On the Spot – Mohammad

To give myself a bit more time to write a post on the importance of learning Dutch as a migrant living in the Netherlands, I’ve decided to post one more language learner interview. This week’s interviewee is Mohammad, a member of the Italki language learners’ community. Mohammad is a native Arabic speaker who is learning English and Turkish.

Please note that the following interview has been edited for spelling and grammar. Changes to the content have been kept to a 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 Turkish. I would say my conversational and reading ability in English is good and I would like to improve it.

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

I have been learning English for more than twenty years. The first language I studied was English because it has become a very common  language in the world  these days.

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

English is very common language in this world and and you can find people who can speak it all over the world.

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

I am learning some Turkish and I would like to learn German.

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

Sure, there is a difference but I think one completes the other.

Do you use languages in your job or everyday activities?

I work as an engineer so English is very useful in my job and and it allows me to follow all new things related to my job.

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

By studying more and more and trying to speak with native speakers.

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 tried both. I find self-study more flexible because you are free and you can study as you like.

Do you use flashcards as part of your learning?

Sometimes, when it is needed.

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

I think the first step to learn any language to learn its alphabet(s) and pronounce it clearly.

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. I am only interested in learning the living language which is in use these days.

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

No I don’t, but sometimes I listen to radio and TV.

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?

When I read or listen to new vocabulary, I try to find it its meaning in order to use it in future .

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 think it is necessary to learn the grammar first. Later you can learn from intuition.

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

Yes, I plan to as I would like to know my ability and to know my weak points.

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

I think no obstacle can stop in your way to learn any language.

What has been your greatest language learning achievement to date?

My greatest  achievement is that I can communicate  with anyone in this world, especially engineers like me, and exchange knowledge .

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

No, I haven’t.

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

Yes, I think they should teach the initial basics and the importance of learning a language.

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

For me, I find it more important to speak one or more foreign languages fluently.

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 think it is useful to use sites like Italki to learn languages and make friends at the same time .

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

I can say that nothing is impossible in this world. In the past, the Chinese language was considered so difficult but these days there are foreigners who can speak as well as native speakers.