Overall reflexion

I’ve changed a lot as a language learner through my internship experience. The change consisted in the achievement of my initial goals and of the strategies I used to do so. My language level has improved and I learned a few interesting facts about myself.

Goals

I was aiming to become as fluent in English as I am in French. Overall, I can’t really say that I achieved this goal because my French is still much better than my English. But this is because my French is almost perfect as I speak it since I’m 5 years old and I read a lot of books. I believe it is hard to learn perfectly English in a few months.  Maybe I aimed a little bit too high.

Nevertheless, I can honestly say that I communicate more easily than before, my accent has improved and sometimes, I even think or talk to myself in English! What helped to get better were the people I worked and interacted with as well as the confidence I feel within.

Strategies 

I really used every single one of the strategies I chose in the beginning: the mnemonic techniques, the low-inhibition approach, the guessing technique as well as the practicing and repeating methods. The one that worked out best for me was the guessing technique and the one that didn’t serve me much was the mnemonic one. It’s really constructive to know which strategy works best for you because it is something that can be used daily, when trying to understand a stranger who asks you information, for instance.

Language

I’ve noticed a significant change in my pronunciation and in my vocabulary, which is richer than it used to be. I’ve learned many words and expressions that I’ve never heard of before and that can enhance my conversations. The easiest part was the sentence structure, as I was already bilingual and as I’ve never had trouble with that. The harshest part was to actually improve my accent, as there are three other languages where it can feed on and change in the middle of a sentence.

Growth

I’ve learned that I’m a very adaptable person and that new environments stimulate me instead of scaring me. I’ve also learned that I need a career where I will be able to “move” more than in a library: I want something more challenging.

Now I see the Anglophone culture from a different eye: I used to believe that they were less friendly that the French speakers. I realized I was wrong: they simply don’t show as easily this friendly part of themselves and they are more reserved.

The internship 

I gained a great immersion experience, I met interesting people and I improved my English! I’m fully satisfied with my experience and I wouldn’t change anything.

Gratitude

I wrote Aude a card to thank her. Here’s how it goes:

Dear Aude,

Thank you so much for the marvelous internship
experience I had at your library!

You’ve truly been a great host. Your patience
and kindness were really appreciated and it’s been
a pleasure working with you.  

Sincerely,

Yévgeniya, your intern

The placement 

I would recommend it but not to anyone: it has to be a responsible person who enjoys tranquility… and books!

 

To conclude, I am really pleased with my internship experience and I’m happy with my newly-improved English.

Formal vs informal

In this blog post, I will show you two opposite examples of dialogues I've participated to/overheard during my internship: a formal one and an informal one.

The formal dialogue

As I interact with people mostly by telephone to remind them that their books are late, I have a formal script I use to keep in mind how my sentences must be structured and the specific words (or their synonyms) that I must use. Here’s a transcription of this script:

“Hi, this is a message for Mrs. /Mr. Smith.
I’m calling from the Atwater library. I wanted to remind you that your books/DVDs are overdue, they were due on _______.
Please call us to renew them or return them at your earliest convenience.
If you have any question, call Aude at _______. Thank you and have a nice day!”

Of course, if they answer, I adapt the script.

I've noticed that in a formal dialogue, it is required to use proper words or else it won’t sound professional at all. I think it’s even truer when the interaction is happening on the phone mostly with English-speaking seniors. I've learned that the titles “Sir” or “Mrs.” are indispensable and that you should always use terms such as “at your convenience” or “would you mind”, or else it might appear as if you “rush” the client… and clients don’t like to be rushed, even though their books are late!

To conclude the formal part, I will repeat it again: on the phone, when all that represents you and consequently the work place is your voice, one must be extremely careful with the chosen words and expressions as well as with the tone of voice.

The informal dialogue

I overheard colleagues talking to each other and it really made me see the difference between the formal and the informal dialogue. First of all, the tone changes: it is more relaxed and when people laugh, their eyes do as well. The words that are used also show that people are having a personal/everyday conversation. Expressions such as “screw up” or sentences like “It was, like, five bucks, so I was like “okay” are good examples. Here’s the conversation I've heard:

Colleague #1: Hey, I totally screwed up yesterday.

Colleague #2: Why, what’s up?

Colleague #1: My girlfriend wanted a Starbucks coffee and it was, like, five bucks, so I was like “okay” so I got my wallet out of my pocket and I realized I spent it yesterday with my mates! 

As for me, I've learned is that the word “like” should never be used when speaking in a formal manner because it isn't a proper form of speaking, unless it’s with your friends.

In conclusion, a simple word can make that a formal conversation becomes an informal one. One must be careful with words like “like” because this imaginary line that exists between formal and informal is easily crossed and sometimes, we don’t even notice.

My English: better than ever

I will now summarize my learning path at the library, talking about strategies, ways to improve your accent, etc.

