Advice 11. Distinguish yourself from others by...

As a second language learner, do you think there is a way to distinguish yourself from other native or non-native speakers? How??

Yesterday I met a person on the street. I was supposed to go to a party to celebrate succesfully finishing one academic year. Due to lack of a sense of direction, I had a hard time finding the location. At that time, there was a man passing the street and I asked the direction to the resturant. After he let me know the location, he asked me where I am from. I said "I am from Korea." He said he could notice that I am from Korea. Embarrassingly, I asked "Can you recognize my nationality from my Korean accent?" He said that he is very familiar with Chinese accent, so he just assumed that I might be from Korea or Japan. At the end of the conversation with him, he said that please don't give up your accent. He also said that distinguishs me from other English speakers. He continued saying that because what I am saying is understood by others, don't try to disgard your accent.

How beautiful mind it is!

It took me almost 30 years to figure out this idea, but he, not a linguist, knew it so well.

I hope you understand my message for you.

Distinguish yourself from others by keeping your local accent unless you are intelligible.

See you later~

Advice 10. Nobody judges you!

Are you afraid of speaking in English because your English might be judged by others?

Fortunately or unfortunately, you are the only one who judges your English.

If you have this misconception, please do not forget the fact that the reason others exist is to help you and to communicate with you.

How do you feel now?
I hope you feel much better now by taking the reality as it is.

Advice 9. Don't be afraid of writing.

I can't believe it is already 9th advice.

What I brought to you is ... don't be afraid of writing in English.

What you do think about that?

I am pretty much sure that you are waiting for yourself to be ready to write your journals, letters, and so on in English. It might take forever to meet your expectation. Just start writing your diary, blog, and so forth from now on. If you are afraid of being judged by others, write a private diary everyday.

A large number of ESL and EFL students have a misconception, separating grammar learning from using them by speaking and by writing. I really hope you do not waste your time and energy until you figure out they are same. What you need to do is to apply what you learn by speaking and writing.

Are you ready for write something in English~

Good luck!