As Indonesian people, we learn
English as a foreign language. Although it is not our second language, English
is important to be learnt by us because it is an international language that
possibly can connect us with the other people around the world. As it is stated
by Kirkeby (2008) that there is some truth in the argument that whole world
speaks English. Foreign languages are also important to the working in
business, communications and nearly every other career track (Seise). It means
that learning English can give us a great potential to develop universally our
employment opportunity especially in this globalization era. It certainly gives
us very big advantage.
Unfortunately, learning another
language, for most people, is extremely
difficult and takes much commitment (University of California, 2004). Many people
are not interested to learn English because most of them regard that it is not
only difficult to be learnt, but it also needs a long time to be mastered. For
the real case, we have been learning English since we were in Elementary School
until College, but most of us still have not mastered it yet. There are many
different reasons related to the English learning difficulty based the personal
interview from some collegian. First, English is not used in their daily
activity. Second, English has very different structure from Indonesian
language. Third, in English learning, they have to face so many new
vocabularies that have the different difficult articulation. Fourth, English
has the different culture from Indonesia. However, although English is
particularly difficult, it does not mean it is impossible to be learnt.
As English learners, we have
variation ways to improve our English, but one of the best ways to improve our English
according to Kaddour (2010) is using it, use it or lose it. We may
not use it in all of our everyday activity, but we can do it in the classroom
or another community. Kaufmann explains another five ways to learn foreign
language such as spend the time, listen and read everyday, focus on words and
phrases, take responsibility for our
own learning, and relax and enjoy ourselves. By applying those ways, we will be
assisted to learn English that is included in four English aspects: speaking,
reading, listening and writing.
Sources:
Kirkeby, C. (2008). The Importance of Learning a Foreign Language. Retrieved
from http://www.classbrain.com/artteensb/publish/importance_foreign_language.shtml
Seise, A. (n. d.). The Importance of Learning Foreign Languages. Retrieved from http://learn-german-review.toptenreviews.com/the-importance-of-learning-foreign-languages.html
University of California. (2004). Learning another Language. Retrieved
from http://cnr.berkeley.edu/ucce50/ag-labor/7article/article17.htm
Kaddour, F. (2010). A Personal Experience in Learning English Resulted in Perfect Language.
Retrieved from http://www.englishbaby.com/lessons/5127/member_submitted/a_personal_experience_in_learning_english_resulted_in_perfect_language
Kaufmann, S. (n. d.). How to Learn a Foreign Language.
Retrieved from http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/learn-foreign-language/
