Learning Spoken English in Saudi Arabia
Every month we interview one of our students from a different country and try to get their perspective on learning Spoken English. Today we are talking to Madhia, who has been an English student at Spoken English Practice since 2014. We will discuss the challenges of learning English in Saudi Arabia and how how Conversation based classes have helped her become more fluent in English. Madhia will also be sharing some tips to fellow English learners on how they can learn Spoken English without wasting time on perfecting grammar.
How important is to learn Spoken English in Saudi Arabia?
It is very important specially if you plan to work in a top company. Most companies in Saudi Arabia use English in the workplace so if you can’t speak fluently, it is not good. In my case, I’m a Quality Control Manager and have to speak a lot with my clients in the UK, so been able to understand British Accents is very important for my role!
The ability to speak English is also important for social status. I know it sounds crazy but it is true!
Did you learn English when you were in school?
Yes. But I only learned textbook English. Regular Verbs, Nouns, Adjectives, Past Participle Tense… A lot of grammar and a lot of spelling test. Unfortunately we never practiced Spoken English, which is the most important aspect of English. So I ended up as someone who can write well in English but could not speak fluently.
How did you find Spoken English Practice?
One of my friend’s son was on a kid’s Spoken English course. That’s how I heard about the classes. I took a trial lesson and immediately felt the power of this Conversational approach. Then I signed up for 20 classes and I started improving my English is a few weeks. I think now I’m very close to an advanced level in English speaking.
Want to sign up for a Trial Spoken English Lesson? Click below
How are we different from Spoken English Courses in Saudi Arabia?
I have completed a few Spoken English Courses in Riyadh but just like my teachers in school I never practiced speaking. It was just taking notes and listening to the teacher. How can you learn to speak English like that? Spoken English Practice’s Conversational approach is prefect because you can practice with a Native English Teacher. I picked Terese, a British Teacher, so I was able to improve British English a lot. I found there are so many British English idioms and slang that textbooks don’t have. Also, a huge advantage of practicing with a Native British Teacher is you can learn the accent and pronunciation naturally.
What was the hardest area for you to improve in English?
Spoken English was the hardest. I will always know words but will get stuck when speaking. Because of this I became shy to speak. But now I’m confident and I speak without thinking of grammar. A lot of English learners in Saudi Arabia do not get enough chances to practice Conversational English.
Tips you want to share to other English students in Saudi Arabia and the world
Don’t waste time in English courses that only teacher grammar and vocabulary. Don’t buy software and apps for Spoken English. Noon of those work. Don’t memorize. Just spend as much time as you can speaking English with natives. All you need is practice. You can do it!
Thank you Medhia for those lovely words of encouragement. We wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
