1. Before You Can Speak, Your Mother Tongue Is A Foreign Language
Remember the journey of a child learning to speak, has anyone given the child a thick dictionary or grammar book and said: Read and study to know vocabulary and understand sentence structure and then you will speak well?
Children are exposed to language by listening and observing how adults around them communicate. They spend long periods of time just listening, called silent language absorption.
Children learn pronunciation by listening to adults speak and imitating those sounds.
They learn intonation, word combinations and sentence structure completely naturally, through constant imitation and repetition.
This also explains that children born in a region have accents that are characteristic of that region.
After a certain amount of language absorption, children begin to “burst out” into speech, starting with simple sentences and gradually developing into more complex communication skills.
This process can be directly compared to learning English or any foreign language. When English learners spend time listening and imitating, they are going through a similar process.
Initially, they can imitate simple words and phrases, then gradually move on to more complex sentence structures.
This process not only helps them understand and pronounce correctly, but also gives them a feel for how natural language is used in everyday communication.
The difference, however, is that English learners often have to create deliberate opportunities to listen and imitate, whereas children learning their native language often absorb the language in a natural and continuous environment.
Thus, listening and imitating in learning English can be considered a natural language learning method, simulating the way we learn our mother tongue.
This not only helps learners grasp the language naturally and effectively, but also helps them develop a confident and natural way of communicating in English.
2. Application of Imitation in Learning English – Starting with Listening and Speaking Skills
By simulating the process of a child learning their native language, we can see that learning English – or any second language – can become natural and stress-free.
By adopting and applying the imitation learning method, learners can achieve proficiency in the target language more easily and effectively.
2.1 Choosing the Right Source of Materials
In the process of learning English, choosing the right resources is a key factor for the progress of the learner. This requires that the materials not only match the current level of the learner, but also match their interests and hobbies, making the process of learning English easier and more enjoyable, but also ensuring that the learner continues to maintain interest and motivation in their language learning journey.
2.1.1 Suitable for learners’ English level :
The materials chosen should correspond to the language level of the learner. For beginners, the materials should have a simple structure, basic vocabulary and short stories.
As English proficiency improves, learners can move on to more complex material with varied grammar and vocabulary.
This keeps learners from feeling overwhelmed and, at the same time, challenges them at the right level.
2.1.2 Suitable for Interests :
Interest in learning plays an important role in maintaining motivation to learn English.
Resources that match personal interests – such as music, movies, games, etc. – help learners feel more interested and natural in the learning process. When learners find joy in learning, they will absorb knowledge more effectively.
This not only facilitates the natural and sustainable development of language skills, but also helps learners to continuously improve their proficiency effectively.
2.2 Start by learning English pronunciation
In your journey of learning English, the first and most important thing you should focus on is learning correct pronunciation.
Understanding English pronunciation is not only the foundation for your listening and speaking skills, but also helps you communicate clearly and effectively.
2.2.1 Why Should You Know How to Pronounce First?
Learning correct pronunciation is the first step to building a solid foundation for your English listening and speaking skills.
When you know how to pronounce and understand what correct pronunciation is, you will be able to understand what others say and will be more confident in communication, avoiding the situation where you speak but people do not understand what you are saying.
Incorrect pronunciation can lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.
In a work environment or in important communication situations, this can create unwanted problems.
When you know how to pronounce each word correctly, your listening comprehension will also improve.
You will easily recognize words and phrases when listening to native speakers speak.
2.2.2 How to Learn Pronunciation
Join Pronunciation Course :
Intensive English pronunciation courses can provide you with specific guidance and feedback from experienced teachers. This is a great way to learn pronunciation systematically and correctly.
Online Learning Materials and YouTube Channel :
If you want to learn on your own, there are many free online resources and YouTube channels that offer pronunciation lessons and tutorials. These channels often include exercises and examples, making it easy to learn and practice.
Use pronunciation practice apps
Apps like Elsa Speak, Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Pronunroid not only provide exercises and accurate pronunciation guidance, but also use speech recognition technology to provide instant feedback on your pronunciation.
2.3 Along with learning pronunciation, take advantage of listening to English as much as possible
In your journey of learning English, it is very important to take advantage of every free moment of the day to listen to English.
Following the “a hundred times one is better than one hundred times one” principle, you should choose English content that you like and listen to it over and over again.
Not only does this help you become more familiar with the sounds and expressions of the language, it also helps you absorb English naturally, similar to the way you learn your native language.
Make listening to English a part of your daily life.
You can listen to English podcasts while walking, listen to English music while doing housework, or watch English movies in the evening.
The goal here is not just to listen to understand every word that is said, but more importantly, to get used to how the language is used in real life.
Listening to your favorite content over and over again helps improve your ability to recognize sounds and language structures.
This is how you create an English environment for yourself, increasing your chances of absorbing the language naturally.
This is an important stage in language development, where you not only learn words, but also learn how to use them flexibly and naturally in communication.
By creating a rich language environment and practicing regularly, you will progress rapidly in learning English.
Remember, patience and repetition are the keys to success in learning any language.
2.4 Imitate to Master: An Effective Method in English Speaking Practice
And this is where imitating native speakers comes into play most effectively.
When you listen to English, whether through movies, music, podcasts, or in real-life communication situations, pay attention to how native speakers express their ideas.
Applications of Imitation in Speaking Practice Include:
2.4.1 Immediate Replay:
When you hear an interesting saying or sentence structure, try imitating it.
This is where imitation becomes important, helping you get used to the expressions and intonation of native speakers.
2.4.2 Mimic Speed and Intonation:
Imitate not only the pronunciation, but also the speed and intonation of the speaker.
