size. So, when you learn to ask, “how old are you,” be careful to whom you pose this question. Many countries, including America, have social customs that forbid certain interactions between males and females, and those will have to be learned by the student.
Reason #6: The Physical Inability to Pronounce English Words
A Vocational ESL student can understand the sound perfectly and not be able to physically reproduce it. Often, because it’s a new sound and they have not mechanically learned to mimic that sound. These words force students to make sounds that are not native to their language. And it takes time, practice, and patience to master those sounds. To overcome this challenge, many Vocational ESL students listen to American television shows. Their goal is not to just learn English, but to do so with an American accent.
Reason #7: No One with Whom the Student Can Practice
One of the most common barriers to learning English is that Vocational ESL students may not have fluent English speakers with whom they can practice. This is even true when English speakers are in the bilingual home. Some family members (usually children or spouse) are not patient enough to practice with the Vocational ESL student. They give up and start speaking in the native language because it’s easier and faster. This does not bolster the confidence of the Vocational ESL student.
Reason #8: Different Language Structure
Not all languages have the same constructs as English. For example, in the “pro-drop” languages of Japanese, Korean and Mandarin, the subject isn’t required. It is inferred from the verb tenses. English on the other hand always has a subject in formal usage. This means that Japanese Vocational ESL students will need to use subjects with the proper verb conjugation and tenses. Subjects are not just “he,” “she” and “they” but “John,” “Ms. Smith” “Tom” and “the girls.”
Furthermore, the grammatical structure of languages is different. Whereas in English, the word order is subject-verb-object, that order in Japanese is subject-object-verb. Whereas one English word, a homophone, may have several meanings, different tones are used in Mandarin to denote a change in meaning.
Reason #9: Not Enough Time to Study
Learning English is best learned in a systematic and disciplined approach. It is a complex grammar system that is replete with rules and exceptions to those rules. To reinforce learning, one should make time to study consistently at set times. On the other hand, lacking consistency in one’s study can hamper one’s ability to comprehend its grammatical and linguistic rules.
Reason #10: Needing Help Learning English
It is not a defeat if you need help to achieve your English language goals. It is a step in the right direction. Toiling on your own with little progress could derail your future. Instead, it is empowering to get help to fulfill your dreams. Despite the complexities of the English language, you can join millions who speak it fluently.
Final Thoughts
In a Vocational ESL program, you can enhance your English skills in a small class setting with others who have the same goals as you. You will have instructors who are invested in your success. You will master the elements of grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In doing so, you will overcome the barriers that can delay or interfere with the learning process. When you complete the program, you will be job ready. If you don’t already have a job, you will have plenty of help from Interactive College of Technology to find a job that is right for you.
Want to Learn More?
Our Vocational English as a Second Language (ESL) training program is designed for student success. Interactive College of Technology offers live online and in-person English classes that fit into your busy schedule.
Our Vocational ESL classes are set up, so your English develops skill by skill. Four levels of rigorous courses help you to comprehend the English language by combining lecture, lab, class discussion, and group activities. This effective method ensures Vocational ESL students are provided English language skills as well as cultural transference.
You receive all Vocational ESL program materials to keep. You’ll also be provided with a personal email account, resume writing, and job placement assistance, media center access, and more! Our campuses are located across Georgia and Texas.
Let’s learn English together! Contact us now to learn more.
