Solving 3 Great Challenges faced when Learning to Speak and Listen to Natural English

Sania Green-Reynolds, ESL/English Educator/Coach
May 18, 2016
6 min read

(Photo credit - Google Images)

English is said to be a very difficult language to learn. This is understandable as around 48% of the vocabulary of English is borrowed from French and German alone. Let’s not forget the Latin influence or that of more ancient languages such as Greek and Hebrew too. Learning English, therefore, can be likened to learning a ‘melting pot’ of languages since the English vocabulary wasn’t only simply impacted. Some of the rules from these languages also made their way into the English language.

Let’s explore 3 great challenges faced when learning to listen to and speak English naturally, and practical and possible ways to overcome these challenges.

1. Understanding Variations in English Accents

As a native English speaker who work with other multinational English speakers I’ve been faced with this challenge – readily understanding variations in English accents. So, let me assure you ESL learners, you are not alone when you face this problem. As English language learners and speakers we must first understand that the speech produced by English speakers will vary greatly because of variances in geographical locations. We have very little or probably no control over this, so, do not be intimidated by this fact. Generally, native English speakers are totally comfortable using their regional accents and are able to engage back and forth with people who may or may not share similar accents. This is normal. While many ESL learners aspire to sound like US or UK natives, when speaking English, they sometimes struggle to obtain this goal. Their struggle is understandable as they may very well have to define their goals more specifically, as a variety of English accents is spoken in these countries.

Instead of being intimidated or stressed by this fact, you should first understand that this is normal. Next, realize that accents may fall under what I perceive as two very popular categories with several subcategories, but are not limited to these categories in any way.

Let’s look at the two most popular categories and some of the subcategories.

US English & UK English - (View the full chart here).

Importantly, one should note that variances in accents do exist even within sub-categorized areas. Note this fact, and don’t be overwhelmed by it. The next time your English speaking friend or teacher speaks to you and you are unable to comprehend because of his or her accent, ask him or her to repeat the utterance in a kind way. You can also try to ascertain what was said by rephrasing the utterance in a question format. For example, ‘Did you say………….?’

Challenge yourself to listen to a variety of native English speakers instead of being biased to the two most popular accents.

2. Understanding Slangs, Colloquialisms and Idiomatic Expressions

Admittedly, there are many English slangs and colloquialisms that I, a native speaker of English, find very foreign. I can only imagine the frustration of ESL learners when they’ve learnt as many slangs, colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions as they think they possibly could, then, they tune in to their favorite English podcast, live streaming site or TV channel, only to be ‘attacked’ with a new long lists of unfamiliar slangs and expressions. Don’t lose your mind – be patient and keep adding the ‘new’ slangs, colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions to your vocabulary list. After all, to be able to speak or listen to English naturally, you must be able to understand or use these features of the language. Though overuse of these often occur, but should not be practiced - especially in formal settings, do not be put off or discouraged from enjoying English conversations or upgrading your English use and skills.

When faced with the challenge to figure out ‘new’ slangs, colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions, try not to panic. Instead, think about the context of the conversation. Try to connect the key words being used in the context to whatever key words you can understand in the slangs, colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions being used. Most times, you may be able to ‘figure it out’. Whether or not you ‘figure it out’, be sure to ask for clarifications. For example, “Excuse me, what did you mean by, ‘he was only pulling your legs’? Or, “Did you mean that he only was trying to challenge you?”

There should be no shame in asking for clarifications and gaining new knowledge so, go for it! Also, don’t stop learning new slangs, colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions because though classroom English tends to be very formal, real world English is not, so these kinds of expressions are very common in every day English.

3. Confidence to interact with native English speakers and or ask them question

Over the last two weeks I have had several interactions with not only my regular daily students but also adult ESL learners. As usual, they discuss their struggles with me and I give them practical solutions on an ongoing basis. One struggle that came up repeatedly was ‘confidence’ or the lack of it actually. As shocking as it might be for me and other folks who are bold and fearless, ESL learners, both young and old, struggle with confidence issues when it comes to expressing and engaging with others in English, especially native speakers. I was so taken aback by this reality that I, in an effort to create a solution, wrote The Self-Confidence Booster, so as to pump some confidence into my ES: learners and non-native English teacher colleagues. Fear is crippling. It limits and prohibits and this is exactly what it does to ESL learners, especially when they have to have dialogue with native English speakers. I say this because every day I watch my students practice speaking with each other. They seem very comfortable doing so but, as soon as they are told that they have a performance assessment task with me they exclaim, “Heeeyyy!?” “Seriously guys? Haven’t we done this like 25 times last term plus you know I am no monster!”

The point is they are more afraid of making mistakes when engaging with natives than they are willing to practice and perfect their speaking and listening engagements with native speakers. That said, teachers and ESL learners must be as authentic as possible in the teaching/learning process so that this problem can be a thing of the past. Mistakes will be made. Get over them, address them in a nurturing way and practice so as to prevent the learning of wrong concepts or to prevent the same mistakes from being made in the future. In addition to that, note that questions were made to be asked. ESL learners must be asked enough questions so as to foster thinking and free expression in the target language. More importantly, ESL learners must be encouraged to ask questions so that they can be clear about what they are learning or get further information for concepts that are not understood.

‘TIP TOP TIP’ to get over the above challenges

Apart from encouraging my ESL students to make inquiries, my number one piece of ‘award winning’, (yes my students use this method and won awards as a result), advice for ESL learners is, record yourself, replay and watch your recording, then assess your performance. You would be surprised at how great you look and sound speaking English! Another great advantage of recording your speech is that you’ll not only be able to listen for your own mistakes and lapses but you can ask your ESL teacher or more advance English speakers to check it for you.

Want to join a growing community of enthusiastic English speakers and get real time opportunity to speak and listen to others speak from the comfort of your home or office?

You are welcome to join eEnglishLive –Live English Practice here.

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