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why did i don't want to speak english with my friends? because shy?

For learning: English
Base language: English
Category: Other

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    Angela, why don't you speak in English with your friends?

    (tell me tell me... don't think too much, just say whatever you feel is the reason)

    How should I know?:-?

    Do you mean with your Chinese friends ?
    In this case, I think it is quite normal behavior, and I don't have any suggestion to offer.
    For instance, I can't speak English with my Italian friends (unless in a school context).

    Relating to foreigner friends, please keep in mind the following:
    -- you are allowed to make errors as you are learning
    -- if you don't make enough errors that is a sign you are always choosing the
    same language patterns
    -- the other person (if a language partner) is actually pleased to give you an help, and when possible, to correct your errors.

    if you are not in an english speaking environment you will surely find it difficult to speak in english.you will be looked with suspecion.there will be many to tease you and criticize you.but if we have a small group of friends who really wish to learn english it will be good.the only way to learn english is by using it.also you have to read and learn new words.get assistance from you english teacher too.

    you are not shy but merely afraid to make mistakes. how can you learn without making mistakes.

    Yes , you are very shy Angela:)
    Try to overcome this by mingling with people and developing your self confidence.
    There is nothing wrong with not being able to speak fluently and not finding the right words,after all you are learning a language.Just make mistakes and so you learn.

    On the other hand you can do some exercises and practices to improve your spoken English and be more confident about expressing yourself verbally.

    Here are also some tips for you to practice and improve your spoken (oral)English.

    Observe the mouth movements of those who speak English well and try to imitate them.
    When you are watching television, observe the mouth movements of the speakers. Repeat what they are saying, while imitating the intonation and rhythm of their speech.

    * Until you learn the correct intonation and rhythm of English, slow your speech down.
    If you speak too quickly, and with the wrong intonation and rhythm, native speakers will have a hard time understanding you.
    Don't worry about your listener getting impatient with your slow speech -- it is more important that everything you say be understood.

    * Listen to the 'music' of English.
    Do not use the 'music' of your native language when you speak English. Each language has its own way of 'singing'.

    * Use the dictionary.
    Try and familiarize yourself with the phonetic symbols of your dictionary. Look up the correct pronunciation of words that are hard for you to say.

    Make a list of frequently used words that you find difficult to pronounce and ask someone who speaks the language well to pronounce them for you. the person could be a teacher, a chatting pal, a real native speaking friend.
    Record these words, listen to them and practice saying them. Listen and read at the same time.
    * Buy books on tape.
    Record yourself reading some sections of the book. Compare the sound of your English with that of the person reading the book on the tape.

    * Pronounce the ending of each word.
    Pay special attention to 'ED' and 'S' endings. This will help you strengthen the mouth muscles that you use when you speak English.

    * Read aloud in English for 15-20 minutes every day.
    Research has shown it takes about three months of daily practice to develop strong mouth muscles for speaking a new language.

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