土梅专栏你为何想学英语.doc

2、Why do you want to learn English? Have you ever really asked yourself why you want to learn a new language? Lets for the moment1 forget about the obvious: additional job skill, immigration, travels, studies aboard, academic necessity, etc. Of course, these reasons are valid2 and motivate3 us to bury our heads in thick language textbooks and repeat after a monotonous4 voice on an audiocassette. But I believe we acquire a new language in order to effectively communicate with people not of our country and culture. Since 1997, I have been part of a successful conversational English training program, Patrick English Network (PEN). 　　The success of PEN lies in our belief that to fully embody5 a language, we must understand and embrace the culture of the language. Therefore we created an “ edutaining” (educational and entertaining) curriculum6 that includes not only lessons on spoken English and listening comprehension but also fun activities such as singing, dancing, movies,and games,to enhance7 our students knowledge of American culture. Although most students support the emphasis on culture study, they often consider the listed activities to be a “ waste of their time.” “ Singing and dancing are fun. But maybe we can do? Hmm? Fifteen minutes a day. Thats enough.” “ Why is that?” I ask. “ Because it doesnt help us with our English.” “ Then what would you rather do?” “ More free talk with foreign teachers.” The whole class shouts. I ask, “ And what would you like to speak to the foreigners about?” A student stands up. “ Doesnt matter. Anything. We want to make friends with them.” The entire class then nods in agreement. “ Make friends.” 　　This conversation transpires8 in almost every class I teach. As always, I ponder the students response only to arrive at the same question. “ How to make foreigners want to speak to and be friends with you?” Though physical language is indeed an important tool of communication, what solidifies9 a healthy interpersonal10 relationshi