Breaking the rules

My article on English language learning was published on the web section of Dhaka Tribune on 11th July 2017.


A wonderful article was published in the op-ed section of the Dhaka Tribune on July 7, 2017 titled “Is English a failed language in Bangladesh?”


The author masterfully communicated the importance of English language skills in the local as well as global scene and the lack thereof. He further pointed out that the state of English in Bangladesh is so poor that most Bengalis struggle their way through college and end their English learning journey once and for all after college graduation.


I second that opinion as I totally understand where Mr Kabir is coming from. However, the scope of the article didn’t allow the author to suggest any practical tips for the struggling English speakers/learners.


Hence, being a professional trainer of the English language and communication at a large local corporation, I would like to offer some suggestions that worked for me personally and the people I have been helping at work.


Forget schools and own your learning


One of the primary problems in Bangladesh, I think, is how the language is taught in middle and secondary schools. You would be far more concerned when you find out that the top schools in the country (Bangla medium schools mostly) are no different from the lesser ones.


I, for one, went to a good Bangla medium school in Dhaka and to be honest, my English classes didn’t contribute much in the way of learning.


From primary school to college, I have always found that the institutional teachers try to force students into learning English grammar. And when you try to force someone into learning, they block their learning faculties and stop learning completely, or don’t learn very well.


Thus, a very obvious consequence is that students start believing there are no alternatives to learning English other than the boring grammar deals.


However, for the peace of your mind, I would like to inform you that learning English doesn’t have to be difficult and boring, as the average English guru will have you believe.


English is, in fact, much simpler than you think. It is a pretty straightforward language for speaking, and this is the exact reason why it is the global communication tool.


You have relied on your schoolteachers in your student life to no avail. You have tried the mainstream way of learning and you have seen for yourself what it did to you. Hence, the number one way to learning English well is by breaking the rules.


Forget grammar and textbooks and immerse yourself in English and let the language be your best friend.


Learn like a child


You have always heard that children are not only better learners but they are also faster learners. Well, maybe because their mind is pro-active as they don’t have to worry about the daily grind (ie work/business).


Yes, it is true because they just enjoy the process of learning and they don’t fear being ridiculed for making mistakes. Adults, however, are always terrified about letting go.


Why? Because they already have the experience of learning English in a way which is not fun, and making mistakes in that system is absolutely unforgiveable.


Hence, breaking the bad habit is quite a challenge for us unfortunate adults. On the other hand, children don’t even have a habit to break to begin with.


So how do children learn a language? They learn mainly by observing and listening. Hence, the first thing you have to change in your learning routine is to avoid learning with your eyes. Listen first.



English doesn’t have to be difficult and boring, as the average English guru will have you believe



Sure, you can incorporate reading in your listening material but listening should come first. You can also read along while listening. Thus, you’ll be doubling your learning effort by engaging two of your learning faculties.


Repeat and repeat some more


This is the most important part of this article. Therefore, you absolutely must note this down.


See, the importance of reading and listening for acquiring a language (both receptive skills) is not news to many of you. But what makes reading and listening powerful is how many quality hours are spent on the activities. There is no obscure mantra to automatically store the language in your mind. It is pretty simple if you want to really learn English and are willing to work hard to achieve that goal.


The secret to learning English, or for that matter, any language is to learn deeply.


There is no other solid alternative to learning English. Yes, watching movies and TV shows in the target language helps, reading novels and books helps, listening to podcasts and BBC radio helps.


But these will not help you without concentrated repetition. If you think just by listening to that podcast or watching that movie once, you will take it all in, you’re mistaken.


Moreover, always choose materials (movies, books, audios) that you are interested in. The learning material also has to be just a bit difficult than your current level according to the American linguist Stephen Krashen’s i+1 theory.


So, if you’re listening to an audio, make you sure you understand at least 80 to 85% of the material from the beginning. This way you’ll easily be able to pick up the new words and grammar in the language. Your existing knowledge of English will help you figure out the rest.


Staying motivated


Finally, how do you stay motivated?


I think this is the most difficult part in learning. My advice to you is to just go the extra bit. Don’t think of it as a huge task. Because no one is asking you to master English today.


You just have to be present when you are learning. Try to master the task at hand. And then build on that.


You will be well on your way to becoming confident in English. Don’t get frustrated about how you do as long as you try.


So, speak English like a boss even if you don’t sound like one.


Nahiyan Asadullah is a corporate trainer of English and business communication at Nitol-Niloy Group. He has a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and ELT from Brac University.