In a world that's increasingly globalised, learning a new language has become an essential skill. But for those whose first language is not English, the challenge of mastering a new language can be daunting. In this interview, we speak with Fernanda, a woman who has experienced this challenge firsthand. Fernanda moved to Australia from Colombia and had to learn English from scratch. Despite facing obstacles and setbacks along the way, Fernanda persisted and has now become a confident and effective communicator. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
Interviewer: Can you tell us a little about your background and where you grew up?
Fernanda: Sure! I grew up in Bogotá in Colombia, and I come from a big family. Spanish is my first language, and I didn't start learning English until I was a teenager.
Interviewer: What were some of the challenges you faced when learning English as a second language?
Fernanda: Oh, there were many challenges! Learning a new language is never easy, and I struggled a lot with pronunciation and grammar. It was hard to feel confident speaking English when I knew I wasn't doing it perfectly.
Interviewer: How did you overcome those challenges?
Fernanda: I worked hard at it! I took English classes, practised speaking with friends and family, and even watched TV shows and movies in English to help improve my listening skills. It was a long process, but eventually, I became more comfortable with the language.
Interviewer: How did you learn to speak English so well?
Fernanda: Thank you for the compliment. I learned to speak English by watching movies, listening to music, and speaking with native speakers as much as I could. It was challenging at first, but I never gave up.
Interviewer: Do you still find yourself struggling with English at times?
Fernanda: Absolutely. Even though I've been speaking English for many years now, I still have moments where I stumble over my words or feel like I'm not expressing myself well. But I've learned to be patient with myself and to keep practising.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for other non-native English speakers who may be struggling to improve their language skills?
Fernanda: My advice would be to not give up! Learning a new language takes time and effort, but it's worth it. Don't be scared to make mistakes or ask for help, and try to practice speaking and listening as much as possible. And most important [sic], be kind to yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.
Interviewer: Do you feel that being a non-native English speaker has affected your career in any way?
Fernanda: I think it has in some ways, yes. There have been times when I've felt self-conscious about my English skills, especially when I'm in a professional setting. But I've also found that many people appreciate the effort that non-native speakers put into learning English, and it can even be seen as a strength in some cases.
Interviewer: What steps have you taken to improve your confidence and communication skills in English, particularly in a professional setting?
Fernanda: One thing that's helped me is to practice speaking in front of a mirror or with a friend. I've also tried to read and listen to more English-language material, whether it's news articles, podcasts, or books. And I make a point to ask questions and participate in meetings or discussions, even if I'm not feeling completely confident.
Interviewer: What do you hope to achieve in your career going forward?
Fernanda: I'm hoping to continue to grow and learn in my career, and to take on more responsibilities and challenges. I also hope to inspire other non-native English speakers to pursue their goals, and to show that it's possible to succeed in a language that isn't your first.
Interviewer: What challenges did you face when communicating in English?
Fernanda: At the beginning, it was hard to understand slang and idioms. I also struggled with pronunciation and grammar. Sometimes, I felt embarrass [sic] to speak up because I was afraid of making mistakes or not being understood.
Interviewer: How did you overcome those challenges?
Fernanda: I practised speaking with native speakers and watching English-language media. I also took classes and worked with a tutor to improve my grammar and pronunciation. It was a long process, but I found that being persistent and patient was key.
Interviewer: Do you still face any difficulties with the English language?
Fernanda: Yes, sometimes I still struggle with certain words and phrases, especially in informal settings or when I'm nervous. But I've learned to embrace my accent and be proud of my progress.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone who is learning English as a second language?
Fernanda: Don't be afraid to make mistakes and practice as much as you can. Embrace your accent and focus on progress, not perfection. Surround yourself with native speakers and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. And most important, be patient and persistent.
* Names and photos have been changed to protect the interviewee's anonymity where requested.