One of my most remarkable language learning experiences occurred when I decided to immerse
myself in the study of English during a summer spent in Scotland. This was an extremely positive
episode owing to a multitude of factors. Primarily, the immersive environment - being constantly
surrounded by native English speakers - compelled me to engage in daily communication, thus
drastically accelerating my learning attainment. I discovered that “living” a language was the key to
success! In fact, fluency entails more than memorizing words and grammar; it involves a deep
understanding of the culture and context shaping the language itself. I was (and I still am)
profoundly entangled in Scottish tradition and its magnificent history.
Furthermore, I had the privilege of being taught by an exceptional instructor - Mrs. Leslie – who
always encouraged me and emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes. Mastering tenses
and comprehending phrasal verbs proved to be quite formidable, but her supportive behaviour
allowed me to overcome my difficulties.
Notwithstanding these challenges, the overall experience was positive as I understood what truly
worked for me in enhancing my language learning capacity: commitment and consistency.
I began taking notes of what I heard - new expressions, idioms, etc... – and repeating them while
walking or doing my errands. This allowed me to enrich my vocabulary by using words employed
by native speakers rather than those used by non-native learners.
I have always had a flair for languages and English was and still is my favourite; it is a matter of
fact that knowing another language is like having another soul. In fact, it is a journey into another
culture, an experience that profoundly enriches your own existence...
English, with its beauty, has become more than a language to me, it’s a step further into new
horizons, carrying with it the unforgettable memories of this journey.
