On the Spot – Aziza

It’s been a while since I posted a language learner interview on the blog so here is Aziza’s interview. Aziza is Russian native speaker who is learning English and Arabic and is a member of the italki language learners community.

Please note that the following interview is from a non-native English speaker and has been edited for spelling and grammar. Changes to the content of the interview have been kept to a bare minimum.

Which languages are you learning? What level of conversational and reading ability to do you have in each of these? (I’ve avoided using the term ‘fluent’ here for reasons that will become clear below)

I am learning English and Arabic.  I can read, write and communicate in a common theme in the Arabic language at intermediate level.

How long have you been learning foreign languages? What was the first foreign language you learnt or were exposed to?

I have been studying the Arabic language for 6 months.

What attracted you to the language(s) you’re learning?

It is a very interesting, attractive activity during which we can improve ourselves and our knowledge.

Which languages would you like to learn in future? What are your reasons for choosing these?

I want  to learn French and German in future.

How do you define ‘fluency’? Do you differentiate between oral fluency and literacy?

I know the spoken language.

Do you use languages in your job or everyday activities?

I use everyday activities: listening, reading, writing.

How do you maintain and/or improve your skills in the languages you’ve learnt?

With help of Arabic language, I teach Arabs Russian.

Do you prefer to learn a language through classroom-based learning or through self-study? Do you make use of language exchange sites or have a penpal?

I  prefer  self-study.  I  use  the site  www.italki.com. I prefer to learn from Teach Yourself books.  I like to make audios and learn with the help of native speakers via Skype.

Do you use flashcards as part of your learning?

I don’t use  flashcards.

Have you ever learnt a new alphabet or script? If so, how did you go about learning it?

I have learnt Arabic alphabet.   It was not easy.

Have you ever learnt (or tried to learn) an ancient or extinct language? Do you think there are good reasons for learning an ancient language, or do you think time would be better invested in learning a living language?

I think living languages are more valuable.

Do you use podcasts in your language learning? If so, which ones do you listen to?

Yes, I use BBC podcasts.

How do you go about learning new vocabulary? Do you avoid certain subject areas and focus more on the subjects that interest you, or do you make an effort to develop a wider vocabulary base and learn words you will rarely get to use?

Firstly I learn interesting words for everyday communication  and then if I encounter unknown word, whether I need it or not,  I remember it.

What are your thoughts on learning grammar? Do you prefer to learn it from a grammar guide or do you prefer to learn it through intuition?

I learn Arabic grammar and words/phrases simultaneously

Have you ever taken any language proficiency exams (e.g. JLPT, HSK) to test your abilities? Do you plan to?

No, I have never taken any exams and  I don’t plan to in the near future.

What would you say is the biggest obstacle in your language learning? What keeps you back from reaching your desired level of fluency?

The lack of time.

What has been your greatest language learning achievement to date?

Understanding native speakers when I speak with them.

Have you made any embarrassing linguistic blunders or cultural faux pas?

I have pronounced some words wrongly and I needed some time to restudy them.

Do you have any favourite words or expressions?

”Aid min fadlik”  “Repeat please”

Do you think language learning should be made compulsory in schools?

I think they should learn it voluntarily.

What are your thoughts on constructed languages such as Esperanto or Klingon?

I do not like artificial languages.

Is it better to speak one or two foreign languages perfectly or have a  basic understanding of many?

The minimum for me is to know three languages fluently and learn others  if one has an interest in them.

Are there any linguists/polyglots that you admire? If so, what do you admire most about them? Do you use any of their methods in your language learning?

Kato Lomba.

Do you have any resources that you would like to recommend to other learners? These can include dictionaries, blogs, software, online media, online courses and pretty much anything that can be used for learning a language or improving one’s skills.

www.italki.com

Finally, do you have any tips or advice to share with other language learners? Do you have any mottos or tips for staying motivated?

Кузьмин  «Учебник арабского языка»