English for Seafarers – Secrets of Rapid Language Learning.
Over the years of teaching English to seafarers of all ranks, as well as testing their knowledge in this area for several crewing companies, I have gained rich practical experience, which I would like to share with everyone who wants to work in mixed crews. Seafarers who want to improve their English proficiency inevitably face a number of pressing questions.
In this article, I am sharing my thoughts on some of them.
Well:
Does the speed of language learning depend on the teaching method?
Currently, after many sensational methods in the past, the communicative method is widely used, that is, in layman's terms, the method of communication. Indeed, communication is the basis of learning any languages and an essential element of success! A different matter is how often students talk to a teacher and to each other in English. If you SPEAK, that is, say loud the material you study, then you are already getting closer to success, regardless of the methods!
Conclusion: The more you speak in class and say loud the material you study, the faster you will be able to remember it and reach a new level of language proficiency.
How long do you need to be able to speak English: a year, a month, a week...?
In general, this question is fair, but what the word “to speak” should mean? You will already speak in first classes, but only using the words, expressions and grammar that you will learn and remember, and will not forget the next day and beyond... These are individual characteristics of a student, a degree of motivation, an ability to learn new material, a current level of language knowledge, if you are not a beginner, and many other factors that matter. However, there is one indisputable thing – no one can go all the way from beginning to end without passing intermediate points. That is, if you add at least a few words to your “collection” every day of classes, then by the end of your period of learning you will have a strong vocabulary that enriches your speaking. You can even count your vocabulary in a week, month or year.
Conclusion: The words that you study and memorize every day, the grammar for making sentences and mini-dialogues from them are your intermediate points and at the same time indicators of moving forward on the way to success - your English speaking skills.
Is there an English language for masters and cooks, engineers and seamen, or is there professional terminology?
Do you know at least one person who would study Ukrainian for locksmiths or Russian for builders? It sounds pretty funny, doesn't it? The situation is the same with English for seafarers. It is clear, that adults acquire the basic knowledge of any profession, already knowing their native language. They just need to learn special terms and how to use them correctly. In the case of English, the situation is “a little” more complicated. One must learn spoken language and maritime terms at the same time. Being experts in their field, seafarers will be able to find terms in the dictionary in the future, but learning spoken language without a teacher is quite difficult, unless you are in an English-speaking environment.
Conclusion: We begin with basic English course, step by step learning special terms.
Language immersion – is it an all-heal recipe?
Despite all the difficulties and “pitfalls”, everyone intuitively understands that the more a person practices, surrounds himself/herself with English-speaking people, English songs and films, namely, “immerses” in the environment, the more effective and faster the learning will go. However, even here there are limits and thresholds that you will not be able to jump over. The brain cannot process and clearly sort out a great deal of information in a limited period of time, it turns on a protective mechanism – fatigue from overload and overabundance of words, for example. For each person, this limit is individual, and only patience and efforts will be there for you. Nevertheless, if you heard and recognized the word that you had learned in class before, in any song or movie or, for example, on YouTube channel, then this is already a kind of psychological support, as you see that your learning is not a waste. This is also an indicator of your progress towards success and an additional powerful motivator. Every day there will be more such “recognized” words, and your understanding of spoken and written speech will improve significantly.
Conclusion: Language immersion is not an all-heal recipe, but it significantly speeds up learning of a foreign language.
Is there an absolutely honest, unbiased and faultless consultant and adviser in matters of language learning? So who or what is it?
We already have extensive knowledge and experience in our native language by the time we start learning a foreign language as adults. The paradox is that all this experience, knowledge and our maturity hamper and do not allow us to move forward. Let’s see, how it works.
With age, we become more suspicious, picky, and subject every new piece of information to critical analysis: Is it true? Is it accurate? Do I need it? What else can they teach me, since I am so smart? I know it myself, and so on.
Adults save on everything – time, money, and even emotions! They are no longer surprised at anything new, they are not happy, they are not excited, and this new thing comes and goes without being stored in memory.
They do not remember what they did yesterday, but they remember what happened on this or that day 10, 20, 30 years ago... Since they were children, open to life, to the world. They perceived everything new easily and freely, carrying vivid emotions through the heart and memory. That is why, they remember it for the rest of their lives.
Therefore, a kid without experience and knowledge is that honest, unbiased and faultless consultant in matters of language learning. He/she, like a sponge, absorbs everything around, without questioning anything, and enjoys the process itself. If an adult manages to maintain the same attitude towards the learning process, then he/she will receive a powerful hidden reserve and results in the eyes of others will be simply fantastic.
Conclusion: By no means, I urge you to turn into overgrown children, but I strongly recommend that you should tune in to a posit
ive attitude towards the learning process, identifying and fixing positive emotions after every class, as well as a patient and diligent attitude to work.
ONLINE English courses will certainly help you with it.
The article was prepared by Malinka Yury Fyodorovich, a founder and director of the English language courses “Favorable Wind”
Skype: live:2255a324e1fd4320
We, the editors of Ukrcrewing.com.ua, have prepared for you an additional selection of online maritime English courses:
English language school English Prime
- English for general and professional purposes for sailors
- Special methodology with an emphasis on English speaking practice
- English vocabulary training programs for different job positions
- Preparations for an interview at a crewing company
- Individual and group lessons online
- Flexible learning schedule
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Educational project “EnRoute Language Centre”
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Choose a proper maritime English course. Increase your language proficiency and your personal value in the eyes of your employer. Successfully pass maritime English tests and find the best job!
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