Are Your English Skills Balanced?

That’s great! Strong writing and good conversational skills are a really solid combo. Sounds like you’ve found a nice balance between the two.

Confidence well earned! It’s interesting what you said about changes in education over time. Teaching methods really do make a difference. Strong basics like reading and writing are so important.

@Ineeddentures It’s sad to hear how much things have changed in schools. When there’s no real consequence for bad behaviour, it’s hard for teachers to keep a good learning environment. I can see why that would affect students’ progress and confidence. Hopefully things will improve over time, but it definitely sounds like a big challenge right now.

@annierose It's not just that. Pupils don't show teachers the same respect we did. There are no sanctions or punishments in place for bad behaviour. Pupils are violent towards teachers, verbally abusive, etc etc Disruptive to other pupils. The whole education system is a mess. Parents cannot punish children either, and kids know that they can do what they want when they want and how they want.

Thanks for sharing that, Kayla. Since you learn best through sound, it makes total sense how you approach English. Accents are such a natural part of language, even if they can sometimes make communication tricky. I visited Georgia last month, and honestly, I had a hard time understanding my sister-in-law’s husband. Aside from speaking fast, he also has a different accent compared to the English I usually hear from people in Vegas.

@kaylachan That’s really interesting! It’s funny how we don’t always notice our own accents until someone else points them out. Accents really do stay with us.

@annierose I can understand that. I didn't realize I still had my suthern acient until someone asked me if I was from Georgia. I've been once, but I've never lived there.

That’s impressive that you feel comfortable with all the English skills. And yes, pronunciation can be so tricky. I remember that was one of the reasons I stopped learning Mandarin Chinese. You’re definitely not alone, especially when you’re learning on your own.

@annierose The problem with learning Mandarin is that it's tonal. So it's not just the pronunciation but the tone which changes the meaning of your word or sentence as your tone changes. Not the same with French. That's why I never learned Thai language because like Mandarin, it's tonal.

Reading a language is often much easier than speaking or writing it. French can be intimidating, so you’re definitely not alone in that struggle.

@annierose Thanks for understanding. Learning languages is a gift.

That makes total sense! Subtitles can be such a comfort, even when you understand the language. I also turn on subtitles even when I am watching an American movie. I think a lot of us use them as a backup—especially when accents or fast dialogue pop up.

@annierose it really helps, i agree cause, yes, accents and not so clear talks, they confuse us. i mean us, non.native english speakers

I love your honesty. And honestly, convenience over perfection is very relatable. Language is about communication first, rules second.

Growing up with two languages is such an advantage. That kind of background really shapes how we understand and use language, even later in life.

Reading being your strongest skill is a great foundation! The others usually catch up with time and practice, so “work in progress” sounds exactly right.