The importance of speaking English and enjoying while learning

Each one of us has different objectives in life, and on the way towards our goals we pick diverse activities. We choose to attend courses in order to learn something unknown to us, to put it into practice or to improve it. In general, those spaces are considered to be places to aquire knowledge and experiences that are useful for our daily routines, and if they contribute with something positive for our personal and professional growth, even better. It is essential to reflect upon what we need today to develop ourselves in the world we live, placing the important things above the urgent ones.

Today we coexist in a globalized world. In this day in age the labour market offers us a wide variety of opportunities. Nowadays we are consumed by technology. This economic and cultural globalization is asking us to act. Therefore, the English international expansion is a phenomenon we cannot ignore. The multimedia universe  surrounding us, much of the music we listen to, most of the movies we see are all ruled by the Anglo-Saxon language. Fortunately, more importance is being given to second language learning at primary and secondary schools and the value given to the subject inclusion in tertiary and university courses, such as systems, law, labour relations, among others, is really noticeable. Even so, many students complain because oral expression is missing, whereupon it becomes so tiresome for them to speak English. Many of them are able to understand a text and also write something. But with the great existing competence of labour demand and supply, it is necessary to have some additional knowledge to stand out from the crowd. The use of English speaking, being able to cope with a real conversation, to communicate orally, is highly valued nowadays. Those who work as shop assistants and whose customers are tourists know that this language command opens doors (that leads us to stairs!). And those who travel, for business or for pleasure, are constantly running into situations in which knowing how to speak English is fundamental. But for this communication to be effective and successful, that English must be good.

I have once read that “studying English isn´t difficult, it is hours of effort well rewarded”. I would personally change some words of that thought. “Learning English is not difficult, it is hours of joy, besides, rewarded.” First of all, studying does not guarantee learning, but there is no learning without studying. Secondly, we should put aside that imposed demand when making decisions. If we choose to learn a language, we should see it not as a must but as a hobby, as an art that lets us open our minds, interchange ideas (and why not cultures?). Instead of saying “I must study English, I must make an effort”, let´s say “I want to learn English and enjoy it”. Making an effort is to employ better means than usual to achieve a goal.  Let´s see it as a satisfaction, not as a tedious task. It would be nice not only to enrich our Curriculum Vitae, but also our knowledge, our experiences, our customs, our mental health, our lives...to feel full, entire.

Summing up, speaking good English sets us apart from the rest at work and dignifies our souls personally since delighting wisdom praises us, glorifies us, ponders us, raises us.