| Username |
Post |
| bhedo |
Posted
on 22-Mar-03 12:45 PM
Well, I have managed to speak like an American(no accent whatsoever, in fact many think I was born here), but I fumble a lot when I have to explain something deeper. I wanna speak fluently, without having to stop and choose words. My vocab is better than most people I have come across, although it seems like I don't use idioms much. Now that's bothering me big time. Also it looks like my fluency depends on my mood, some days I'm better, some days I'm not. So, what should I do to make myself better? I wanna be like one of those TV reporters.
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| DWI |
Posted
on 22-Mar-03 01:21 PM
Bhedo, I think it is a legitimate question.
Often times I have found that our understanding of a language and the ability speak it fluently also depends upon the circumstances; the environment we are in and whom we are talking to. It might sound unlikely, but I think there is a logical reason for that and that it actually happens, most people won't even notice that happening.
You might have noted that you speak english better with people you are used to than to anybody else. Some people bring up their flavored-accent, sometimes even knowing it.
This fluctuation goes in harmony with our personality as well. You are different when you are talking to your friends than when you're talking to your parents or a person who you respect.
My suggestion to you Bhedo, is to try to be yourself. Control the situation and try a calm approach, try to be consistent most of the time. Don't try to over correct yourself and let if flow. After a while you will get in the flow.
About using idioms, that seem to be the biggest difference between a native speaker and one who has learned the language late. People like Kofi Anana, Ghali seem to have a bigger vocabulary than Bush, but Bush would have bigger bank of slangs and idioms and thus would make him sound more 'American.' Well there is a very easy solution to overcome that problem, get into more conversation with your US friends. Notice the idioms and their use when used. One good way is to read light novels or even watch television, specially sitcoms. They brutally use the idioms all the time and it will enhance your vocabulary. I am sure you're doing both of these things and over the time, you will be very good at it.
Hope that helps.
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| oys_chill |
Posted
on 22-Mar-03 03:56 PM
hey bhedo...
I look at this way.........imagine you are an american....u come to nepal and try to learn the language FLUENTLy for the next twenty years?? are u able to speak nepali perfectly without having a different accent??? I DON"T THINK SO!!!
so why sweat about it? when someone says me that's not the way to pronounce THE WORD>. i ask him SAYS WHO?????? so u know just let it be!! it aint gonna make no difference.......for we don't wanna be part of the COCKTAIL GENERATION do we now?? well I don't..don't know bout you you bhedo? :PPP
OYs
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