Name: Tomoko Kirii

Year: 1997

 

 

     I started learning English in JHS. At first, I disliked English. I couldn't understand the grammar and I didn't try to learn the new words. As a result, I always had bad marks. In second grade in JHS, I began to understand the grammar and new words little by little. Therefore I began to like English little by little. And I started studying English positively. I prepared for English class everyday. And in my third year of JHS, I entered a private school. To my surprise, my English ability improved very much!  I came to like English much more. And I think now that I didn't know how to learn English at that time. That experience shows me that knowing how to do something is very important!! 

     In HS, English class was so boring at first. I remembered the grammar automatically and read many textbooks. Therefore I couldn't enjoy learning English at all. But when I started second grade in HS I had already learned most of the grammar. As a result, I could read English articles easily. I came to be able to enjoy learning English again. And then, I joined an English conversational club which was once a week. We played games and sang in English and so on. I could enjoy the club and I talked with a native speaker for the first time. After I studied English very hard, I could fortunately pass the entrance examination of this university.

     After I came to Nanzan, I was surprised at the OC class. Because we usually listen to the teacher's speech, make conversation with partners and sometimes sing songs!!  I was so surprised at the difference between HS and university.

     I have changed my ways of language learning since coming to Nanzan. I became language hungry very much. So I try to stay in touch with English as much as possible. For example, if there is a foreign TV program, I watch it in English. Even if I can't understand the contents of the program, I shadow as much as I can. Because I found shadowing was very helpful to improve my English. At first, I shadowed all words that the teacher or my partner said. But a few months later, I came to be able to shadow in my head and listen to English faster than before.

     I sometimes feel frustrated when I can't speak English well. I have never been abroad. So my English pronunciation is not good. But I believe I can become a good speaker of English if I continue to try. I will go to America during spring vacation. I think certainly it can be a good experience for me because I can feel the difference of culture actually.

     Finally, as my advice to next year's students I will tell you not to compare yourself with somebody, only with yourself. I think the speed we can improve our English is different even if we learn English in the same way. So believe in yourself!  And another thing is do not be afraid of making mistakes. It is quite natural to make mistakes because we are not native. If you believe in yourself and learn English step by step, you can certainly improve your English.