On the Spot – Jiang Wei

One more language learner interview. I received several in the space of a few days so I want to publish them as soon as possible.

This interview was sent back to me by Jiang Wei, a Chinese man who is learning English and is a member of the italki community.

Please note the interviewee is not a native English speaker so the interview has been edited for grammar and spelling. Changes to the content of the interview has 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)

English. Beginner level in conversation while intermediate in reading.

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

English : More than 10 years of classes in middle school and university.

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

To read professional materials as well as communicate with people around the world.

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

Only English. No reason to learn another language.

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

Yes. I would like to define “fluency” more related to speaking English.

Do you use languages in your job or everyday activities?

I  work in MNC where English is necessary for email and some conference calls but English is not used in my home activities.

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

1-to-1 talk with native speakers, listening to podcast, watching CNN live video, taking exams such as IELTS, using it on the job.

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?

Self study. I use language exchange sites but I also want a penpal.

Do you use flashcards as part of your learning?

No.

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

No.

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?

No.

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

Yes, I selected some podcasts in the iTune Store based on topics, such as focus on the family. Podcasts from NPR, Businessweek and New Yorker are also helpful.

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?

It’s quite hard to learn new vocabulary. I focus more on the vocabulary of the subjects most used in daily life and try to make use of them in my speaking English. I also make an effort to develop a wider vocabulary base but it can only be applied to reading.

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 used to learn it in school but now prefer to learn it through intuition. In fact, I haven’t paid much attention to grammar learning.

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

Yes, I too the TOELF and GRE 9 years ago. Now I’m working on IELTS.

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

It should be the environment with no English used in daily life.

What has been your greatest language learning achievement to date?

Recommendations by English native speakers based on my capability

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

Yes, I made some basic mistakes at the beginning stage of my career.

Do you have any favourite words or expressions?

I have no idea.

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

Of course. Even it’s not compulsory, parents will ask for such courses.

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

I have no idea.

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

I prefer to speak one or two perfectly because I may not get the chance to use many.

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?

I have no opinion on this topic.

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.

I’m using dictionary on my laptop, such as one from iciba. I customized my iGoogle homepage for some reading and I download podcasts regularly to my iPod.

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

My understanding is you have to spend time on language learning everyday and practise as much as you can. Lack of perseverance cannot keep your language skills maintained and improved.