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English Language Learners

Home/English Language Learners
English Language Learners 2023-08-09T14:00:29+00:00

English Language Learners

Over 45 years ago, I began teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL). In those days we called it ESL (English as a Second Language). The name has changed but the need to learn English has not. In fact, the need to learn English for newcomers in the United States has INCRREASED over the years.  For internationally educated professional, I have two thoughts about languages.

  1. You will want your English skills to be as HIGH as they can be to be competitive in the US labor market. Many professions require you to pass a standardized English test like the TOEFL or MET in order to get a license. Strong English skills are also needed to complete job search processes like resumes, cover letters, applications and job interviews. Additionally, being able to speak for yourself and not rely on someone else to communicate for you gives you the ability to make your own decisions and have your own voice. These are all important reasons to have your English skills be as high as they can be.

However, your other languages are also important.

  1. The other languages you speak are an ASSET. The ability to communicate in multiple languages is always a good thing. Many workplaces look for employees who speak multiple languages to better serve their clients, patients, students and customers. Preserving your culture in your family and community requires taking pride in your language and keeping it also as an important part of everyday life.

So how do professionals work with these two thoughts?

  • Get into an ESOL class in a college or community-based organization if you want to increase your overall English skills.

  • Get into an English test preparation class if your professional license requires you to take a standardized English test like the TOEFL, IELTS or MET. Talk to your educational case manager at the Welcome Back Center to find out what is necessary.

  • Find every opportunity to use English in your everyday life. Talk to neighbors, co-workers, take part in activities where English is spoken. Even talking to clerks in stores or workers in offices helps you feel more comfortable speaking English. Talk! Talk! Talk!

  • Don’t worry about having an accent. We ALL have accents. You just need to be understood. There is no ONE accent for English.

  • Preserve your other languages. Value them and talk about them as a strength. Work with your family and community to preserve other language skills for the next generaion.