"Improving English" A chat with Panpanpan

Pan, my dear pal,

Since I live in Canada, speaking English is almost like a second nature for me.

However, I still see the need to continue learning and improving my English.

I talk, listen, read and write English everyday in my life, but there are still

occasions that I ran into some unknown English words or verbal expressions. Even

for a fellow that lives in an English speaking country like Canada, learning English is still a never-ending journey.

I listen to "commentary" radio programs on the way to work. I occasionally read

English newspapers during lunch breaks. I voraciously read English books, on topics that intrigue me. (Recently it has all been related to Christianity) And I learn vocabulary encountered in the books I read. I also carry pieces of paper fraught with vocabulary and make use of every bit of spare time I have. If I can learn two vocabulary while waiting in line to pay for my grocery, I feel content.

Having been living in Canada for almost 26 years, I still can’t get rid of the

fear of public speaking, especially when I have to do it in front of a bunch of

erudite white audience whose mother tongue is English. I often felt tongue-tied!

And my heartbeat was so loud the front row audience can hear it!

To me knowing more vocabulary is probably most beneficial to my career. I feel that I have more urgent need to improve my written English than my oral English,

that’s why actively involve in Canuck’s Comment is very crucial in my learning

. Deep down in my heart I still have a desire to pursue some sort of academic university certificates from a local correspondence university, namely Athabasca University. They have an office located downtown in my city. When I feel more comfortable putting my thought on paper, I feel more equipped with the ability to pass through Athabasca’s exams and realize my once seemed far-fetched dream. I feel that I can learn so much, still, from native English writers like Mary, Tim

and uncle Ben. Well, with a busy career and a family to nurture, I can’t imagine myself having that much spare time to pursue my own dreams, which, at this stage, seems totally unrealistic, and unworthy.

In the age of the Internet, there are boundless English resources on the Net for

English learner of any level. But Canuck’s Comment seems to be able to provide

a unique opportunity of getting interactive feedbacks from native English speakers, which is invaluable in every sense for all English learners in China.

It’s my dream that one day I shall be able to write as gloriously, and articulate as freely as Mary and Tim! They both seem to have an undeletable repertoire of English vocabulary, which is one thing that I envy the most, and wholeheartedly wish to be able to morph into.

I noticed that you’ve put a lot of effort into learning various English idioms

and expressions, which surely make your English writing more westernized. This is something I’ve been neglecting. I guess I’ve heard these expressions so often that I no longer have the subconscious urge to familiarize myself with them. You sure showed me a loophole in my learning.

How’s life unfolding for you lately? Time is up for me for now. I look forward

to more opportunities to chat with you. Happy learning, my pal.

Live long and prosper.

NeilFrom Alberta, Canada