Literature-Based ESL Lessons | English Tutor for All Ages, from Phonics to Fluency

Find out more about Beccalynn

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I speak English fluently because of my origin. I was born in the United States and lived on a military base in the states of New Mexico and Utah. After the military, my family moved to California. Living in so many places exposed me to people from all over the world. Simply because we speak the same language does not mean that we communicate effectively. Living in many parts of America taught me how to listen to cultural inferences and communicate in a warm and welcoming manner.

• Can you name a living, historical, or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is a fictional character that I think is an emblematic representative of American English Language culture. This novel by Kate Douglas Wiggin develops the character of Rebecca, an orphan who is sent to live with her aunts. Her journey of rising above adversity, cultivating optimism, and remaining kindhearted is an ideal of American English.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition, or behavior in the language that you particularly like?

  A typical phrase in English that I particularly like is, "Progress, not perfection." It encourages learners to ask questions, make mistakes and actively learn from those errors. Being able to cultivate curiosity fearlessly, allowing for the process to matter.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking in English matters to me because it is through language that we make connections. Understanding patterns, formulas, nuance, and cultural code is the foundation of how we relate to one another as humans. For those who wish to communicate or understand English, working with a native speaker like myself adds a dimension beyond simply vocabulary and grammar.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  The main difficulty in learning English is being open to the learning curve. It helps the process of learning to understand how we learn language in the first place. The first two years of our life we listen and mimic sounds. In the third and fourth years, we weave those sounds into words, sentences, and stories. As adults, we often are impatient with this process because we want the product of speaking clearly and fluently. Cultivating curiosity, and allowing learning the language to be fun relaxes our brain and allows learning to progress faster.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  When I was growing up and in school, I struggled. Moving around to many different schools put me at a disadvantage for academic skills. I had to work harder than those around me. Often I was unable to get the help I needed to progress. Understanding that because of my experience and how my brain processed information motivated me to be diligent. Simply because something was difficult didn't mean I couldn't learn it.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  My skill and knowledge of my language increased when I lived in a resort town for two years. Many of the seasonal employees came from countries all over the world. I learned quickly that how we communicate in America is different than in Australia, Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and other English-speaking countries. Learning how to communicate beyond vocabulary while learning about other cultures reinforced my love of people.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  What makes me a Superprof in language is my ability to adapt. Not only am I a native speaker, but I can offer an encouraging learning environment where all topics are welcome. I love learning from those I work with.