just a little thought that bugs me every now and then, when i meet finnish people abroad...why are we so afraid to speak english? i know this doesn't apply to everyone, but i do think majority of people don't want to speak english unless they can speak it 'perfectly'.
after all most of us (especially young people) have studied english for years at school, college, university etc. so surely the knowledge is there. but compared to other europeans we seem very 'shy' when it comes to actually having to hold a conversation in english.
personally, i don't really give a toss about always getting it right, as long as i can get my message across. surely, the most important thing is making the effort, isn't that how we learn?
after all most of us (especially young people) have studied english for years at school, college, university etc. so surely the knowledge is there. but compared to other europeans we seem very 'shy' when it comes to actually having to hold a conversation in english.
personally, i don't really give a toss about always getting it right, as long as i can get my message across. surely, the most important thing is making the effort, isn't that how we learn?
Vastaukset 7
Vanhimmat
Maybe we don't discuss with strangers in Finnish either! That's what they say: Finns have two languages to keep their mouths shut.
But I do think it's a shame how bad English teachers we have. On tv I hear reporters don't know how to make a question. I read the president said 'It was a mistake in the tickets'. When what she meant was 'There was a mistake in the tickets`. It's a shame a teacher cannot make a kid understand in six years or so that you make a question by using the word 'do'or by turning the order of the words. It's a shame how there are not enough teachers to give enough knowledge in English in Finland.
Last week I got a note from my girl's English teacher. The problem was that my girl has different answers to all home work = answers are ok but dont't match with what they have learned on their lessons!
I sometimes speak English at home with my child just for fun and education, now I have a blackout with this teacher. I don't get the point in her message, so I just signed it and told the girl not to think it any more.
In case I get another note like this, I'll propably phone the teacher.
The problem to my mind is that they try to teach everything in the comprehensive school: that is, they try to include all of the structures and rules plus the exceptions of the rules in the teaching program.
It would be better to concentrate on the basic things: how to make questions, how to express different tenses, how to express opinions...
Perhaps the problem is setting up the goal too high: trying to teach everyone everything. What we need is courage to let individualism flourish: not everyone needs to learn ALL their English under the age of sixteen...
I think along the same lines. We have good education system in Finland. It is true that we tend to keep our mouths shut, what ever the language.
I am myself now studying in all English speaking university in Tallinn. That has been way for me to improve my English skills.
I study to be an English-speaking elementary school teacher and English subject teacher, and we have native teachers to teach us many hours per week.
I have approximately 3 and 1/2 years left, and I think I have already improved myself, and I have plenty of time to develop more during these years.
I'm goin to study in England for few months as an exchange-student, so I'll learn the everyday language better that way.
I do hope I'm going to be a true professional some day, so I could teach children not to be afraid of speaking foreign language.
When using a word 'girl..my girl' you meant your daughter, did you not? Shouldn't you talk about your daughter not about your girl? If you are angry with her you may say 'listen girl..blaablaa, you are not going there dressed like that!' but otherwise she is your daughter.
is that pride and self centeredness stops finns speaking english. With pride I would associate perfection pictures and thoughts like: what will others think about ME if I make a mistake. the whole problem is a matter of ego.
Fear of criticism is another thing that comes to my mind.Who really cares? But a finn..personally I find it much more humane to talk what ever the level or language..expressionless people are utterly boring and seem somewhat dumb. Just my opinion ou jee.