巨匠美語專任講師：Derek Ryans
障礙 1:缺乏自信心
我注意到GJUN大部份的學生對於自己都很沒有自信。然而缺乏自信會造成不敢開口去說不同的語言。擁有自信不但對於學習語言很有幫助，同時也可以促進人格的發展。
我最常建議學生增加自信的方法之一是:嘗試著去告訴自己"我可以的，而且我也會"更勝者，你可以把這些文字寫在鏡子上!這個方法或許有需不同。
但學生們應該要認知到一件事自信心是每個人與生俱來的人格本質。如果學生可以在每天提高自身的自信，相信他們對於說英文上面將不會有任何的問題。
障礙 2：直接翻譯
這是很自然的，當一般人看到或聽到他們不了解的東西，他們會自動的將他們轉換成自己的母語去解讀，理解他。問題是，當我們將這些轉換成自己的母語後，卻還是不了解他的意思。
會造成這樣結果的其中一個原因是英文的文法結構和句法與其他語言不同。再者，現代英語有很多都會是用到一些"美國俚語"，所以可能會有點難理解，甚至對於以英文為母語的人，有時候也會不了解他的意思。 對於這個問題可以藉由多看英文電視，電影，和多聽英文歌曲來提升。
聽音樂是最簡單的方法，因為英文歌詞是可以被列印下來，並事先去研讀他的意思的。另一個方法，就是多去練習說英文，除了跟GJUN的老師用英文交談外，也可以多和外國人用英文交談。千萬部要害怕去問問題!僅記，不管是英文好或是不好都只是為了要和人溝通，最重要的事，是要確保每個人都了解。
障礙 3：完美主義
許多學生認為為了要說"完美的英文"必須要具備熟知很多單字及擁有優異的文法技能。但殘酷的事實是，這世界上沒有甚麼事完美的。英語的美麗之處在於它的可變性及他的"可玩性"，可以去創造更能表達自我的文句。有很多的表達方式是以"俚語"的方式被人知曉。
在英文書籍裡，我們會被教導學習完美的英文文法結構，因為這是在書寫好的英文文章中所必須的。但當說英文時，請謹記，這並不是一個完美的世界，當然不會有說會說一口完美英文的人。如果有個人說了一口完美的英文，使用完美的文法，這會讓其他人覺得有點無趣!至於單字，我總喜歡說"使用艱深的字，並不代表你真的了解他的意義，那倒不如使用簡單的文字去表達"。
Jumping Through the Hurdles of Learning English
Hurdle 1: Confidence
One of the first things that I've noticed about GJUN students is that most of them do not have confidence in themselves. Not having self-confidence would then lead to being afraid to speak a different language.
Having self-confidence does not only help with learning a language, but also helps personal improvements. One of the methods that I've recommended the students to try is telling themselves, "I can and I will." To take that advice a step further, I would even go as far as to writing those words on the mirror!
The method may be different, but students must realize that individuality is essential to having self-confidence. If students can boost their own self-confidence on a daily basis, they won't have any more problems with trying to speak English!
Hurdle 2: Direct Translations
It's natural that when people see or hear something that they don't understand, they automatically try to translate everything into their native language so that they would understand it.
The problem is, after translation, it still doesn't make any sense! One of the reasons that happen could be because the grammar structure and syntax of English are different compared to other languages.
Also, modern English is spoken through quite a bit of "American Slangs," so it could be difficult to understand, even to native English speakers. One solution to the problem would be to watch English TV shows, movies, and listen to English music. Music could often be the easiest, because the lyrics can be printed and studied.
Another solution would be to practice speaking English not just with GJUN teachers, but also with other English speakers. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Always remember, good English, bad English, it's all for communication; the key thing is to make sure everyone understands.
Hurdle 3: Perfect English Assumption
Many students feel that they must have great vocabulary and grammar skills in order to speak "perfect English." The cold hard truth is that absolutely nothing is perfect. The beauty of the English language is that it can be changed and "played with" to create sentences for clearer self expression.
Many of these expressions are known as "slangs." In English books, we are taught perfect English grammar structures, because they are necessary for great English writing. But when speaking English, always remember that the world is not a perfect place, neither are the people speaking English. If a person spoke absolutely perfect English with perfect grammar, others may feel a bit boring! As far as vocabulary goes, I always like to say, "Using big words does not mean you really know it, just keep it simple."