maryannballeras

I prefer a real, live person as a teacher for language. Sure, these language learning apps can help you a lot, but as a student, there will always be a time that you'll have to ask questions. And I guess not all of those apps can answer you back.

It's true, some of these expressions might be over the top and over dramatic, but I guess that's just how the English language goes. Aside from "Bored to death," I also like the expression that goes like "I haven't seen you in ages." You usually say it when you haven't been around a person for a while.

As much as possible, avoid any distractions while you're watching English films and podcasts. Also, you must always have this drive to learn more and learn better. Even if it seems difficult at first, just keep going. It's all in your hands.

Once I'm already confident and fluent in speaking Spanish, I will apply as a voice talent so I can dub non-Spanish films and TV shows.  I will also try my luck on being a DJ at a Spanish radio station.  Or maybe write a song in Spanish. There's just a lot of things that I want to do.  Haha!

I think it's important to also know the profanity and curse words if you're studying another language, whether it be English or not. Because if you'll not study them, you'll never know if you're already being stepped on or offended by native speakers of such language. Be aware of the words, but don't use them, of course.

I've always been a fan of Japanese music, and I think that it definitely helps me in learning the language more.  I get to be accustomed with their words and grammar, and the good thing with music is that you can listen to it anywhere you are.  So in effect, I am also learning wherever I am.

I've always used the word "Catsup" when writing it and I pronounce it as "Ketchup." I didn't even know that "Ketchup" can be used for writing as well.  Nevertheless, I still prefer to use "Catsup" in writing.

I no longer carry a dictionary with me, maybe because I was not used to carrying one anymore after college.  But if there's a need for me to make use of it, I can just download an application on my phone and that will serve the same purpose. 

I don't know if I can categorize it with "monsters and gore" but I always get scared the most by horror with supernatural beings -- like ghosts or apparitions.  Maybe because I feel that this can happen in real life whereas with monsters, it's just pure fantasy.  Psychlogical thrillers are cool, but I find them more mind-bending rather than scary.

I understand you, that's also how I was before, I was good in writing English but not in speaking it. What I did, and I also suggest that you do it because it worked for me, was I watched tons of English movies and TV series constantly.  You'll know how to say words correctly.  Give it a try!

I previously worked in a company wherein we were required to talk in English at all times. And to tell you, I've heard thousands of incorrect phrases to the point that I can already create a compilation book out of it.  Haha.  Some of them are: "If in any case that you'll need to call..." "So, can you be able to turn off your phone?" and my favorite is "So here's your confirmation number: Z for Zebra, X for extra.."  Haha! 

I think it's normal for a person to imagine things that he's reading.  Because when a person reads, the words register as images in our brain and that helps us to understand the context.  Regarding what you said, if this is a talent, then we're all talented people! Cheers!  :party: 

When I text, I make sure not to use any shortcuts but rather the full word, because I'm afraid of misunderstanding.  In fact, as much as I can, I'd rather just call the person instead of sending a text message, because via text, there's no feeling, there's no intonation, and the other party might misunderstand what you mean to say. That's why I always make it a point that if I really need to send a text, there's no shortcuts whatsoever.

Reading comprehension exams can be a pain especially if you were given a certain time limit to answer it.  But if there's no time pressure, reading comprehension can be fun.  Because unlike other exams, here you don't have to memorize anything -- you'll just have to understand and analyze what you read, and that's it!

If it's a practical exam, I usually feel anxious and nervous.  If it's a written exam, I tend to relax a bit more.  I think the problem that I have with practical exams is that I get conscious that people are looking at me and I feel that I should finish the exam with a perfect score -- which doesn't happen.  I hope I can overcome that weakness soon.

Woah. Just like most of you guys, I also don't agree with adding these slangs to the dictionary.  When I was studying, we always relied on this dictionary because it was such a treasure --  it's formal, credible, and educational.  But with this, I'm starting to dislike it.  I just hope that in the future that won't add any more slangs in their dictionaries.  It's not a good read especially in schools.

I can feel ypu, this happened to me as well. When I was in college, I got to learn some basic Latin since it was a requirement for our subject Legal Terminologies. Now, I can't even recall a single word --  because I wasn't using it in practice.  What I can suggest is that you expose yourself to the language again -- read, listen, write, and speak -- and make sure that you do this constantly.  I'm sure it will get you back in place.

Based on my experience,I can say that learning a second language as a child really helps.  I started to learn English at around six or seven years old, and continued to learn until college.  Because of that, I was able to get a job that required me to speak in the language at all times. I am grateful that I started learning at an early age.

I was a huge anime fan, so at first, I just wanted to study Japanese so I can watch animes without reading the subtitles, and for me to also understand each episode better. I know, it sounds petty! Haha.  But now, aside from the love of anime, I have also come to love the japanese culture, and that sparked my desire to learn the language even more.

I agree with you, I also think that constantly watching movies really does help in learning the English language. However, it is true that some movies might sound as if it's not in line with the grammar books that you might have been reading, but that is because movies incorporate slangs as well.  I think it will be better if you continue building your knowledge on grammar through books while watching movies.

For me, constant exposure on all aspects will always be the key.  Here's an example based on experience.  Previously, I worked as a customer care specialist and had to talk in English 8-hrs a day, 5 times a week.  Sure enough, I got fluent speaking the language and thought I was doing okay, so I stopped reading novels.  That was my mistake.  I can speak English alright, but my spelling and punctuation has gone bad.  So, the lesson is to never stop reading, listening, and speaking the language to make sure that your grammar stays good.

#9 was always my honest mistake before. I used to say, "There's alot of food in the table," and because it sounds right, I didn't think it was wrong.  Well, thank you so much for this!  It would help me a lot. 

The first novel that I've read in full was Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice.  Before, I was a fan of all things gothic, that's why the book intrigued me.  Even though I'm no longer a gothic fan, I still don't have any regrets reading the book, because Ms. Rice was such a wonderful writer and my vocabulary definitely widened bexause.of this book.

Learning English can be easy or hard, depending on how you work on it.  Aside from learning English through lessons, another thing that will help you is exposure -- through listening and reading  You can watch English movies or drama series and by doing so, you will know how words are being said in application.  You can also read English books and novels to enhance your vocabulary.  When you're done with all this, you should start speaking in the language constantly to get fluent in it.

I think the best motivator will be your interest in the language itself.  Because if you are genuinely interested in something, you will never get tired of it and you will always work on getting better.  You do not have to force yourself into learning or find something to get you going -- your genuine interest will be the key to motivate yourself.