Listening comprehension

I use various strategies to ensure that I truly understand the given instructions: for example, I use the guessing technique a lot. When I hear words that are unfamiliar to me, I try to use contextual clues, which is easy, because everything is library-related.

Also, the “communicate in whichever way possible” made my life a lot easier at the library: when I am unsure of the correct way to express myself, I mostly use gestures and various synonyms to get the message across. For example, when I as I was trying to remember the word “review”, I had a blank. I thought about the synonym “analysis” and the message got across!

About the accent

I have improved my accent greatly. Words like “convenience”, “award” or “overdue” sound a lot better when they come out of my mouth than they used to. For example, I learned that to pronounce “convenience” correctly, one must change the “e” that comes after the “v” for an “i”. I am not sure it can work for everyone but it did wonders for me! I've noticed that when I say a really long sentence in English, I no longer use the French or the Russian accent when pronouncing certain words. I learned not to fall into the same patterns and to pronounce these tricky words the right way, for example by changing the position of my mouth.

Fluency

My fluency has improved by the dozen, especially in the “professional” jargon. I used the “practice” strategy and my accent slowly began to change and finally improved in a very satisfying way.

Humor

I noticed that the English speakers have quite the same humor as the French speakers. Both tease a lot and tell jokes about controversial subjects, such as politics. I've also noticed that anglophones have the capacity to laugh at themselves and that they don't take teasing personal. I've seen various amusing situation but there wasn't one that I didn't understand. I guess this means I'm almost an anglophone now!

Accuracy

My main goal was to improve my English more than to actually learn it, so I chose accuracy over fluency. I wished to learn a more complicated type of English so I mainly was focused on learning specific words. Nevertheless, I have to say that my fluency got better. Now, I can effortlessly switch from French to English, or from Spanish to English without any difficulty, thanks to my hosts with whom I talk frequently during my internship hours. I also noticed that in English, you don't have to do any liaisons. In French, a lot of silent consonants at the end of a word are pronounced at the beginning of the following word. In English, however, this rule doesn't apply. The same goes for the subjunctive in English: it's almost nonexistent.

New words, expressions or structures

Where did you hear/see this language? What was the context? What does it mean? How will it be useful to you in the future?

I've heard the expression “I beg your pardon?”, which was said by a staff member to another one. It's a synonym of “Excuse me?” but it's a very polite form. It will be useful for my future when, for example, I'm doing a job interview and I don't understand a point or a question.

I've also heard the word “Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia” but that was just for fun: I asked a employee if he know any complicated words and that's what he told me!

Oh, it means “Fear of long word”! See you in my next blog post!

As time flies...

Hi! I’ve been to my internship quite a few times now and each time, I feel more and more like I’m part of a small Anglophone community… here are the news!

Cultures: Anglophone versus Francophone

The Atwater Library traces its origins back to 1828: it was the first mechanics’ institute in Montreal. Its founders were English-Canadians with Scottish roots. As I walked across the library, I didn’t see any cultural objects but I saw several portraits of those founders as well as one of the presidents of the organization.

In a library, music is prohibited! Instead, I asked Aude what is her favorite music and she confessed that she doesn’t really like commercial music. She prefers oldies and alternative rock so she often turns on the radio and puts 97.7 or 99.9. The French-speaking mostly listen to 96.9 because it plays very Quebecer-like songs.

She also revealed her preference for romance novels: she enjoys everything, from suspense to science fiction as long as there is a love story between the characters.

I think the well-known topic of St. Jean-Baptiste versus Canada Day won’t surprise anyone. As we know, Canada Day is obviously more important for English-speakers than for French-speakers and vice versa. In contrast, Aude doesn’t celebrate either of them. As for Thanksgiving, I believe it is mostly an English tradition: Zeela, another librarian, told me her English-speaking parents, who are from Ontario, celebrate it every year.

Expressions and idioms

I’ve overheard various expressions during my internship. Here are a few examples: “Just my luck!” is something people say when something bad happens to them. Another one is “Keep me on the loop”: put in other words, it’s “Keep me informed.”

I’ve done a lot of writing during my internship, mostly copying codes and names. I haven’t read a lot, ironically. I did though get a chance to use one of the idioms I wanted to use eventually: we were chatting with my host and I told her, “This winter, I will be ready to tie the knot!”

Rewards and challenges

If I think of it, the most challenging part of my internship was the aspect of total immersion. It was something new, something I have never experienced before. I must say, it was the most rewarding part as well!

In conclusion, throughout all my internship I’ve had the chance to learn new ways to interact more freely and I’ve improved my accent. Sometimes, I’m even able to think in English, like I’ve always wanted to!

Total immersion!

Here is the summary of what I've experienced so far...

Linguistic interference… because it happens!

When learning a second, third or fourth language, one can get a little mixed up!

Here’s what happens to me every now and then: because of the languages I use throughout the day (and sometimes I use the four of them!) I can get confused and let the patterns of the other languages, such as the word order, affect my English.

