Page 32 - ELG2402 Feb Issue 488

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RESOURCES

Any language you want?

Knowing the best way to learn English can be a challenge for all

our students. However, fellow learner, Fabio Cerpelloni’s ‘language
autobiography’ might – or might not! – just have the answers
they’re looking for…

hat’s the best way to learn ‘In 2013, a few days after I landed in Adelaide, This is good advice; I’ve given it many times
another language? Australia, I inquired about a job vacancy to my learners too. But is this good advice
In ‘Any Language You advertised at the reception of the hostel where for everyone? I don’t think so. For my partner,
WWant: 18 Conflicting Lessons I was staying. The ad was about a position as this would definitely be the worst tip; she’s an
for a New Kind of Language Learner’, a waiter in a resort. When I asked the owner advanced speaker of English who has focused
I answer this question 18 times. But I don’t of the hostel for more information, he picked on communication her entire English learning
do it by discussing teaching or learning up the phone and called the manager of the life. Yet she complains that she makes grammar
methodologies; this isn’t an academic resort saying that there was an Italian guy mistakes but doesn’t know how to correct
book. No big names in ELT are cited, no interested in the job. them. Should she ‘forget about grammar and
Second Language Acquisition research ‘“Can he speak English?” the manager asked. have more conversations’? Maybe not. In fact,
is mentioned. ‘Any Language You Want’ ‘“Yes, he can hold a conversation with me I argue the opposite of that would be more
is a collection of my own personal stories quite well. I’d give him a seven out of 10.” useful to her.
and experiences of learning English, ‘Although I still made mistakes and didn’t For learners, every piece of advice is a
my second language. have a huge vocabulary, I was pleased to hear specific tool to solve a specific problem. ‘Any
In each chapter, I talk about the problems, that my English was level seven to the ears Language You Want’ acts as a menu, giving
beliefs, thoughts, and frustrations I had as a of a native speaker. options that students can pick and implement.
learner, and share the strategies I adopted to ‘Two years later, in 2015, I left Australia and Although it is not a textbook, the book can
improve my language skills. I then advise that moved to Auckland, New Zealand. I wanted be used in class as a graded reader as well as
if you want to learn a second language, you to do an English proficiency course and get a springboard for discussion. My adult A2
should do exactly what I did. the C2 certificate, a piece of paper that would learners read it independently and a colleague
The final sentence of each story is always show I had mastered English to an exceptional emailed me to say she’s been using it with her
the same: ‘This is how to learn a language.’ level: Level 10. I had to take an entry test to advanced classes; she puts her students in
Strong. Assertive. Prescriptive. Each story enrol in this course. The minimum level groups to read and discuss the stories, and told
talks about the best learning method. But required was C1+, or Level 9, if you prefer. me ‘It’s so interesting to hear their ideas and
there’s a twist: each story disagrees with I took the test and passed it. In two years, from beliefs about language learning’.
the next. 2013 to 2015, my English went from Level ‘I have long been a connoisseur of the
For example, in the first chapter, Invest in 7 to Level 9. How did I make such a great “stories” of highly successful language
a New Life and Language Classes, I argue that improvement?’ - pp.7, 8 learners,’ said renowned linguist, teacher
taking a course is essential. After all, that trainer and author, Scott Thornbury. ‘So I was
is what I did when I was learning English It goes on to explain what types of keen to hear Fabio’s own account. Even more
in London: self-studying and practice activities I did, so when I discovered how closely we align
ending conclusively: on the issue of prescriptivism: I have always
‘I spent £600, as much as I earned in three ‘Walk alone and never leave your country. argued that there is no one “best method” for
weeks, and enrolled in a six-month English This is how to learn a language.’ learning a second language, and Fabio draws
course. I worked during the day and studied So, which story tells the truth? Which one the same conclusion from out of the multiple
in the evening for three hours twice a week is right? Neither and both. I didn’t write these strands of his own very readable and insightful
with a group of people from all over the stories to prescribe a method. I wrote them “language autobiography”.’
world. I learned grammatical points I had to share what worked for me as a language So, if you find your values align with
never studied before. I practiced writing for learner, hoping to empower, inspire, and Scott’s, ‘Any Language You Want’ may be a
the first time and got useful feedback from motivate others. I also wrote them to take a valuable addition in your classroom, or a book
my teachers. I had my mistakes corrected and stance against popular marketing campaigns to recommend to your learners.
realized that if you say “You can’t” without that promote ‘the best method’ or ‘the secrets’
pronouncing the verb “can’t” with a long to language learning. All the eighteen stories
vowel sound, you are actually throwing the are here to help students understand the Fabio Cerpelloni is an
worst possible insult in the English language. messy, no one-size-fits-all nature of language English language teacher,
I found out that some other things I had been acquisition so they might find clarity on what freelance writer, author,
saying were also incorrect. can work for them. and podcaster from Italy.
‘Invest in a new life. Invest in language These days, students are often exposed to Learning English became
classes. This is how to learn a language.’ - p.6 a lot of tips, advice, and ‘best methods’. But such a great passion for him
I don’t think learners need more information that he ended up teaching it
In the next story, however, I argue against and tips; it’s crucial for them to question professionally in New Zealand, Spain, Ireland,
taking courses and moving abroad, persuading every piece of advice they hear or read. and Italy, his native country. You can find out
readers to learn independently in their own For instance, some YouTube teachers often more about Fabio and his work on his website –
country. Walk Alone, No Investment Needed say: ‘Don’t worry about studying grammar. www.fabiocerpelloni.com
starts like this: Use the language instead! Have conversations!’
32 February 2024