Why learning English is so difficult.

Summary

In this video, the speaker, a native English teacher, highlights the challenges of learning English, particularly its confusing spelling and pronunciation rules. While English can seem easy at first, it becomes increasingly complex as learners progress, especially with exceptions to every rule. However, the speaker emphasizes that communication is the primary goal of language learning, not perfection. Learners are encouraged to practice speaking and writing daily, focusing on communication while gradually improving grammar, pronunciation, and spelling. Ultimately, consistency and practice are key to improving fluency.

Takeaways

• 😀 English can be frustrating and confusing, but the problem is not necessarily with the learner; the language itself can be difficult.
• 😀 At the beginning, English seems easy with simple tenses and no gender, but as learners progress, it becomes more complicated with numerous exceptions.
• 😀 One of the main challenges in English is spelling and pronunciation, which often don't align due to historical changes in the language.
• 😀 When learning new words, it's crucial to not only learn their meanings but also their correct pronunciation, which can be done through online tools.
• 😀 English spelling has not been updated in line with its changing pronunciation, which contributes to its complexity.
• 😀 English rules are often followed by exceptions, and learners must memorize these exceptions as part of their language journey.
• 😀 Communication, not perfection, is the goal of language learning. Mistakes are a natural part of the process, even for native speakers.
• 😀 It’s important to start speaking English as soon as possible, rather than waiting for perfection, as fluency improves with practice.
• 😀 While focusing on speaking, learners should also work on improving their spelling, pronunciation, grammar, and understanding of rules and exceptions.
• 😀 Consistent practice is key—daily speaking and learning will gradually improve confidence and proficiency in English.
• 😀 The good news is that basic English is simple, and effective communication can be achieved even with imperfect language skills.

Q & A

Why does the speaker refer to English as 'stupid'?

The speaker calls English 'stupid' to highlight the frustrations learners face with the language's inconsistencies, particularly its confusing spelling and pronunciation rules, which can seem illogical at times.

What is one reason why English can be easier at the beginning for learners?

At the start, English is relatively simple with only one definite article, no gendered nouns, and straightforward tenses like present and past simple, making it less complicated compared to some other languages.

What happens when learners progress to higher levels of English?

As learners progress to more advanced levels (like B2 or C1), they start encountering exceptions to the rules they've learned, which makes English more complex and harder to master.

Why are spelling and pronunciation in English particularly difficult?

Spelling and pronunciation in English are challenging because, historically, English spelling has not been updated to reflect changes in pronunciation, resulting in a disconnect between how words are spelled and how they are pronounced.

How can learners avoid confusion when learning new English words?

Learners can avoid confusion by not only learning the definition of a word but also its pronunciation. It’s recommended to use online resources like Google or Bing to listen to the correct pronunciation alongside learning the word itself.

Why does English have so many exceptions to its rules?

English has many exceptions because, over time, language rules evolved but weren't consistently updated, leaving many irregularities in spelling, pronunciation, and grammar that learners must memorize.

What is the main purpose of learning English, according to the speaker?

The main purpose of learning English is communication, not perfection. The speaker emphasizes that learners should focus on expressing their ideas rather than waiting for a moment when they can speak perfectly.

Is it necessary to speak English perfectly to communicate effectively?

No, it is not necessary to speak perfectly. The speaker encourages learners to start speaking and communicating as soon as possible, even if they make mistakes, because perfection will never happen overnight.

What approach does the speaker recommend for improving English skills?

The speaker suggests a balanced approach, where learners should focus on communicating in English daily while simultaneously working on improving their spelling, pronunciation, grammar, and understanding of rules and exceptions.

How does the speaker suggest learners overcome their frustrations with English?

The speaker advises learners to stay motivated by recognizing that mistakes are part of the learning process and that over time, with practice, their confidence and skills in English will improve.