How can I improve my English conversation ?

[Anonymous]

I am 40 years old lady I have been living in the US since 20004 . I can read and understand English , my writing skills are not very good and my speaking is very awkward I can't follow the conversation with another person and I feel stupid and embarrassed. I have a teenager daughter. because of my English ascent, I feel like she treat me like if I am stupid or ignorant. I tough her my native language but still when I need to communicate in English, if she is with me people start talking to her instead of talking to me directly . They tell her to tell me . I say I understand English I speak English but, it seem like there is not respect for me . I feel like my Daughter is embarrassed of me and she doesn't have any respect for me . I really need to improve my English conversation. I know that teenagers are disrespectful and often change their mood. Any suggestion in how to improve ?

[Anonymous]

Practice. Speak in English as much as possible. I tutor English as a second language one-on-one with the Literacy Council of Nothern Virginia. They are a great community resource.

Lcnv.org

[Anonymous]

Speak English only for the next year.

This means when you are at home speak only English with your daughter.

When you are with friends speak only English. If they complain, tell them you need to improve your English for your job and they can continue speaking to you in your native language but you will reply to them in English.

Go to stores and businesses where people speak only English.

Never be embarrassed if you get a word wrong or pronounce something wrong. It will happen and people will understand. They will know you are trying

Every single day that you speak entirely in English will make it easier.

[Anonymous]

First of all, I am sorry for what you are facing and, as a teacher and someone who learned another language as a teenager, I get it. I've been there. In terms of practical ways to learn – many public libraries will have conversational hours which are geared exactly towards this purpose. If you can, you should attend them, and not feel bad or any shame because that is what they are there for.

If you have colleges or universities in the area, call and see if they have any volunteers or tutors. There are often students who need or want volunteer hours, and it could be very helpful.

Take in media im English – music, TV, movies, newspapers. Try to read one new save article every day In English, even if it is short. Read the article out loud. Listen to podcast.

I know how hard it is. I did not become functional in a language I studied until I studied abroad – and I had studied the language for about six years until that point. I live with a family and was forced to use it exclusively. That is when I developed. You need to use it as much as possible. Wishing you all the best

[Anonymous]

I have the same issues with Spanish when I am outside US. My progression was limited because I relied on certain phrases and didn't have a very good understanding of basic grammar. Don't be so hard on yourself, some people are better at learning languages than others. I think you will improve greatly if you go back to learning the basics and make an effort to use what you learned whenever possible.

[Anonymous]

I have so much respect for people trying to learn English. It's one of the HARDEST languages to learn.

Look for the people with kind eyes and speak with them when you're in a store or otherwise among strangers.

[Anonymous]

Go back to school.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry that your daughter is disrespecting you. You can go and take an English class, still your daughter shouldn't disrespect you. Stop doing anything for her. If she thinks that you are stupid and embarrassing her let she do for herself.

I only speak one language and my English was horrible too, I knew it but no one embarrassed me, they respected me in front of my face. And what they said behind my back was their business. We all have our own weaknesses, some of us speak poor English while other have incurable diseases take your pick.

Nonetheless, I did felt very badly and embraced too, to the point that I wouldn't speak up and always find ways to keep away from people whom I knew expected me to make speeches.

I wish you all the best, read books, newspapers and anything readable. And make time for you to go to a night English class or Saturday class. And when you master your English language if you must speak to your daughter only in your native language. No child should ever disrespect her/his mother, they should be lucky that they are born in the first place.....

[Anonymous]

I agree, with the last post! READ OUT LOUD!! read books, magazines, articles, watch the news in English. Listen to podcasts.
I know it can be embarrassing to your daughter and it can make you feel bad, however keep practicing. Let people know say hey I’m trying to improve my English so I might say something wrong etc.
I took one semester of French and WAS horrible at it. My professor suggested always reading, listening and speaking in the language as much as possible.

[Anonymous]

Hi I'd love to help. Full disclosure you'd actually be helping me speak more fluent Spanish. I could help you navigate things with your daughter. I've had a similar arrangement in the past but its mostly been going to parent-teacher conferences, helping with homework, tutoring, going to the recruiter so the son could enlist in the military, etc.


I am an orphan and connect with teenagers really well. My perspective of having a deceased mother means I may speak more firmly and demand she respect you but I'd try to understand her perspective as well. I can almost guarantee you that she will eventually recognize the sacrifices you make so while it hurts now don't give up completely!

I worked as a nanny and I've had friends in your shoes. For anyone who can relate to the OP:

I see you. I admire you. I respect you and think you are brilliant and hardworking. You've made a way out of no way so be incredibly proud of what you've accomplished.

[e-mail]
808-343-6411

[Anonymous]

I think taking a class would be a great idea. Also, talk to your daughter about what she does and how it makes you feel.

[Anonymous]

I can't so I can't image why anyone else could

[Anonymous]

This place is great and affordable: http://www.washingtonenglish.org

[Anonymous]

You can also check out www.briya.org - they have free English classes for parents of children ages 0-12 who live in Washington DC; enrollment year round.

[Anonymous]

If you have a smartphone, try Duolingo app.