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The need to learn English has been increasing rapidly in China due to the high-speed development of the economy and various cultural exchanges. Learning a different language means learning how to speak as well as how to think as an English native-speaker would speak. Because of cultural differences and different language structures between Chinese and English. There are several obvious problems that Chinese students must tackle on the path of learning English. Among these challenges are use of vocabulary, cultural differences, grammar structures, etc. Many books have been written on this subject. In this context, we re briefly touching on a few. The first and the most obvious problem is that Chinese students are unbalanced in the ways in which they go about learning vocabulary. They tend to be most interested in memorizing words and their meanings. As many as possible and as fast as they can, they cram and drill. The problem with this technique is that, though they might be able to recognize words when they hear them or see them, they cannot use many words creatively in conversation or writing. In this situation, it is important to teach students to learn fewer words more deeply so that their fluency increases more rapidly and they can more quickly get to the fun part-- communicating. This problem, like many others, come from cultural differences between Chinese and native English speakers. For example, Chinese students are accustomed to listening to their teachers lecture and taking notes from the constant writing on the board, which is a Chinese teacher's way of doing things. whereas, an ESL teacher tries not to lecture or write on the board with her back towards the class as much as possible. The atmosphere is totally different and new for them. There are a lot of activities and fun, as well as, a back and forth between the teacher and the student that can make some students feel uncomfortable at first. There are other issues as ell. For example, Chinese people don't often answer questions directly. They will give all the information concerning the question that you have given them and then hint at what they want you to understand. A native English speaker will answer the question first and then give supporting details. Cultural differences like these can lead to confusion above and beyond any language barrier. Finally, there is grammar. The organization of words in sentences is very different in Chinese. That means that there re many grammar rules that students of articles or prepositions-- small thing that can alter a listener's understanding of what is being expressed. More confusion to watch out for. Teaching the subject of learning a new language is different than all other subjects. It isn't just a memorization of details, or an organization of cause and effect.It isn't just a functional system, or a mode of expression. It is all of these things and more. Learning a new language changes how you organize your thoughts. It offers up not only differences in culture, but of understanding as well. Most revealing, there are words in every language that cannot be literally translated into another language. What does that reveal about the impact of language on consciousness itself? Teaching a student, young or old, a new language is a solemn responsibility to undertake.
