The Importance of Learning a Second Language from a Native Speaker

MIT ELCArticles

Practicing English with native speakers will teach authentic and practical use of vocabulary

As our students will be practicing English with Native Speakers, they will be exposed to more idioms, dialect, slang and a generally more extensive vocabulary than with a non-native speaker. Too much slang is, of course, not a good thing, but exposure to this side of the language is always useful to understand what people really mean.

Understanding the culture as well as the language

Naturally, as you practice English with native speakers more, you will begin to hear and understand their opinions and feelings about certain topics, just like they will with you. Most people are very eager to share their thoughts and feelings about various issues, so it will definitely give you some insight to the people and their culture.

If you are practicing English with the intention of moving or traveling often, you could always ask specifically about that place and those people to find out more.

Accent and pronunciation

The key benefit of speaking with and listening to a native English speaker is the impact it will have on a student’s accent, especially if a student struggles with pronouncing certain words or struggles to understand native speakers when they speak. Our students are constantly being exposed to English. With young students, they will naturally mimic the person they are listening to.

The ability to learn the language in a fun and natural way

Being able to speak English with a native speaker means our students will be able to adopt many rules and quirks of the language in the same way that they did as children. We talk often and about a range of different topics. This expands the students’ vocabulary and improves pronunciation. It also exposes them to grammar rules in a natural way.

Practicing English with native speakers will force you to speak English 

Aside from being motivated to speak English on the same level as our native English teachers, the fact that English will, more often than not, be the only language that our teacher speaks. This means that students can only communicate in English, no matter their level. If a student tries to learn English with someone from their country they will try to revert to Mandarin. It is rare that a native English teacher will know Mandarin well enough to explain things to the student. This forces a conversation to explain what the topic is about, which speeds up the learning process.

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