I came in Canada almost 3 years ago, but I don’t think I could speak English well as much as I had expected before I came here. I think it’s time to change my studying styles and methods now. I’ve found out, myself, a problem with reading English books recently. I have read books all the time only with eyes, with closed mouth. But when I started to read aloud a familiar book that I had read before, I felt very awkward cause I’ve never done it. I sometimes read Korean books about how to learn or practice English. One of them suggested that people who want to speak English well need to read books loudly. It is said, read books even though you don’t understand the whole story exactly; and keep reading them repeatedly several times then it’s going to be natural to read with voice, and I will absorb the sentences and their patterns naturally. I agree with it because I experienced that the more I read same things, the more natural I speak. Even though I am staying in Canada now, there are not many chances to talk with native speakers. Of course I have some Canadian friends but they can’t stay with me all the time. I need to practice English all the time or as often as I can.
I think reading books loudly is a way to update myself in learning English. I’m going to start it with [The Chronicles ofNarnia], which a friend of mine recommends. I recorded it on SoundCloud, as you let me know yesterday, but couldn’t upload it. Thank you, Gili. Your voice always makes me feel cheerful and joyful. I’d really like to thank you for helping me with learning and practicing English with fun. Bye for now.
IRENE LIM / Canada / 3rd July 2012