Emily Is Losing Her English Skills

 EMILY’S CONCERNS ABOUT LOSING HER ENGLISH SKILLS.

During the Spring Semester of 2012, I taught leadership skills to college women at Sias University in Henan Province, China. Emily graduated last May (2012) and returned to her rural village where few people speak English so she has no opportunity to practice and improve her skills.  She is worried about losing her skills. And so am I.

 

FROM EMILY:    On Dec 26, 2012 10:00 AM, "emilytian(田蛟平）" wrote:

Hi Bridget, I am glad to hear from you . I worked in a big factory as a administrator for human resource after i graduated. The factory was built in my city so it is convenient for me to go home. But during my work i had no chance to speak English. I can't use English daily. I was confused that whether i should change my position. I didn't want to forget my English. Though it is not good . I love English, I dream that one day i can go abroad use my English. My mother didn't want me give up this position because she want me work in my hometown which she can see me every week . I afraid that if i did not use English frequently i will lost it someday . And i will lose the contact with you, jerrie and MaryAnn. I was afraid that happened one day. What should I do . Do you have any good ideas. What about your life after you leave sias. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. 

Yours EMILY.

 

 

MY RESPONSE TO EMILY:  

Emily listen to some podcasts on iTunes on a regular basis. Listen to English every day. Your English is very good and I would have to hear that you are losing this skill. Write every day. Keep a journal. Add something on the WAFW page on LinkedIn. Keep some conversations going. If you stop speaking or listening to English you will lose your confidence in your good skills. Dont surrender.

 

Dear Bridget: 

There is almost one month I didn't send you email, how are you? The spring festival is going on the way , next week I will start my holiday for my spring festival. I send a few emails to jerrie about my work and my life ,she give me some good suggestions. I found that I didn't lose my skill -English. Though I can't speak it every day ,I can send you and jerrie , Maryann emails as before I stay at school . I spent my spare time to learn English as soon as possible. You know that it is good for me that I can use it and send you emails.

I decided to change my work after spring festival I want to find a position which use English so I can improve my skill not keep my skill. Do you have some good suggestions?
Have a nice day!
Emily.