It has been some time since I took 'GELL' on the road. Today's 'show' at MARA Poly Tech College reminds me again of the fun to be had when we try to learn English with an open mind and to see the language as it is - a useful asset to have for the future, no more, no less.
As there are quite a number of comments and follow up responses on the GELL community on FaceBook (and also my personal profile), permit me to share with you 9 things to be learned from the event today.
Even if you couldn't be there with us (you missed a hell of a crazy show, I tell you), I'm sure you can still take these nine 'lessons' with you as you work as hard as you can to be a Good English Language Learner...
FIRST
English a very, VERY useful language to have. It is a language that can open doors for you. It is a real asset for you, especially if you are joining the world of work soon.
SECOND
Using English or any other languages, is really about COMMUNICATING with others around you. If you can't communicate, there might be something lacking with your language ability.
THIRD
Keep an OPEN MIND when learning English. It is an experience that will save you from becoming trapped in 'provincial thinking'. Provincial thinking will just make you a hero in your own mind, not in reality.
FOURTH
You DO NOT lose your identity when you learn English! You don't become someone else! In fact English will help you appreciate your first language better if you learn to love the language learning experience.
FIFTH
Learning a language like English is a gradual, slow PROCESS. You listen, you read. Then you speak and you write. You will make many mistakes but don't worry about it as long as you learn from the mistakes.
SIXTH
The time you spend during lectures or in your classroom learning English is NEVER enough. To become a true Good English Language Learner - the responsibility to learn falls on your own shoulders.
SEVENTH
Grammar is a set of rules about English that MUST be learned and memorised. Learning grammar is not difficult but it takes TIME and a lot of PRACTICE on your own and with others.
EIGHTH
Support each other in learning English. Help others and don't pull them down. Your friends are NOT trying to show off when they use English. Think positive and use English for day-to-day communication.
NINTH
A Good English Language Learner is ALWAYS LEARNING. She or he is always reading, always listening. He or she is always trying to write, trying to speak in English.
END NOTE...
The end always brings a new beginning. Every day is a learning process. Becoming a GELL is a long process but it is a wonderful experience and it will broaden your view of the world... as long as you start your journey with an open heart and wide open mind.
Day by day, your English WILL become better if you communicate in this international language as much as you can. And one day soon... One day SOON you will OWN English, as one of languages that you know... as a very, VERY valuable asset for your future!!!
ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE...
Thank you to the Organizing Committee and the Admin Staff of MARA Poly Tech College, Perak, M'sia for inviting me to share stories and put on that crazy-wonderful show about GELL.
And to the students of KPTM... YOU'RE ALL SUPERSTARS. I wish you the very best in your studies and I pray that your 'Dream Career' will become a reality... with the help of English (of course)!
VERY EXCELLENT PROGRAM !
Posted by: Rohana Bechik | Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 06:41 PM