This helps your mouth muscles become more flexible, while developing your ability to listen and respond more quickly in communication.
2.4.3 Regular Practice:
Repeat this process often. The more you imitate, the more you will improve your ability to speak and understand English.
Each imitation is an opportunity for you to adjust your style and expression to become more like a native speaker.
Imitating native speakers’ expressions is not only a method of learning a language but also a way for you to gain experience and become more confident in communication.
This is an important step in your journey to mastering English, helping you not only learn the language but also learn how to use it naturally and effectively.
3. Difficulties Encountered When Self-Learning English Through Imitation Method
Learning English through imitation is an effective method of learning, but it is also challenging. Here are some of the main difficulties that learners may encounter:
3.1 Pronunciation
Inaccurate pronunciation is one of the biggest challenges, especially for people whose native language has a different sound system than English.
Each language has its own sound system, and the transition from your native language to English requires adapting to new ways of producing sounds. This is not only a technical challenge, but also a psychological one.
3.2 Differences in Intonation
Intonation in English is not just about pronunciation, but also about emotion and stress in communication.
Intonation can change the meaning of a sentence, and learning to use intonation naturally requires careful listening and practice. This can be a big challenge for learners.
3.3 Grammatical Differences
Each language has its own grammar system, and imitating English grammar structures can be confusing.
Grammatical differences between English and your native language can make it difficult to form correct and natural sentence structures.
3.4 Lack of Natural Language Environment
One of the biggest challenges English learners face, especially adults, is the lack of continuous natural language environment.
This is because they do not often have the opportunity to be exposed to and absorb the language in an environment where English is the primary language.
In learning a new language, direct communication with native speakers is not only important but crucial.
Direct interaction helps learners better understand how to use language in real-life situations, thereby improving their listening, speaking and language comprehension skills.
You can Find Ways to Communicate Directly with Native Speakers through:
ü Join English Learning Groups and Communities:
Join online English study groups or language exchange communities where you can meet and practice speaking with native speakers who are fluent in English.
ü Using Communication Apps:
Apps like Tandem or HelloTalk allow you to connect and talk to native speakers via text or video calls.
ü Take Online Courses:
Many online courses offer the opportunity to interact with native teachers, through which you can improve your language skills.
ü Search for Native Community:
Look for opportunities to participate in events or activities where you can meet and interact with native speakers, such as language clubs or cultural events.
4. Global Link Language – Comprehensive English environment for you
At Global Link Language, we understand that to master English effectively, you need a quality and comprehensive learning environment. We provide a variety of media and platforms to help you absorb English naturally and effectively.
4.1 Lectures on youtube channel and other social platforms
YouTube channel: “Learn English With Global Link Language” and social platforms create an English communication environment on different topics about life. Our YouTube channel helps you explore and learn English in an interesting and practical way.
From daily communication situations, how to express actions and emotions in English, to practical exercises based on situations expressed in different ways… each lesson is designed so that you not only learn vocabulary and grammar, but also understand how to use them in specific situations.
4.2 Learn English online 1-1 – Situational communication environment with native teachers
The teachers at Global Link Language guide you through English communication through specific topics.
Each 1-1 lesson is designed to focus on your needs and learning goals, helping you improve your language skills effectively.
Our teachers not only help you develop your vocabulary and grammar, but also correct your pronunciation.
This helps you speak English more confidently and accurately.
The process of self-absorbing English and imitating and repeating videos and audios that we mentioned above is the preparation step, creating a foundation to help you communicate more confidently and effectively in real-life situations and directly with teachers.
This will shorten your English learning time compared to the usual process of self-study, self-research, and self-finding of a learning environment.
5. From Imitation to Independence in Using English
In the journey of learning English, starting with imitation and gradually moving to using the language creatively and independently is a natural and important development. This is the stage of moving from learning the language to practicing and creating with the language.
The Process of Moving From Imitation to Innovation:
ü Imitation Stage : Initially, learners often imitate pronunciation, intonation, sentence structure and vocabulary from native speakers or source materials. This is a necessary stage to build a solid language foundation.
ü From Learning to Practice : Once the language foundation is solid, learners begin to practice and apply the language in daily communication. Over time, they gradually develop the ability to use the language more flexibly.
Develop Your Own Style and Language Usage
ü Developing a Personal Style : Each learner gradually develops his or her own style and way of using language. This includes choosing vocabulary and sentence structures in a personal way, as well as expressing personal opinions and feelings through language.
ü From Imitation to Creation : This stage sees a shift from imitation to creation with language. Learners not only use English to express what they have learned, but also transform and combine the language to suit specific situations and communicative purposes.
This process is not just about learning and memorizing, but also about creating and expressing yourself through language. As you move from imitation to mastery in using English, you are not only learning a new language, but also learning how to express yourself through it.
6. Conclusion
Learning English through imitation is an important first step, but it is not the only step in learning a foreign language. It helps build the necessary foundation in pronunciation, intonation, and grammar, which is a stepping stone to further developing and perfecting language skills.
However, the process of learning English effectively does not stop at imitation. Participating in a direct communication environment with native speakers is the key to helping you improve your language skills and practice communication naturally. This communication environment not only helps you learn the language, but also helps you better understand the culture and how to use the language in real life.
At Global Link Language, we understand the importance of this and are committed to providing an effective and comprehensive learning environment.
With a team of native teachers and advanced learning methods, we are proud to be able to support and accompany you on your English learning journey, helping you save time and effort compared to conventional self-study.
We are here to help you not only learn but also love and use English confidently and effectively.
Wishing you success on your journey to conquer English with Global Link Language!
