How to learn english remaining in Poland

IP: 83.13.74.* 01.06.08, 23:41
I do speak English, even quite fluently as for Polish student, I'd say, albeit
I'm not completely satisfied with it. Can you recommend a proven method of
improving language skills to almost native speaker-like level without going to
UK? I was considering taking part in Cambridge CPE course and exam, but was
told that it's more a matter of mechanical skills and may have nothing to do
with real language abilities - simply it may just not work in real
circumstances. What do you think of it? Could you give me any advices? I'd be
really glad. Thank you.
    • jonathan.oakley Re: How to learn english remaining in Poland 02.06.08, 13:53
      As you already have a high level of spoken English the best way - in
      my opinion - to get to the next level is to SPEAK English every day
      with a native English speaker. This could be through a part time job
      or simply Skping on the net or setting up an ENGLISH GROUP in Poland
      for this purpose. If you want to practise your English writing
      skills then please try out the advanced dictations (dictation 53 is
      interesting) on www.expressteacher.com - which are free...at the
      moment! :)
      • ann_a30 Re: How to learn english remaining in Poland 07.06.08, 19:52
        I don't think it's possible. You may have conversation with a native speaker
        even every day but your teacher will be a well educated person and will be
        speaking clearly and slowly.
        Try to understand some Scottish or Geordie people especially if they use
        slang... That will be a challenge :)
        • jonathan.oakley Re: How to learn english remaining in Poland 08.06.08, 00:22
          Yes, I can see what you mean but then most of our life is formulated
          in our minds so if you believe something is possible then I believe
          doors will open for you...and vice versa...:)
          • ann_a30 Re: How to learn english remaining in Poland 08.06.08, 09:48
            Yes I agree with you but I learnt English for a long time and still wasn't
            happy. Eventually I moved to the UK and since then my English improved a lot.
            Working with English speaking people, watching only English TV, reading
            magazines and newspapers during boring night shifts etc. All these really
            helped. It was the language people where using on daily basis not English that I
            was taught in Poland.
            • Gość: viertore Re: How to learn english remaining in Poland IP: *.neoplus.adsl.tpnet.pl 08.07.08, 08:51
              And how about reading something real, mean books? I find my own
              language a bit old fashionable for I've been reading mainly the
              classics, Maugham, Orwell, Forrest, Conrad. I've been living in
              Germany for 5 years and in my own opinion the magazines and TV
              programme do not provide you with a good level of any language for
              it's mainly a mix of facts and even some kind of slang. I've found
              it helpful to have some friends who can correct me without mocking
              me and have a nice accent. I still do read some German magazines
              because of their stylish and well evidenced journalism, but there
              are not many to discuss it with. In fact, only 2 % of Germans speak
              Hoch Deutsch, so I still couldn't understand someone who speaks some
              of the local dialects. But trying is believing.
              • jonathan.oakley Re: How to learn english remaining in Poland 08.07.08, 21:35
                Ah yes..Somerset Maughan - my favourite is the 'Moon &
                Sixpence'..have you read any Graham Greene? But you are absolutely
                right..reading English books is a great way to push up yourlevels of
                understanding. As an aside, the UK's most borrowed book in 2007
                was 'At Risk' by Patricia Cornwell.
                • Gość: Phil Re: How to learn english remaining in Poland IP: *.bialnet.com.pl 06.08.08, 15:08
                  Everybody has thier own favored form of learning, whether it be
                  conversating, wathcing TV, reading etc. Try everything! One thing I
                  can agree on is that it;s very difficult to learn good, fluent
                  English in Poland, from a Polish teacher that is. Without a Native,
                  you're out of luck:)
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