English is the Most Difficult Language to Learn

That’s what most students of ESL tell us.  Teachers will present a grammar or spelling rule….then comes the exception to the rule (because every rule in English seems to have an exception)!  ’I’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’ is one example of an exception.  Believe me, there are many, many more!  Then you learn that  ‘close’ as in ‘close the door’ is different than the ‘ clothes you wear’ and is different still (but spelled the same as) the ‘close’ that means someone who is ‘close to you’ (you know, ‘close’ as in ‘not far’).  If this doesn’t seem overwhelming enough, note that this does not take into account the differences between spoken English and written English.  Rarely, will you hear what you see in the textbook:  “I do not know.”  What you will hear is “I dunno,” which, of course, does make sense because it looks like it sounds but it isn’t actually a word!

Let’s face it.  Learning a new language is hard.  And there are many factors that come into play.  Grammar, spelling, words that look alike or sound the same…. it all boils down to exposure and practise.  There is no magic or easy way.  You need lots of exposure and lots of practise to learn English.  At home, at work, at the grocery store, in ESL classes and with your neighbours – practise your English.  Be patient because it is not a fast process, and remember to have fun while you are learning.  You will find that English may not be as difficult as you thought.

Tell us about your adventures with learning the English language.