There’s also the accent problem. I often say English word with either French or Spanish accent. For instance, when I leave messages to people whose books are overdue, I say, “… or return them at your earliest convenience.” The word convenience is always giving me a lot of trouble! I believe I pronounce it conviniance but I cannot seem to say it correctly. Nevertheless, I am convinced that I will achieve my goal of pronouncing properly because I have the opportunity to practice it a lot in my internship.

The immersion experience

It is easier to acquire the language in an immersion situation because you simply have no choice. Hearing people around you speaking a language encourages you to do the best you can to be on the same level. It’s even better than in a classroom because you won’t be helped by anyone: you’re on your own.

I actively used the techniques I chose and the ones that showed the best results are the repeating technique, the low-inhibition technique as well as the practicing technique. Because my inhibition is low, I am not shy to repeat what people say around me and this gives me a chance to practice. It is all related, in my opinion.

It is the first time I work in an all-English environment and it’s one big challenge. To be productive and to work well in a language that isn’t your first or your second language, this is the real challenge.

New words, new expressions!

I also got the opportunity to learn words that were unknown for me. For example the word E book, that means livre numérique, was new for me. Here is an expression that pleased very much: “A village of 200 souls” I can see myself using it to tell bedtime stories to my children…

To conclude, I can sincerely say that this experience enriches day by day my English vocabulary and my love for books!

It's all about politeness!

As the Wednesdays go by, my English gets richer…

Interesting interactions

Even though the library is a quiet environment, one can still hear many things: employees chatting on the phone with members, volunteers talking to each other, etc. I heard many interesting things while I was busy looking which books were late. For example, I overheard a volunteer lady speaking to Aude, mentioning a “gentleman” to whom she spoke earlier. The sentence “I beg your pardon” is very commonly used among English-speakers. Every now and then, people I barely know call me “my dear”. In this English-speaking “community”, everyone is so courteous, so affable! I believe those interactions will help me to adapt myself to English-speakers, as they can guide me as in how to connect with them better.

The Anglophone culture

The huge difference between an Anglophone and a francophone environment is definitely this familiarity peculiar to the second one. In both, people greet each other by their first name but the politeness of the Anglophones is very noticeable. People interact with each other in a very cautious way: it shows that it is important not to sound rude.

To show politeness, English-speakers put all their efforts into interaction. The other day, Aude greeted a new member in a very well-mannered and attentive way. She said, “Welcome to our library, thank you for joining us!”

The dress code seems to be very “library-like”, very proper: no crazy, colorful outfits as I’ve already seen at another library (a French one). What left me wondering is that I haven’t seen anyone take a break: they must love their job…

Some new words!

I’ve been offered coffee from the “coffee pot”, said with a delightful British accent! It is the name British people give to our regular coffee machine. I have also been called an “old hand” by a lovely lady called Denise, a volunteer at the library. It is an expression that refers to someone who has given long service in something (she was referring to the long time I have living in Canada). These new expressions will most certainly serve me in the future to enrich my vocabulary and to chat with English-speakers around the world.

To conclude this update about my English-learning journey, I must say: I’ve already rented four DVDs!

 

 

The first day

Yesterday was the first time I came to work at the Atwater library: here's my perceptions of my first day of internship.

My first impressions

My first day spent at the library was very pleasant: the atmosphere was warm and relaxed. I suppose the fact that it's a small place has to do with it. Everyone knows each other and they seem to be close. Aude showed me around and she also explained the library’s classification system. Then, she showed me how to use Mandarin, the system they use to see whose books are past the due date, etc. She made me feel comfortable and gave me useful answers.

Linguistic observations

The people who work at the Atwater library speak only in English. I was there for three whole hours and not once did I hear someone interacting in French. In the whole library, there is only one shelf reserved for French books. I'm totally immersed in an English-speaking environment and I don't feel out of place!

Cultural observations

Curiously, I didn't feel that the English-speaking people who work at the Atwater library were less "warm" than the French speakers. In fact, Aude is a very friendly person and so is Kelly, a volunteer who works at the reception. Nevertheless, I did observe that the older ladies who work as volunteers were less likely to show enthusiasm or to be demonstrative with someone they just met.

Newly learned words

I learned a few technical words that I have never heard of before. When Aude said, "Then you check the dewey…" I stopped her and asked what it meant. She explained that it's a term referring to the Dewey Decimal Classification system, a proprietary library classification system named after its inventor's last name. Then she mentioned something very similar: the term "cutter", which comes from the Cutter Expansive Classification system which is a library classification system devised by Charles Ammi Cutter.

I also learned that the word "paperback" refers to a type of book characterized by a thick paper instead of a hardcover. I am looking forward to learn more new or difficult words in the next weeks so I can enlarge my vocabulary.

Here is a fun way to conclude my post: I received a free membership card!  See you in two weeks!