What If I Don't Like English?

Are you one of the people that the words 'mostly harmless' transport straight inside the pages of a book? (Let me know in the comments!)

Harmless is how the first edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy described the human race, in Douglas Adam’s cult classic radio play. After years of research, it gets amended to ‘mostly harmless'.

To this day, I can't hear 'mostly harmless' without smiling at Arthur Dent's indignation.

Mostly Harmless was in my mind as I designed my Top Up My English?offer.

The truth is I’ve worked with a lot of people who really don’t want to learn English.

This article is to say that it is okay to feel this way.

However, such sentiments will get in the way of progress - so this article is also about how you can dislike English learning less and less - perhaps even enjoy it!

You are not 'Wrong' to Feel the Way you Feel

I first taught at a corporate language school where I encountered one particular group of learners worried their jobs were endangered by their English level after an international takeover of their previously all-French company. (Time proved they were not wrong).

These learners massively resented having to add English onto the pressure of their suddenly increased workload - and the insecurity it represented.

Tip:

If you are going through something similar yourself, can you think of any way to make English feel like an opportunity, not a threat?

And English teachers - do you make a place for conversations like this in class? Understanding your students' learning perspective(s) is crucial to effectively helping them.

"English is Boring"

My career progressed into teaching English at art schools across France.

In an art school, English is socks under the Christmas tree: thoroughly useful, but the least exciting subject in a dynamic learning environment.

That's until it’s presented like another practical skills course.

I describe teaching English at art schools as keeping English classes so interesting and creative and full of content pertinent to their developing careers, that my students got involved and learned - despite the language elements - not because of it.

That would frustrate the heck out of many English teachers, but I loved it.

I was a cog in a much bigger wheel - getting young artists to fulfil their potential.

My unique expertise was creating real tastes of using English in professional contexts - as well as guidance on good learning behaviours (how to keep practising and improving once they moved on from being 'forced' to learn in education).

No, they often didn't love English, but they loved my class!

Adult learners: with the right teacher for you, English class should never feel boring.?If it does, it is not your 'fault,' it's just you are not learning with the right teacher/course/format. How can you mix it up?

Summer Fun

Now I am lucky enough to spend summer months sharing beautiful Perthshire, Scotland with people who choose to improve their English through a fun, activity-filled holiday.

These English learners actually do want to learn - so much that they are devoting their summer holiday to it, but they also know that they don't want to learn in traditional ways.

Learning English does not mean being trapped inside a classroom or in front of a screen. ?

My English-learning guests (quite rightly) prioritise having fun while learning.

English immersion gives you a fun, cultural immersion with clear language learning goals, including the number 1 priority of loving speaking English.

Can you imagine what enjoying speaking English looks like?

"I Hate English"

So many learners think that I’m going to take this statement personally, but I don’t.

I understand your English skills as a stepping stone in your career or life path.

I’m not obsessed with English.

I don’t think you should be either.

But I do know you will be happier (and your career will flourish) when it feels natural for you to speak English.

For that reason, I take your English seriously - so you don’t have to.

Tips to Enjoy Learning English

Anyone can enjoy the process of learning English once they work out how to feel aligned with their English identity.

No matter what way you choose to learn, keep this as your number one goal.

Avoid saying 'I hate English' or 'I'm bad at English,' as such statements enforce negative beliefs.

Instead, say things that confirm your progress, eg: 'phrasal verbs are hard, yet I Iearned 5 new ones today,' or 'I'm better at English this month than I was last month'.

Mostly Harmless English Learning

My unique teaching skill is converting your battles with English into a pleasurable journey.

I make English learning ‘mostly harmless’.

Keep Talking this Winter!

Now you can top up your English - without the commitment or pressure of a full course or fixed schedule.

It's no-pressure 1:1 English learning, designed for busy lives.

You won’t feel the awful dread that you’ve let your English fade away because we’ll keep it warm all winter as we top up your English over the next 6 months.

This could be your ticket to enjoying English!

This offer is for Blue Noun immersion English holiday takers, to keep their English warm all winter.

There are just 5 places for folks not yet in my teaching world.

Find out more.

You Don't Have to Like Learning English

But it really does help.

I guess the biggest reason for not liking English is fear of it: Feeling 'not good enough' to speak and have fun.

Let the satisfaction of learning be all the little wins, and experiment with ways that make you feel good!

I hope you have found here some tips to get you to the next stage in your English learning journey - and enjoying yourself!