A Second language Environment

The first time I started learning second language was when I was 12 years old. The second language was english. Although I could start learning english in middle school, I started it before I entered middle school. At that time I tried to memorize 100 pieces of word in a day, and listened to the popular songs everyday. Moreover I always sang along the songs, and remembered the useful expressions. In those days, My favorite pop-stars were Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, and Michael Jackson.

And then, I entered a middle school, I had a regular English class in school. In those days, English teacher told us to memorize spelling of words and study grammar. Only Korean english teacher was a facilitator of learning english without any native english teacher even equipment. So I was always confused whenever I met American since I couldn't experience any foreigner until graduation of high school. Though I knew many words and grammar, I could speak only simple sentences. My experience of english was inaccurate comparing to present situation. Most of the Korean educator recognized the problem of korean english education systems that emphasized english for only examination. In consequence of that there is a native english teacher in every elementary school nowadays, and also almost students can have a chance learning english with native teacher in private academy.  In addition students can learn english with various activities like a role-play, cooking, sports, game, playing musical instrument, speaking with foreign teacher. So they aren't afraid when they meet a foreigner anymore except some students, and regard english class as a enjoyment. Also they can learn by practical vocabulary and important expression through their experience with various activities. Differently with their parents and seniors who learned english for examination, current students acquire english naturally and joyfully.

What is the purpose of learning English? I think it is for communication. Of course sometimes I study English for examination. But ultimate purpose of learning English language is communication. So learning speaking language should be differentiated from studying academic language. If so, what is the difference between learning speaking language and studying academic language? That maybe is interactive communication between students and teachers. If there's no interactive communication, it is just only studying. The reason why I couldn't talk with American in english is just that I studied for academic use, not practical learning. If an interactive communication operates well in language classroom, students can learn practical speaking language effectively. Teachers should be borne in mind that these works is for not only foreign teachers but also korean english teacher. Therefore they should have an ability that they can give an interactive communication and effective method of teaching english for their students.