Misperceptions About Language and Culture

I often find that international students come to the United States with misperceptions about learning languages and living in a foreign country. I've created a video on this topic:

- http://esl-lab.com/elc/perceptions-video.htm

Feel free to share your ideas on this topic. Also, tell us what misperceptions people have about your language and culture.

Randall

Learning English: What's the Secret?

So, is there an ultimate secret to learning English? Perhaps not, but watch my new video on the topic that focuses on three important keys to improving your language skills:

- http://www.esl-lab.com/learn/learningenglish-video.htm

What activities have helped you the most in learning a foreign language?

Online Chat: Benefits and Challenges

Language learners often ask me to recommend an online chat service where they can practice their English and meet new people. At times, however, I have some reservation in doing so because of the quality, content, and lack of moderating with such services. Of course, few companies will provide such service because of the manpower needed to supervise online chat sessions; I'm just cautious about the potential problems that can arise from using them.

So, what have your experiences been using using online chat or similar services to meet people and improve your English? Do you have any recommendations?

Please share your ideas.

Randall

Gardening: A relaxing hobby that doesn't involve video games

People often don't think of gardening as a fun hobby, especially when such an activity competes with video games, movies, and shopping. However, my wife and I have found that growing things, particuarly delicious fruit in unusual ways, can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. In the picture below, you can see how we grow our melons ---- hanging from the vine. This method saves a lot of space and the fruit are easier to manage and pick. You can see more of our garden in video and pictures at:

- http://esl-lab.com/snack/gardening-video.htm

Canyonlands National Park, Utah: Sightseeing at its best!

One of the most enjoyable parts of life for me is doing something that has absolutely nothing to do with computers and the Internet. In fact, I think that most people need a mental and physical break from work and school to recharge their batteries. Otherwise, we will just burn out. As many of you might know, I really savor getting far, far away from the hectic world and spending time in the outdoors. During the past week, I took a wonderful trip with my family to a wonderful, scenic place.

One particular area I recently visited is one of the most remote national parks in the United States---a place you can hike for miles without seeing a single person if you'd like. The national park is called Canyonlands. The picture above was taken a few miles outside of the park, but it can give you a sense of what you might find in southern, Utah.

Randall

Quotations and Sayings: What do they teach us about life?

Often, quotations or proverbs often can teach us some lesson of life, and these writings can be used to develop our discussion and language skills. Share one proverb or quotation (either from your native language or one translated into English), explain its meaning, and discuss how it relates to life or your own experience.

Here's one:

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."

To me, having and demonstrating courage----especially moral  courage---in the face of life's greatest challenges can define who we are. For example, it takes a lot of courage to tell the truth and be honest in all our doings with others. In fact, honesty and courage are at the center of one's value system. If a person has the courage to tell the truth, then you will always be able to trust that person in their work and study. As a result, our opportunities will expand.

Now, share a quotation or saying that you like and explain it to the rest of our readers.

Best,

Randall

Health Care: A government or private section issue?

Many countries around the world are facing a health care crisis. The United States is one of them. Many people feel that having health care is a right of every citizen and that the government should pay for it. Others are very worried about how the government will pay for it in the long run and to what extent individual tax payers will be burdened with the cost in the future. What is your opinion on this? What is the role of government in providing health care? Should the government stay out of the issue and let private companies deal with the issue.

Share your ideas.

Randall