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My English Learning Journey- 1st version

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My English Learning Journey- 1st version

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Autobiography- 1st version

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I'm Argentinian, as well as my parents and grandparents. Therefore, my L1 is Spanish. My first contact with English, that is my current L2, was many years ago when I was a kid. I was born in the late 80s and I recall travelling by car and listening to the radio along with my parents. At that time, there were not many options. I remember listening to Queen, Roxette, the Cranberries, Guns N' Roses, R.E.M; and later in the late 90s, when I started developing my own musical preferences, Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls. By that time I was around 10 years old and starting my formal approach towards my L2. At home nobody knew English. Yet, my parents firmly believed it was a must and a helpful tool for my future. As soon as my formal English training journey set off in a small institute near home, a completely new world opened up before my eyes. I have recollections of listening to my favourite music bands and understanding some words and singing effusively. At that age, the whole experience was thrilling and pleasant. Looking back in time, I consider that more than a second language, English was a foreign language to me because of the context and decade in which I grew up.

During my teenage years, what used to be a fun activity became an unbearable responsibility. I was very shy, self-demanding and suffered every class. I felt nervous and stressed out. Today, I understand that this was so because the affective filter was really high. Some teachers used to demand too much oral participation, even if you didn't volunteer, which I found exhausting and extremely challenging since I did not feel capable of learning the language. I remember not understanding a single word when listening to the audios the teachers played! It was British English, and the missing "Rs" were a nightmare to me. By my 15 years I finished the complete course with an average of 7 and I felt completely relieved. I was determined to not study a language any more. However, at school the situation was different since I was one of the few students who studied English at an institute. I recall solving my classmates' exams who made me feel I was terrific at English! At school the classes were focused mainly on grammar and written English which I have always considered my strengths as a language learner.

After that, for ten years I did not study English formally. Yet, thanks to the emerging information and communication technologies I could keep an intermediate level either by listening to music, watching movies or reading articles.

When I was 26 I decided to study English formally again! Why? I have no idea. Maybe, it was because I felt that acquiring the language, rather than learning it, was an unfinished business in my life. Therefore, my English learning journey set off again. This time with more confidence, enthusiasm and determination. I don't know how but most of my English skills had not disappeared. Quite the opposite, I understood much better, I felt confident to speak and participate in class. The classes followed a communicative approach and were enjoyable. I even dared to take an international exam and I succeeded. I felt so proud of myself. It is amazing how the brain works because although I hadn't interact with any other English speaker for at least ten years, the informal exposure to the language on a regular basis helped me keep a good English level. Also, I consider that studying the language from a relatively early age was definitely a key factor in my English acquisition process.

Then, I came to university only to realise that this is going to be a never ending journey! The more I read the less I know! The formal training has been challenging and enriching, but the informal exposure to the language has definitely had a crucial role in my experience as a language learner. Nowadays I divide my language study into two: on the one hand the formal training, on the other hand the informal exposure which involves watching TV series on different streamers, reading articles, following different English websites on Instagram and reading books. To tell you the truth I still lack confidence when speaking at university, but I'm gaining it by giving classes! Yes! I give English classes in kindergarten and primary school and I'm learning way too much now than ever before.

Learning a new language may seem like a rollercoaster-ride. It has been to me. But the rewards have helped me get over the frustrations I went through. Being bilingual has given me the chance of finding a job, and of course as a language user and learner I'm likely to make mistakes but mistakes are essential to the learning process. What's more, I consider that knowing our strengths and weaknesses is fundamental to improve as a L2 learner. In my case, the oral skill has been my Achilles heel since I was a teenager because of my shyness, but now I try to set up new challenges to get out of my comfort zone. In fact, this constant challenge of speaking in front of classmates or students has pushed me many times to get over my shyness and develop important life skills such as socialisation, self-confidence and emotional intelligence.

Today, as an English teacher, I always take into account my students' abilities and fears. I never force them to participate or speak. I give them space and respect their own pace which I believe it's essential in the process of learning.

To me the English acquiring process has just begun. Actually, I'm planning to keep up studying in order to become a better version of myself every day. From my perspective, being self-taught and restless is core to the process of learning a language as well as acknowledging mistakes, ours and our students', as stepping-stones to learning and improvement .

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I'm Argentinian, as well as my parents and grandparents. Therefore, my L1 is Spanish. My first contact with English, that is my current L2, was many years ago when I was a kid. I was born in the late 80s and I recall travelling by car and listening to the radio along with my parents.

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Check out this 1080p designed by mariaceciliamiranda1987@gmail.com.

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Lighting Talk

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Lighting Talk- Team (Together Everyone Achieves More)

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Lighting Talk- Team (Together Everyone Achieves More)