English iLearning

Can I speak English fluently eventhough I have no

English-related background?
Rifani
Junior Lecturer
Faculty of Dentistry

Saturday, 16 December 2017

Seminar Internasional Bahasa dan Pendidikan 4 Negara
Imam Bonjol Languages Community (IBLC)
Acknowledgements:
• Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala
• Beloved Prophet Muhammad Shalallahu ‘Alaihi wa Salam
• Beloved family and friends
• UIN Imam Bonjol Padang
• IBLC (Imam Bonjol Languages Community), President – Xhycho
• PEC (Padang English Club)
Main Theme :
Reaching Great Achievement with Language Competence

“How to reach the best stage in English for non-English

Students“
Overview
1. Introduction
2. Why should I study english?
3. What if I don’t speak english?
4. Common problems when learning english
5. How to study english?
6. Conclusion
1. Introduction – Personal background
• Dentist – Lecturer
• Born in 1987
• English subject (1 credit)
• No background related to English
• 1st TOEFL score – 583 (2014)
• Father and mother cannot speak
English • 2nd TOEFL score – 563 (2016)

• Elementary School and MTV • IELTS Preparation on Augusts 2016

to take IELTS test on September,
• Attended English beginner class in the same year
Junior high school (1st grade) only for
3 months, not continued • 1st IELTS score – 7.0 overall
2. Why should I be able to understand English?
• Official Language in large number of
countries
• Cognitive benefits1: • Wider network
 Better listener • Da’wah
• Language of Science, Media and
 Less distracted Internet
 Better multitasker • Open minded
 Better in problem-solving and creative • More employable
 Delay the onset of dementia

• Whatever your background is, it is

important!
3. What if I don’t?

LESS
Network
Job opportunity
Education opportunity
4. Common Problems
Obstacles:
• Lack of Purpose
• Lack of Responsibility
• Lack of a Good Plan/Method
Attitudes:
“I’m not good with languages”-
(Don’t limit yourself)
“I’m Too Embarrassed to Speak”
(Find a community)
I Don’t Have the Time –
(Invest your time, use tech)
5. How can I?
• Find your motivation and interest:

Music Books Movies

Articles Talk to native (chat, e-mail/letter)

Things you need to avoid when learning English:
• Translating
• Negative self-talk!
• Being nervous
• Taking it personally when
people don’t understand you!
• Apologising
• Worrying
• Comparing yourself to other
English speakers
• Using outdated, inefficient
methods
• Spending too much time
studying
• Thinking of learning as a chore
6. So… in learning English

• DON’T be afraid to make mistakes

• DON’T just learn in class
• DON’T give up
• DON’T work too hard on one skill and neglect the others
References:
1. Zazulak S. May 2017. Pearson English Blog. Why should I learn English. Here’s why..
https://www.english.com/blog/why-should-i-learn-english

2. Ilyas N. Feb 2014. 15 Things to STOP Doing When Learning English! (Very Important!)
https://www.myenglishteacher.eu/blog/15-things-to-stop-doing-when-learning-english/

3. Oxford Royale Academy. 2014. "Why Should I Learn English?" – 10 Compelling Reasons for EFL
Learners https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/reasons-learn-english.html