"Learning Bridge: Overcoming 8 English Obstacles for Chinese Learners"

Language learning can be an intricate process, affected by numerous factors including one's native tongue and environment. For adults learning English language, the complexity of mastering a new linguistic system as an adult adds another layer of difficulty, especially when trying to understand why is difficult to learn English. This is especially true when studying an intricate and ever-evolving language like English; Chinese speakers in particular often face specific difficulties when trying to learn it due to its significant distinctions from their mother tongue. This article highlights these challenges for Chinese speakers learning English as part of its complex nature, providing insights into why learning English can be such a challenging endeavor for adults.

Alphabet

The English alphabet, consisting of 26 letters in uppercase and lowercase forms, differs significantly from the Chinese logographic writing system. Chinese speakers may find difficulty understanding certain similar-looking letters such as 'b' and 'd' when using the English alphabet, particularly distinguishing similar-looking characters. For adults, these subtle differences can be particularly frustrating, as they might have already developed strong visual memory patterns in their native language. Classroom strategies to support learners include providing visual aids, practicing letter formation exercises, and giving plenty of opportunities for practice to help adults overcome these initial hurdles.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation can be an enormously challenging aspect for Chinese speakers. English and Mandarin/Cantonese utilize different tonal systems, rhythms, and individual sounds; Chinese is tonal while English uses intonation more for emotions or emphasis rather than meaning. Adults, in particular, may find it difficult to retrain their vocal muscles to produce unfamiliar sounds, which can lead to persistent pronunciation errors. Activities like tongue twisters, pronunciation drills, and listening exercises can help learners enhance their pronunciation skills, offering them the chance to practice in a supportive environment.

Word Order

English follows an SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) sentence structure, similar to Chinese. However, Chinese has more flexibility with word order, which can lead to mistakes when Chinese speakers try to apply these practices to English sentences. Adults, accustomed to the fluidity of their native language, may struggle with the rigid structure of English grammar. Therefore, clear explanations and practice with sentence construction could prove highly valuable in the classroom setting, helping adults to develop a more structured approach to English sentence formation.

Tenses

English verbs change forms to indicate different tenses such as present, past, future, as well as aspects such as continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous. Chinese does not possess such an extensive system for denoting time through tenses; rather, time is indicated through time adverbs or understood from context. This makes it harder for Chinese speakers to correctly utilize and comprehend English tenses. Adults may find it particularly challenging to unlearn their intuitive understanding of time and relearn it through the lens of English grammar. Regular practice and exposure to authentic materials can help learners grasp this use, offering them the opportunity to see tenses in action in real-world contexts.

Prepositions Problem

English employs an expansive list of prepositions to demonstrate relationships among words in a sentence, such as "in," "at," "on," "under," and "between." Chinese uses far fewer prepositions and often expresses these relationships through word order or context, making it harder for speakers of Chinese to grasp and utilize English prepositions correctly. Adults may find it difficult to memorize and apply these prepositions accurately, as they often require a shift in thinking from a more contextual to a more explicit understanding of relationships. Activities which utilize prepositions contextually, such as sentence completion exercises, can help learners better comprehend how they work within sentences.

Phrasal Verbs

English contains many phrasal verbs (verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs), such as "give up," "look after," and "run out of," the meanings of which cannot always be determined from their individual components. Chinese does not directly correspond to phrasal verbs, making their learning and use particularly challenging for speakers of that language. Adults may struggle with the idiomatic nature of phrasal verbs, finding it difficult to remember their meanings and use them appropriately in context. Teaching learners how to use these phrasal verbs correctly, as well as encouraging their use in writing and speaking, can be effective strategies for overcoming this challenge.

Plurals

English plurals are typically formed by adding an "s" or an "es" at the end of nouns; Chinese does not share this system, leading to errors when translating Chinese nouns into English plurals. Classroom activities focusing on plural formation can help learners grasp this concept better. Games or drills aimed at this formation can also prove invaluable for their development, especially for adults who may find it difficult to break away from the lack of pluralization in their native language.

Articles

Chinese speakers frequently struggle with using articles correctly. English relies on words like 'a,' 'an,' and 'the' to indicate definite or indefiniteness, while Chinese has no such system. Article usage practice exercises may help learners better understand when and how to employ these articles properly. For adults, mastering the subtle nuances of article usage can be a significant milestone in their English learning journey.

Grammar Issues

Other frequently occurring errors include confusing personal pronouns and verb inflection, which can be remedied through proper grammar instruction and practice. Adults, with their more developed cognitive abilities, may benefit from explicit grammar explanations and targeted practice exercises to overcome these challenges.

Suggestions for Improvement

Learners should immerse themselves in authentic English materials like books, movies, and music to expand their exposure. For adults, this immersion can be particularly beneficial, as it allows them to see and hear English in its natural context. Teachers must be mindful of any specific problems Chinese speakers encounter when studying English and incorporate strategies to address these concerns into the teaching experience. By tailoring their teaching methods to the unique needs of adult learners, teachers can help them navigate the complexities of English more effectively.

While these aren't the only challenges Chinese speakers encounter when learning English, they're some of the more prominent ones seen in classroom settings. Understanding these challenges will allow teachers to deliver more effective instruction and support to students; learners can then use this understanding to target their study efforts more efficiently. For adults learning English language, recognizing why is difficult to learn English and actively seeking strategies to overcome these challenges can make the language acquisition journey both rewarding and fulfilling. Language acquisition is an ongoing journey; with patience, practice, and effective strategies, it can indeed be a transformative experience.