What I don't understand...

[R de la R 2]

Phonetics plays an important role when you speak, pronunciation is the key.

[TBoneTX 44,930]

Phonetics plays an important role when you speak, pronunciation is the key.

Absolutely, si man, and English classes can only help in this regard (assuming that the instructor is a native English-speaker and capable of imparting techniques via good exercises and coaching).

I still find it intellectually fascinating that my wife comes from a region of Ecuador where speakers tend to drop the ends of their Spanish words, and that this tendency has carried over into her speaking of English. In contrast, her countrywomen (married to USCs elsewhere in the U.S., and who call my wife on the phone) who come from areas of Ecuador where speakers enunciate their Spanish words fully, are learning to speak English in a way that's much more understandable to my ear. I consistently emphasize to my wife the importance of word-endings, and she acknowledges their importance, but lifelong habits are apparently very hard to break.

In the absence of English classes (here, they're over until autumn), an option is for the American spouse to record clearly enunciated English so that the foreign spouse (especially if stuck at home) can listen to it and practice emulating it at leisure. This helps with word sounds and with vocal inflection. It's a must to have the written English available so that the learner can "see and say," si man. There are almost certainly programs-for-purchase that are available, but the above system is low-cost and very "personal."

Edited June 4, 2009 by TBoneTX

[luckymom 0]

I am not sure if I will answer the question of the OP correctly but I will still post a little of what I believe in. My husband and I met online also and as I always say it was not the typical "love at first sight". To make a long story short, we exchanged emails at first, (he sent me very long ones and I find it weird at first). After two weeks we decided to talk over the phone and OMG he speaks perfect English. There are 3 USC citizens in the family but my husband is kinda different from them. So I tried my best to cope up with him, but I was very truthful to him that he has to bear with my English because sometimes I speak English literally. To my amazement that wasn't such a big deal. When we met in person there were no surprises, everything went smoothly and the rest is history. Learning English depends on the foreigner husband or wife. If the two persons concerned are willing to meet in the middle at all times, whether it be the conventional LOVE as they call, an arranged relationship, or online matched, for me the issue about learning English should not be a big deal.

We, filipinos are very lucky because our medium of instruction in school is English (which serves as our second language). We learned English by the book, and we don't normally use colloquial terms (and I wonder here it's mostly used). I always have a high regard for the non-English speaking majorities from other countries who get involved with an American. Being subject to the test of living with a partner who speaks English is kinda tough already how much more going out of the house where everyone is speaking English. But if two people are determined to be supportive of each other, there's not any obstacle that they can't overcome. It may be difficult at first especially some people are too judgmental. The bottom line is how two people adjust and eventually end up being better partners. No amount of cultural differences can defeat the willingness and determination of the partners to stick together. Whether I go by the original topic or not I am not sure. I am here just to convey what I feel.

[Gemmie 142]

Like the fact that I was pretty sure his house was representative of a bear living with furniture - and once I saw it with my own two eyes - yes it was!

Our online relationship was pretty similar, we chatted about everything (as friends) for about 10 months before we realised that we wanted to make things more serious. We weer still very young and because of that and finances, it was 2 years before we finally met in person. We would talk about our favourite foods, our childhoods, our values, just joke around with each other... both online and on the phone. Nothing was kept secret, we were honest about the darkest thoughts. He was there for me unconditionally when my mother died, and I will never thank him enough for that. He showed me such care even though he was over 3000 miles away.

When we met and lived together in short spurts, we did find tiny adjustments... he leaves his socks lying around, takes forever to do things, and I never finish a whole glass of drink, etc. but they're no different than any other couple adjusting to each other. We were very lucky. Sometimes I do feel I need some space, so I just tell him that, and he lets me have some time to read or do yoga, etc.

Edited June 4, 2009 by Gemmie

[daboyz 36]

Personally, I couldn't imagine trying to have a relationship with someone that doesn't speak my language, but that's why I chose a partner that did speak English.

I also know that everybody isn't like me, so I just figure.... live and let live.

Canadians speak English? I thought they spoke French.

[trillium13 84]

We, filipinos are very lucky because our medium of instruction in school is English (which serves as our second language).

That's interesting, I didn't know that.

But if two people are determined to be supportive of each other, there's not any obstacle that they can't overcome. It may be difficult at first especially some people are too judgmental. The bottom line is how two people adjust and eventually end up being better partners. No amount of cultural differences can defeat the willingness and determination of the partners to stick together. Whether I go by the original topic or not I am not sure. I am here just to convey what I feel.

