Name: Asako Nagai

Year: 1997

 

 

     My English Learning History started when I was in JHS. I was shocked because most of the students had already started learning English. So I started studying very hard and soon I could catch up with them. I also started to have lessons with a native speaker. I came to like English very much because her classes were quite different from the classes at school. I could learn English with a lot of enjoyment. I could learn from her not only language but also the culture of the US. We sometimes visited historic spots in Japan because she was very interested in Japanese culture. It was very difficult for me to explain Japanese culture in English. Every time, I somehow communicated with her with a lot of gestures and gradually I gained a little confidence in speaking English.

     When I entered HS, I knew a girl who was very good at English. Though she had never been abroad, she was a good speaker of English and had a lot of vocabulary. I wanted to be like her, so I became friends with her. She was such a nice person and she taught me a lot. I respected her very much. One day, she recommended me to study English at ECC, so I went to ECC with her. Soon after that, my English test scores improved. I was so glad.

     After entering Nanzan University, I learned a lot especially from OC class. First of all, my attitude toward English changed a little bit. Teachers always say to us, "Don’t be afraid of making mistakes." When I was in JHS or HS, I was demanded to speak ( or to write) perfect English because I had to get a good score in the test. But now, I know that I do not have to speak perfect English. Because I am studying English as a second language, it is impossible to be like native speakers. I think English is only a tool to communicate with people from different countries. I want to speak English well but I do not care about mistakes. If I am afraid of making mistakes, I will not be able to say anything. When I do not care about mistakes, how much I can enjoy speaking English!

     Second, since I have learned "shadowing", I always use it. It helps me to understand English very much. When I shadow what speakers say, I can remember their words easily because I repeat the words twice in my head.

     I found a helpful way to learn English. I listen to music everyday and sing to the music. At first, it was too fast to catch up with the music, but soon I got used to it. I think to learn English from the music is good way to improve English because I can learn English with a lot of joy. When I read the words carefully, I can learn many English expressions. Most of them are very useful and sound so lovely. I can really enjoy it.

     At last, I will give a piece of advice to next year’s students. Please be relaxed and enjoy learning English. I made good friends in class this year. They are so kind and they always help me when I am in trouble. Please find good role models and do your best to become like them. And it is very important to do all your homework. Sometimes you may feel it is too hard, but they will help you to improve your English very much. You can do it!