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Shen Lin

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How do you think people should learn English? What do you think of the way most Chinese students learn English? Your suggestions?

I think the traditional way for students to learn English is unbalanced, exam-oriented, etc. Is there a way that can help students raise their cultural awareness while learning English? Are there other attractive curriculums or methods to help Chinese people learn English?

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    Robert Winner 50+

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    Jun 22 2012: She Lin, I have been fortunate to be able to travel and I find that immersion is by far the hardest but also the most effective. The problem that Americans have is that most of the worlds languages are sing song. Learning American type of English is made difficult because it has more rules that any other language and exceptions to every rule. Almost every language congegates the verbs. We are Americans let em fly.

    The goal of any learning process should not be the accumulation of knowledge, but rather the application of the materials and lessons you have received.

    A test in languages should not be an exam but a conversation.

    All the best. Bob.

    • Shen Lin 500+

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      Jun 23 2012: Dear Robert,Could you please explain to me what do you mean when you say "The problem that Americans have is that most of the worlds languages are sing song. "? And could you share some stories of your travel that inspired you about learning other languages? Thank you!
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        Robert Winner 50+

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        Jun 23 2012: By "sing song" I refer to the voice inflection used. Many languages have fewer words but they have many meanings when said rising or falling in tone and dependent upon what is used prior to or after. Viet Namese comes to mind. I used Co in a sentence and everone laughed. I thought I was using it as a young unmarried girl and instead made a joke about a dog. This had occured to me often as I am pretty basic American and do not roll my R's in spanish and have trouble hearing the right way to say things. Some people understand and try to help and some get mad and tell me I am insulting and to stick to English.

        Woe shay shay ne ( I mean thank you very much) Ty chin (good bye) learned in Taiwan spelled in American.

        Forgive the westener who means well. All the best. Bob.

        • Shen Lin 500+

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          Jun 23 2012: Thank you so much! I was inspired by your last two examples of Chinese sentences, have you come to the mainland of China? If you have the plan to go to Beijing in future, I would love to show you around and teach you tons of Chinese if you want : P
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        Robert Winner 50+

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        Jun 23 2012: Shen Lin. I am honored. You have made a kind and generous offer. For this I am grateful. If I come to the mainland will have the best guide and teacher in China.

        All the best. Bob.

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