#359 How I Became Fluent in English Without Talking to Natives, My Journey of Going From Student to Teacher, and Why You Should Join an Online Community
Ksenia, fluency coach, shares her journey of becoming fluent in English without talking to natives. Topics include practicing with non-native speakers, the power of the Fluency Circle, and relieving stress and anxiety in language learning.
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Quick takeaways
Fluency in English can be achieved by practicing with non-native speakers, challenging the belief that only native speakers can help you become fluent.
A combination of conversation-based lessons, immersion in English through movies and music, and a major in English language at university can significantly improve English proficiency.
Deep dives
Challenges of English Education in Ukraine
English education in Ukraine, particularly in smaller cities, primarily focuses on formal education, with emphasis on textbooks, grammar rules, and translation. The curriculum has since evolved, with more focus on developing communication skills, but students often lack sufficient English proficiency after finishing high school, even when choosing English as a major at university.
Personal Motivation and Spark for Learning English
The podcast guest shares her personal journey of learning English, highlighting the motivation to enter university as the initial spark. Despite her parents having no English background, exposure to English music through them sparked her interest. A private tutor helped her raise her English level, leading to her decision to major in English at university.
Challenges in English Learning and Overcoming Language Barriers
The podcast guest faced challenges in English learning, including literal translation from Ukrainian to English and struggling to think in English. To overcome these obstacles, she engaged in conversation-based lessons with her private tutor, focusing on easygoing topics that helped relax and build confidence. She also emphasized the importance of immersing oneself in English through movies and music.
University Education and Personal Growth in English
University brought a transformative experience for the podcast guest, with a major in English language and foreign literature. The curriculum emphasized oral communication, providing plenty of opportunities for speaking and developing communication skills. The guest's English personality became more confident, and she felt a sense of personal growth in expressing herself in English. Post-university, self-learning played a significant role in improving conversational and colloquial English.
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One of the things we hear from some learners is that the only way for you to become fluent in English is by practicing with native speakers. But what if we told you that this is NOT true? Is it possible to achieve a high level of English and speak confidently just by practicing with non-natives? In today’s episode, you will learn more about how Ksenia, our new fluency coach, has been able to master the English language practicing mainly with non-native speakers. We’ll also give you some tips on how you can do the same.