Essay on Learning English as a Second Language

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Learning English as a Second Language
Introduction
Learning the English language can be extremely hectic and difficult. However, once one begins mastering the basics, it becomes interesting as every new vocabulary learned opens a new way through which one can express ideas or opinions. One of the major barriers to intercultural communication as noted by Jandt is language problems (Chapter 5). Therefore one way of improving intercultural communication is overcoming language problems. Getting to be better at spoken and written English, however, is a difficult task. In my journey of learning English as a second language, the most challenging experiences I’ve heard involve grammar and pronunciation. I believe a better understanding of grammar and pronunciation of words is essential to overcoming language problems as a barrier to intercultural communication. This essay argues that grammar and pronunciation make learning English difficult. However, through personal campaign and reading as much as possible, one can overcome these challenges.
Challenges
I find English grammar complex, and it takes a considerable amount of time for one to master the basics. Understanding the rules of grammar can put one in a better position to communicate well with others and consequently understand others. In addition, one can get to read and understand other disciplines through English as a second language. However, when you are beginning to learn the basics, it is a difficult experience. There may be many books that can help one learn grammar, but it takes time and practice before one can fully integrate some grammar aspects into speaking. Mastering the grammar basics can be extremely tedious, but it is essential for proper communication particularly in interactions involving native speakers. When you are in conversation with a native speaker, the use of correct grammar can be very tricky because of their speaking speed. Their high-paced speaking not only makes it hard for one to understand them, but it also limits one’s ability to respond with correct grammar. Therefore, as one tries to speak faster, one ends up making grammar errors, and communication is hampered. An incorrect use of grammar can change the meaning of what one is trying to pass across and the person one is conversing with can get confused. As noted by Neuliep, English grammar has a deep set of rules, and it is for this reason that it is challenging to learn (219). Therefore, grammar makes learning English as a second language challenging.
Pronunciation is another aspect of the English language that makes it challenging to learn. According to Novinger the more a non-native speaker emulates the pronunciation of the target la...