Dear Cosine,
Dear Cosine,
This week I am busying in playing guitar for I have three performances in the English Night (MissionEngpossible). I was tired and could not sleep well at night. Well, there is an idea that came up in my mind one day that learning a language is quite familiar with learning an instrument.
I have learned guitar since I graduated from senior high school because I just broke up with my ex-boyfriend and I wanted to look for something to do (trying to be busy). It is not easy to learn an instrument. At first, my fingers and wrist hurt for I need to press the strings very hard. However, after practicing again and again, the skin of my fingers began to peel off. I would not feel uncomfortable anymore after my skin peels off for there are calluses on my fingers. I remembered that I was really nervous when the first time I performed on the stage, but I would never be better if I don’t try to play the guitar towards the audience. I may have some mistakes but that is okay. To me, the most difficult part of learning a new skill is not about learning, it is about overcoming the fear of learning it.
Learning a whole new language is just the same as learning a foreign language. It’s maybe hard for you to learn the pronunciation, to remember the vocabulary, and understand the grammar of a language. While practicing it again and again could make you become more familiar with it. The most important part is that you have to open your mouth and speak. My dad told me that it is useless if you learn a new language with your mouth closed. He often scolded my older brother for not recite the English vocabulary loudly because he thinks it is very important and I agree with him. It is also very important that you can not be afraid to talk to a foreigner. For me, the goal of learning a new language is that I want to communicate with foreigners. Therefore, the most effective way to practice is just by talking to others. People said that it is okay if you have some little mistakes in grammar when talking to a foreigner. It would be fine if you have conveyed your meaning correctly to them.
What I said is not just suitable for learning the guitar or learning a language. Learning how to play basketball shares the same concept with them. To say precisely, learning everything shares the same concept with them. On the other hand, teaching the students by asking them to repeat what the teacher said is really important. Having a short conversation with others would be a good way, too.
Last week I sang karaoke with my friends. I decided to sing my favorite Cantonese song “海闊天空”. I am not good at singing and also not good at speaking Cantonese, but I still want to give it a try. That’s how I practice learning a language. How about you? Do you agree with me?
Looking forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Diana.