Of all the four skills (listening, speaking ,reading and writing) speaking seems intuitively the most important: people who know a language are referred to as speakers of that language…as if speaking included all other “kinds of knowing”, and many, if not most, foreign language learners are primarily interested in learning to speak. However, one wonders whether that is when the story ends…What they really seek for is far beyond the mere fact of being able to speak a language…They want to achieve that vital phenomenon of communication which can sometimes, if not always, frustrate second language learners. Communication implies not only being able to produce utterances, but being prepared for interaction, dealing with a wide range of cultural patterns, different accents, pronunciation, intonation and certain customs one might have never had the chance to be exposed to.
Throughout this essay, Rolando Neilla, illustrates pretty clearly how he has had to manage to survive when faced whit this crucial phenomenon of daily conversation, even though he has been studying English for several years in his native country, Paraguay, and for one year as an exchange student in the United States. What is more, now that he is about entering collage in Massachusetts, he is still studying to become hopefully, one day, a “competent foreigner language speaker”…
The best way he attempts to explain these complex feelings created by his communication dilemma was by associating it to his experience of learning tennis, which has been also hurting his pride. Of the many wisely descriptive examples, one is confronted to; I would not say there is one that most effectively explains what it is meant to be second languages “user”, since all of them confront one to the many skills a proficient speaker is due to handle.
From his first comparison, of tennis players starting with a strong service with that of people speaking at an incredibly speed; to that of contrasting basic tennis game plans opponents can easily master, with lacking the experience of handling certain cultural patterns of expressing feelings and moods. Even, when he clarifies the fact of being unable to distinguish the different connotations of words and, as a consequence, not understanding the point his “opponents” are trying to make .All of them efficiently sum up what is meant to be a second language speaker. As he says “In tennis I’m not very good at predicting what “play” my opponent is trying to use; and when I do it is usually too late”. Reaction comes to late when one lacks the knack.
Playing tennis for him in general is a stressful, uncomfortable situation, which he can not enjoy at all. Likewise, everyday conversation is also very annoying; since he has to pay so much attention to things that should be automatic and to give too much thought to almost every word other people is making use of.
However when he expresses his feelings of not being natural and the fact that he often starts questioning the way...the “how to” communicate and relate to people, I would say that fact does not actually describes what a foreign language speaker is meant to be. Since that linguistic and cultural code will always be his second.
One can always aim at being fully experienced once, practising hard and even getting that feeling of mastering that language…But let’s face it; one will always be a second and not a native speaker.
One final thought…English has become a truly global language, and it is important for everyone from every country to have a clear understanding of English.
Because of the vast prevalence of English in today's world, English as a second language (ESL) is becoming increasingly vital. Those who study the English language have a wealth of opportunity ahead of them, and they also make themselves open to communication with millions and millions of people worldwide.
However, there will always be barriers… Slang, among others, has much to do with this phenomenon. Just think of the language you use while text messaging and on the Internet ("LOL" instead of "laughing out loud"). And would that be a friend on the receiving end of your message, or a mate? In Australia, the two words mean the same thing, but in America, "mate" takes on a much more romantic connotation.
For this reason, among others, it is very important for ESL teachers, especially non-native mentors, to give emphasis not only on the speaking aspect of the learners, but on the communicative as well as intercultural competence.
Emma
