Growing up in the United States as English is my second language is sometimes very stressful. Sometimes it is very hard to understand completely what my teachers are talking about, especially in English Class.
Today in my English Class we were having a discussion about a novel that we were reading. My English teacher were using a lot of the literal devices that are use in the novel. I feel like I was so stupid compare to all my other classmates, which they are white. They were answering all her questions and inside I was like, “what are they talking about?” I feel so intimidated and so much pressure on me when I’m in that class. Also, sometimes I do know what the answer is but I’m so scare to answer it because I think that I might use the literal devices in the wrong form.
Growing up as English is my second language is very hard sometimes because I don’t understand everything completely. Sometimes I just really hate who I am because I feel like it’s to my disadvantage not to understand everything that will help my education. Sometimes I wish that English was my first language because it would make life much more easier for me, I would be more confidence to speak up in class and know that my answer would not be wrong. Also, I wouldn’t have to study twice as hard to comprehend everything that I learn at school.
Most schools have classes that accomodate students whose second language is English. They are called ESL (English as a second language) classes and maybe you should look into that and see if they have that at your school. Maybe taking a course like that for a year will help your english improve and then you'll be integrated into the other classes.
It's hard for everybody to learn a new language and I can't image how difficult it is to be immersed in an environment where you can't completely understand everything. You should also try asking your teacher for help so you don't fall behind. Teachers are there to help you, in my mind that's a part of teaching. There is no reason why you should feel bad about not fluently speaking English. Don't get too discouraged, it will come with time.
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"Most intellects do not believe in God, but they fear us just the same." - Erykah Badu
I'm not sure about the OP's school district, but I know in mine, they don't have that. My friend had that happen, and they put in in Special Education - the teachers couldn't help him, even though the class was at a slower pace, because they spoke elementary Spanish. Eventually, though, he learned English.
I used to be the same way myself (not for very long, I was about three when I started learning English), except I forgot Spanish in an effort to fit in... But now, as I'm relearning it via my classes, I find myself "slipping" back into Spanish-only. It's embarrassing to have to restate what I just said, because I said something my friends couldn't understand.
I've been learning French for the past 5 years and my speaking skills aren't as good as they should be because I'm afraid to speak. Your friends making fun of you for making mistakes will only hold you back even more. If it's bothering you then tell them, English is my second language and I will make mistakes frequently and I don't appreciate you making fun of me. I know how hard it is to speak your second language to a native speaker, it's scary and all you want to do is slip back into what is comfortable for you.
The only other thing I can think of is a tutor. Somebody that maybe speaks both English and Spanish that you can identify with and feel more comfortable around.
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"Most intellects do not believe in God, but they fear us just the same." - Erykah Badu
I have heard that english is the hardest language to learn. Because we have words like Knife that look like they sound one way but they sound totally different. I don't understand about learning english because it is my primary language but I took spanish for about 6 years off and on and it is pretty hard to learn. I believe any language is. Like someone previously stated you should try and get into a class that can help you with english so you can learn it a little better.
Something people should know about:
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
Hey! Things will get better for you. Don't worry!! I have a few friends that are in your situation. I have this one friend .. he's from China. He's only been in Hawaii for about 2 years and english has gotten so much easier for him. I mean .. he still has a little trouble speaking it ... but, other than that, he gets it. he knows what people mean when they talk to him
I am currently teaching ESL, but not in America. Instead, I'm teaching it in China. I can understand how frustrating it is as I suck at languages. If you can tell me how to help other students like yourself, please do so. I have one more year to try to improve their lives.
Also, if you want some help from me, please ask. As I don't log into ProU so much, it might be easier to pester me at my own website which is below (Insanitek).
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You can't ignore me, for I'll not lie down quietly.
http://insanitek.net
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