TLDR;
This video encourages English language learners to recognize and celebrate their actual abilities, often underestimated due to comparisons with others. It addresses the common misconception of self-assessed beginner status, highlighting that conversational ability indicates a higher level. The video also touches on cultural differences in language learning encouragement, the importance of confidence, and leveraging online resources like italki for practice. The key takeaway is to focus on self-validation and consistent practice to improve and appreciate one's English skills.
- Stop underestimating your English skills.
- Practice speaking regularly to improve fluency.
- Celebrate your achievements and be confident.
- Utilize online resources like italki for language practice.
- Focus on self-validation rather than external validation.
Introduction: Stop Underselling Your English Skills [0:00]
The video starts by urging viewers to stop underestimating their English skills and self-identifying as beginners when they are not. The speaker notes that if viewers can understand most of what she's saying at her normal pace, their English is likely better than they think. She addresses comments about her humor and confidence, emphasizing the importance of not taking life too seriously and celebrating one's achievements. She connects confidence with language learning, suggesting that believing in one's ability is crucial for improvement.
Experience with English Learners [1:43]
Drawing from her experience teaching private English classes, the speaker notes that many students underestimate their English proficiency. She disregards standardized tests, judging proficiency by the ability to hold a conversation. Mistakes are normal at all levels, and the goal is to use English to communicate effectively. She shares anecdotes of students who claimed to be beginners but demonstrated strong conversational skills, clarifying that a beginner is someone who cannot yet hold a basic conversation.
The Importance of Speaking and Using italki [3:47]
The speaker addresses viewers who understand English well but struggle to speak, stating that the only way to improve speaking is to practice. She references her video on learning Spanish, recommending self-practice and online platforms like italki for conversation with native speakers. She promotes italki, offering a discount link for viewers to try their first class and potentially get a second class free. She emphasizes the value of interacting with patient native speakers who can provide corrections and tips.
Cultural Differences in Language Learning [5:19]
The speaker discusses a cultural difference where some individuals from Hispanic countries were teased for speaking English well as children, creating a mental block against improving their English. She contrasts this with her experience in the US, where knowing more Spanish was seen as cool. She suggests this early experience can lead to adults falsely believing they don't speak English if they aren't fluent. She also observes that native English speakers often overestimate their Spanish skills, while English learners underestimate their abilities.
Confidence vs. Arrogance and Cultural Expectations [6:47]
She contrasts how native English speakers often overestimate their Spanish abilities due to a cultural upbringing that encourages confidence, while English learners often underestimate their skills. She highlights the unfair treatment where native English speakers are often excessively praised for basic Spanish, while English learners are not appreciated for their English proficiency. She suggests viewers stop over-complimenting foreigners for mediocre language skills and instead focus on celebrating and validating their own and others' English abilities.
Self-Validation and Native Speaker Perspective [9:04]
The speaker advises against seeking external validation and encourages self-appreciation for one's English skills. She points out the disparity in how native English speakers are praised for basic Spanish while non-native English speakers are not similarly appreciated. She notes that even if one achieves fluency, they may never speak exactly like a native speaker. She uses the example of bilingual children growing up in the US to illustrate that they are native English speakers, despite potentially having a different first language.
Examples of Bilingual Native Speakers and Conclusion [10:57]
The speaker uses the example of YouTuber Super Holly, who grew up in both Mexico and the US, to illustrate how bilingual individuals can be native speakers of English. She contrasts this with the fact that people are often surprised by Super Holly's English proficiency, highlighting the unfairness in how Hispanics are not always appreciated for their English skills. She concludes by reiterating the importance of confidence in one's English abilities, celebrating achievements, and practicing speaking regularly. She also notes that YouTube videos are generally easier to understand than movies for language learners.
