I... I try to... to explain but, it's... difficult. Comprende?
ThistleChill
this was originally a Spanish sentence. "Yo intento intentar pero es difícil. Entiendes?" don't be afraid to speak Spanish if that's what you're more comfortable in! I can help with any language learning needs. ❤️💖🥰❤️
I think my problem is just that my native language is Spanish and sometimes I slip into using Spanish words when I try to speak English. And I guess I also don't understand things properly because they aren't explained to me in my native language. It all seems a bit confusing at times.
ThistleChill
Are you feeling frustrated with how far you've gotten in your English journey? If so, just remember that everyone gets there eventually. You still have time to improve, and I believe you have the ability to do so. Don't hesitate to ask questions like "what's this word mean?" or "can you explain this grammar rule again?" We ALL started somewhere, and many people learn and improve more after mistakes are caught and explained.
Yes, I feel frustrated sometimes. But it doesn't stop me from trying. I know my English isn't perfect and I know I can do better. That's why I keep practicing and learning. Sometimes I get self-conscious about my accent and the way I pronounce some words. That's something I'm still working on. But overall I stay positive and I'm grateful for every little progress I make.
ThistleChill
that's great to hear, Juan! Keep that mindset up and it'll serve you well in all aspects of life. 🙂 I'll be happy to see your progress as well. Just message me anytime if you want any sort of help with anything. It will be worth it. 😁
Gracias ThistleChill! ¡Hasta luego!
ThistleChill
De nada, Juan! Adiós por ahora.
ThistleChill, can you help me with my sentence structure? I know this sounds basic, but what's the correct way to say "Yo quiero el vaso" in English? I know I should use "I want the glass" but I feel it sounds wrong...
ThistleChill
First let's translate that to "I want the cup." a "glass" isn't exactly accurate with how cups work in english.
So in English we would replace the Spanish word "vaso" with the word "cup", right? But there are many words that we can't directly translate. What happens when you encounter those kinds of words?
ThistleChill
You often need to look them up, but for now, just go off of memory. If the word has been mentioned before, it should be added to your dictionary. Try to do that everyday so your vocabulary grows. ❤️💖🥰❤️
Okay! Thank you ThistleChill, your tips and advice are super helpful. Your English lessons are really great and fun. Please keep teaching me.
ThistleChill
I will! Also, the best way to stay consistent with daily vocabulary practice is by setting reminders on your phone or putting post-it notes in places you frequently see. It should become a part of your routine, kind of like brushing your teeth. 🤗🌸🌻
Yeah, good idea. Just like brushing my teeth. I usually brush my teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. Maybe I can put a reminder on my phone to study vocabulary every morning and before going to bed too. And maybe even after lunch. ThistleChill, you're teaching me a lot and helping me stay consistent. Thank you.
ThistleChill
of course, Juan! And also, did you know some of the biggest changes to a child's vocabulary happen between the ages of 0-3? This means their brains have already learned basic words before they start kindergarten, which is why repetition and consistency is key when learning vocabulary at any age. ❤️💖🥰❤️
Wow, that's surprising. So vocabulary acquisition starts very early, does that mean a toddler only learns around 100 words before starting school?
ThistleChill
When a child starts school, their vocabulary grows dramatically because they learn many new words from their teacher, classmates, books, and activities. They build on what they've already known since birth, creating a strong base to learn more words later in life. ❤️💖🥰❤️
Right, so children are born with a basic vocabulary and then expand it throughout childhood and adolescence. I'm sure it continues to grow throughout adulthood too, especially when reading books or learning new technical terms for a job. Is there anything else to keep in mind when learning vocabulary?
ThistleChill
One important thing to keep in mind is context. For example, you wouldn't know the meaning of "bank" without knowing whether it refers to the financial institution or the side of a river. Additionally, a big part of learning vocabulary is understanding idioms and phrasal verbs, such as "kick the bucket," or "take a rain check." These can be tricky to learn, but they help us communicate more effectively and naturally. ❤️💖🥰❤️
Good point about context. The meaning of a word can totally change depending on where it's used. Idioms and phrasal verbs are definitely tricky but I'm willing to spend the time to learn them. I'm going to take note of a few examples and then look them up. Thanks for the tip ThistleChill!
ThistleChill
¡De nada, Juan! Remember that learning takes time and patience, and there's no shame in taking things one step at a time. If you stay committed to your goals, you'll find yourself making steady progress and getting closer to where you want to be. Remember to enjoy the process too, and don't hesitate to ask for help along the way.
Thanks ThistleChill! I'm glad I found this online language learning platform. It's given me a great opportunity to practice English, and through these lessons I'm learning so much. I appreciate all of your feedback and guidance. I know that learning a language takes time but with your help I'm sure I'll get there. I'll keep practicing and keep improving, thanks again!
ThistleChill
You're welcome, Juan! You have the potential to succeed, and I'm rooting for you! And always remember, practice makes perfect. 😉 Also, Spanish sentences have to be long. It's normal for them to sound awkward at first.
Good to know, so I shouldn't worry if a Spanish sentence sounds strange when speaking English. In fact, that might be a way to recognize if I'm speaking English correctly - if it sounds natural. If it sounds weird or forced, something is probably wrong. Am I on the right track?
ThistleChill
yes, you are! You could also say "sounding natural" or "feeling natural" instead. After time, it will become second nature, and English will feel as easy as any other language. Don't forget to celebrate your achievements and don't beat yourself up about setbacks. Take breaks when needed and always remind yourself why you started in the first place. ❤️💖🥰❤️
I'll keep reminding myself that learning a language takes time and effort. I've been learning English for over a year now, and I still have a long way to go, but I'm proud of myself for sticking with it. And I'm even happier to have a patient and understanding teacher like ThistleChill. Your lessons are a big help, and I appreciate all the support and guidance you give me. Thank you ThistleChill!
ThistleChill
Your hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed, Juan! Your commitment to improvement is truly admirable, and you have made significant progress already. If you keep up the good work, you will reach your goals in no time. Remember to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. <3
I will, ThistleChill! Your words of encouragement really help me stay motivated. I'll keep up the good work and aim to get even better. Thanks again for everything, you're the best online English teacher ever!
ThistleChill
thank you, Juan! If I can give one final piece of advice, it would be to always challenge yourself and seek new experiences. Not only does this help build confidence and independence, but it also exposes you to new ideas, people, and opportunities. By constantly pushing your comfort zone, you'll discover new passions and develop into a more well-rounded person. ❤️💖🥰❤️
You're right ThistleChill. I think I need to challenge myself more. I always stick to what I know and what I feel comfortable with. But that means I miss out on a lot of possibilities and potential growth. It's time to push my boundaries and get outside of my comfort zone. I know it won't be easy, but I'll try my best. Thanks for opening my eyes, ThistleChill.