how you speak english

[Twomoles 8]

I mean, when you would consider you speak English good enough to look for decent job. I can type, I can take grammar tests in quite good level. I can watch movies and listen to lectures. But people still don't understand me. Talking and pronunciation is something so totally different here, especially on phone, I try to never call anyone, because no one understands me. Will I ever get rid of my accent?

Hi fellow May-filer,

Try to enroll for ESL classes in your area. I enrolled in one, they will give you placement tests to see what type of program is best for you. It depends on your area but at the school I am enrolled in, there is an option for distant learning, they lend me DVDs and a workbook to answer. I meet up with my instructor on some days. Initially, the assessor would not accept my application since they think my conversational English is good and my test scores were above average. But I insisted, I need to be exposed to real-life situations (like lessons on job applications/interviews, conversing with people like opening a bank account without my husband, calling USCIS number and talking to the live person, etc.). So they gave me a specific program. Sometimes I dread to speak with my instructor over the phone because there are days when I just want to "think Filipino."

The best way to learn English they said is to "think English". Good luck with your new life here in the US. And give it time.

I go to ESL classes already, but they will have break for summer. I already think in both languages. But people don't hear difference when I say math or mass or brought or bought etc.

I am here already 7th month and I still cant speak "With hot potatoes in my mouth" and I don't believe I will ever do.

[KoshkaMoshka 0]

do not worry,i am sure in a 1 or 2 you'll be able to speak fluently...just remember-don't be shy and talk to people on the phone,I am not shy of my accent:))America is the country where you can find sooo many different nations and many of them have accents.......Talk a lot -with your husband,friends,co-workers!!Good luck!!!

[~krakatoa~ 27]

I mean, when you would consider you speak English good enough to look for decent job. I can type, I can take grammar tests in quite good level. I can watch movies and listen to lectures. But people still don't understand me. Talking and pronunciation is something so totally different here, especially on phone, I try to never call anyone, because no one understands me. Will I ever get rid of my accent?

Hi fellow May-filer,

Try to enroll for ESL classes in your area. I enrolled in one, they will give you placement tests to see what type of program is best for you. It depends on your area but at the school I am enrolled in, there is an option for distant learning, they lend me DVDs and a workbook to answer. I meet up with my instructor on some days. Initially, the assessor would not accept my application since they think my conversational English is good and my test scores were above average. But I insisted, I need to be exposed to real-life situations (like lessons on job applications/interviews, conversing with people like opening a bank account without my husband, calling USCIS number and talking to the live person, etc.). So they gave me a specific program. Sometimes I dread to speak with my instructor over the phone because there are days when I just want to "think Filipino."

The best way to learn English they said is to "think English". Good luck with your new life here in the US. And give it time.

I go to ESL classes already, but they will have break for summer. I already think in both languages. But people don't hear difference when I say math or mass or brought or bought etc.

I am here already 7th month and I still cant speak "With hot potatoes in my mouth" and I don't believe I will ever do.

I think you're doing great! Give your self some credit because others will "understand" you if you believe they will, eventually. The more you practice your communication skills the better. Why the long face? Smile now.

[~krakatoa~ 27]

I mean, when you would consider you speak English good enough to look for decent job. I can type, I can take grammar tests in quite good level. I can watch movies and listen to lectures. But people still don't understand me. Talking and pronunciation is something so totally different here, especially on phone, I try to never call anyone, because no one understands me. Will I ever get rid of my accent?

Hi fellow May-filer,

Try to enroll for ESL classes in your area. I enrolled in one, they will give you placement tests to see what type of program is best for you. It depends on your area but at the school I am enrolled in, there is an option for distant learning, they lend me DVDs and a workbook to answer. I meet up with my instructor on some days. Initially, the assessor would not accept my application since they think my conversational English is good and my test scores were above average. But I insisted, I need to be exposed to real-life situations (like lessons on job applications/interviews, conversing with people like opening a bank account without my husband, calling USCIS number and talking to the live person, etc.). So they gave me a specific program. Sometimes I dread to speak with my instructor over the phone because there are days when I just want to "think Filipino."

The best way to learn English they said is to "think English". Good luck with your new life here in the US. And give it time.

I go to ESL classes already, but they will have break for summer. I already think in both languages. But people don't hear difference when I say math or mass or brought or bought etc.

I am here already 7th month and I still cant speak "With hot potatoes in my mouth" and I don't believe I will ever do.

I think you're doing great! Give your self some credit because others will "understand" you if you believe they will, eventually. The more you practice your communication skills the better. Why the long face? Smile now.

I forgot to add: try to substitute words to mean the same thing you would like to express, use words that you think you will be clearly understood (words that you can pronounce well). And if they still would not get it, define the word for them, they would get the message you want to convey to them, usually works. Work on your "strengths" to drown the "weaknesses".

[Twomoles 8]

I know, and I do it. This is very sly way, always using some standard synonyms, but I don't improve my vocabulary this way. I twist around and from all sides to express myself, even I know I could spell this word, but cant say.

I am so worried because I want to enroll in college to finish degree. I already got excellent results in pre-calculus test, I look for specific terms translations for my major, I know I have knowledge and stuborness, I know I have to learn twice as more then anyone from here, but in moment I will have to say something in front of more then one friend, - I want earth to open and pull me in or I will just cut my tongue.

[Cantankerous 0]

As a suggestion, you might consider recording yourself speaking and then listening to the playback. There may be a slight difference in how you think you are pronouncing words when you hear yourself speaking as compared to how you are actually pronouncing words when you listen to the playback.

Good Luck.

[Twomoles 8]

As a suggestion, you might consider recording yourself speaking and then listening to the playback. There may be a slight difference in how you think you are pronouncing words when you hear yourself speaking as compared to how you are actually pronouncing words when you listen to the playback.

Good Luck.

Great idea. I have small recorder actually.

[JVKn'CVO 11]

You can also use accent reduction tapes or take pronunciation classes.

Accent neutralization classes did wonders for me...I'll always have an accent of course, but those classes really helped

Saludos,

Caro

[^KK^ 3]

You're work it out...