The Secret

I was a bit shaky whether I would be able to learn English because I was a Hindi-medium student and started learning the ABC of English from class six. English continued to be one of the subjects in the prescribed school syllabi. However, in place of laying emphasis on the subject 'pass without English was a facility' in the secondary school examination. This was enough to de-motivate learning the language.

Later on, realising the importance of the English Language I began to look for any short- cut methods which could ease my English-phobia , bolstering confidence in me .I consulted a teacher who in turn advised me to read an English newspaper as religiously as doing other chores .Further, explanation was on how reading is one of the components of the four basic skills: listening ,reading, speaking and writing, The first two are inputs whereas the last two relate to outputs. Being convinced I started working on the advice

The next advice was to keep a pencil in hand while going through a paper and underline the difficult word coming across. I was tense and developed an inferiority complex as there was hardly any words in the paper I knew well .Therefore the word I marked included nearly all. Looking up the dictionary for a definition of the words jotted down posed a sort of headache. This often suggested that I should drop the idea of learning English, but the next moment the question crossed my mind-------Can I do without English? The answered was a big NO.

I began to ponder over my teacher's advice of learning basic language skills. The inputs-listening and reading are essential and inevitable. After all they are building blocks, I must acquire them. Developing a routine I began to jot down the words I didn't know. After a week or so I realised the words appearing in literature frequent and they are limited .Hence after a certain time I would know what the passage means to say.

The process not only enriched my word power and gave me a sense of language but also calibre to share with you what I acquired over the period of time. Beginning is a problem, say a big hurdle. The initiative is a half way through. The moment you decide and stick to your plan of reaching the destination, chances of your coming out with flying colours are thick. As for learning English you can't do without reading and listening to it. You need to surround yourself with literature whatsoever in English and exposure to listening something or anything in the target language .But natural, after a few years or so you will find yourself in a comfortable position to use English you long for.

Reading news paper is one of the best suggestions to improve the language skill. It affords you an opportunity not only to update yourself with things happening around but also acquaint you with words that you can use at different occasions and situations. Are you interested in science, arts, commerce, sports or politics? There are varied sections that include what you may be looking for? Interestingly, reading has no alternative. So, you can't skip it. Your skipping the English literature will land you as linguistically-challenged. You have taken a right decision to read this Bulletin which will you guide you through improving your English language skills. It contains what you may look for in an English language training kit. Wish you a good fluency in English.

Dr Birbal Jha

Managing Director

British Lingua, India