Very well said! And yes, I think you answered the question very nicely.

[Kinito_2k3 5]

Personally, I couldn't imagine trying to have a relationship with someone that doesn't speak my language, but that's why I chose a partner that did speak English.

I also know that everybody isn't like me, so I just figure.... live and let live.

Canadians speak English? I thought they spoke French.

All Canadian provinces have english as their official language except Quebec, which official language is "French" On a joking note, we like to say in France that they try to speak french, but we love these guys and their sweet accents Canadians girls are very popular with the French men

[TBoneTX 44,930]

Q: How did Canada get its name?

A: C eh N eh D eh.

What do we think aboot this fact, si man?

[johnj 0]

Well, maybe I am the odd one this this thread. My sweetheart is from Russia with little command of English; I am from USA with little command of Russian. We met online and chat via skype, both of us use translator.

Maybe I am different, never been a big talker; we communicate just fine. Sure, she will learn English and I will learn Russian but we do not need a full command of each others language to be in love.

[daboyz 36]

Personally, I couldn't imagine trying to have a relationship with someone that doesn't speak my language, but that's why I chose a partner that did speak English.

I also know that everybody isn't like me, so I just figure.... live and let live.

Canadians speak English? I thought they spoke French.

All Canadian provinces have english as their official language except Quebec, which official language is "French" On a joking note, we like to say in France that they try to speak french, but we love these guys and their sweet accents Canadians girls are very popular with the French men

I was being a smart a$$. Vive Quebec libre.

[trillium13 84]

Q: How did Canada get its name?

A: C eh N eh D eh.

What do we think aboot this fact, si man?

You kill me. You speak Texan, upstate NY, and Canadian? Wow!

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

First of all, let me say that I think that it is a great idea that "the first thing the foreign spouse has to do after arriving (to the USA) is to attend English classes." Second-language classes are an excellent way for new immigrants to feel welcomed, meet new people, share similar experiences, adjust to everyday life in their new country, and to learn new language skills.

After all, if one is going live in a new country then they should learn the "native language" (English in the USA), right?

So yes, I encourage all immigrants to learn fluent English when they arrive in America!...

From my past experience of teaching English to new immigrants in Canada, I found that students benefited a lot from such classes. Oh how the students had more confidence and felt happier when they were working towards a common goal of learning English, despite the various levels of non-fluent English that they all had known before!

As for love, "love is an unspoken language".....One does not need to be 100% fluent in English (or any other common language) to express such., as love can be expressed in so many other ways. However, it does help to brush up one's language skills, as "the more a couple communicates in all ways, the more that their love can grow"....

Ant (Communicating in the language of English, Communicating in the language of love....)

Been reading a lot of posts here where the first thing the foreign spouse has to do after arriving is to attend English classes.

Now don't get me wrong, but how in the HELL does one fall in love when the couple can't even communicate with each other in a common language AND both partners live hundreds or thousands of miles away?

[Susita 175]

Second-language classes are an excellent way for new immigrants to feel welcomed, meet new people, share similar experiences, adjust to everyday life in their new country, and to learn new language skills.

I agree, my husband met all of his buddies in his English classes. I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing seeing as in now he's got a group of guys to drink and watch fútbol with... so he speaks less English LMAO

[Ladylethal 12]

My husband and mine's communication was even brought up in the interview, since he's not actually american (puerto rican) the interviewer once verifying I was fluent in English wondered if my then fiance could speak English as well or if we managed to talk in Portuguese/Spanish mixing both up.

We actually met online and then in person using English, and we pretty much used English all through our relationship (4 years of travels and voice chats) but he picked up Portuguese in his travels here and now that I live here I speak Spanish as well. Nowadays he still can't speak Portuguese but he understands it perfectly, and I speak Spanish but still make tons of mistakes. We don't use English with each other anymore but then again, everything we do as far as net, movies, TV shows, games, etc are in English (I can't write and read Spanish as well as I do in English or Portuguese).

[TBoneTX 44,930]

Q: How did Canada get its name?

A: C eh N eh D eh.

What do we think aboot this fact, si man?

You kill me. You speak Texan, upstate NY, and Canadian? Wow!

Thass' raht, li'l Darlin'; Canadaigua, si man, eh. And Victorian English, prithee sirrah, verily, wot.