Being Overweight Is Hard, Difficult Indeed.

Assalamualaikum WBT,

I want to be like this..hehe

Do still remember the entry I wrote explaining about Language Learning Strategies? well, you remember a bit, then you'd better click this link. LLS 

Now, I want to tell you about something, this totally out of English grammar topic but it is something that made me aware of something. Yes. 

Early this 2014, I went to a place for an interview, I did not tell it here, I think but the thing is, that interview actually as a small wake up call for me. In what? In trying to lose weight as much as I can. Why?

Well, the situation was like this,

The interviewers asked me about my weight, I mean the mobility of me running around and do the jobs and whatnot. But the way they asked me was not straight forward, it was more like,

"If you had to work late, would you able to do it? It would not effect your health right? And most of our building do not have lift so, using stairs, would you be okay?"

My answer,

"Thank you for the questions, to be honest, I will not be effected by all these conditions, plus, in shaa Allah, I will be able to lose weight running errands and stairs? Would be the best tool for me to lose weight and no I will not effected by these simple tasks"

"No, we just concern about your health and weight".

"Thank you for your concern and as mentioned, I will not be effected by that and I will try my very best to execute the jobs given to me by you".

"Thank you'.

If you were in my position, what would be your response?

And that incident actually made me realise that I really have to lose weight. Like, really. I have too. To be honest, to get started is hard but once you started your diet and everything, it will be okay. In shaa Allah. I am still struggling with everything. Diet, food, drinks and whatnot, its hard but what I can do is, try my very best in exercising.

As for me, I am not exercise drastically, I started slowly and alhamdulillah, it started to show its compatibility with my own body. I mean, the diet, the exercise, the weight lost (do not yet). hehe, but I do feel lighter now compared to last year. Alhamdulillah. I am grateful to Allah for all this given to me by Him. Amin.

Its hard, its difficult, but its harder when I am overweight. I have been living like this since I can remember, I mean, being fat. But now, I still fat but not as fat as i used to. Alhamdulillah. I hope this will be a continuous process where I could lose some more weights and be able to get my ideal weight, which is 75 kg, and I am now 100 something kg. I need to lose AT LEAST 30 kgs to achieve my ideal weight. *sigh. its hard but in shaa Allah, if I be honest to myself and determined to lose weight, concentrate, in shaa Allah, I will be able to do it.

That is all for now I think.

Assalamualaikum WBT

p/s: being fat is hard, but they called me acceptably fat. Such words existed? haha dear.

Language Learning Strategies : Memory Strategies

Assalamualaikum WBT,

Now, in the last entry I wrote about this,

Learning Strategies 

Bear in mind, this is about learning strategies not learning styles. They have their differences, okay? 

Now, we are going to talk about Memory Strategies.

What is memory strategies? Is it that important in learning language?

Memory strategies is a particular activity to help learning language by memorising the words and the structures of the language. 

It is actually very important because, since we are English Second Language Learners (ESL), we need to actually memorise words at the beginning but eventually memorising will become retrieve. Meaning, we know the word already, we have memorised them and all we need to is just retrieve. That is all. But at the beginning, it is memorising then it turned into already there. Hope this work. hehe... I am not really good in explaining things. hehe..

So, what are the memory strategies?

Well, as an example, have played flash cards before? Kindergarten maybe? So that is memory strategies, well, one of those million activities in learning English language using memory strategies. In Flash cards we tend to memorise them right? 

Usually in Flash Cards, there are two separate elements, which are, images (pictures) and also words (alphabets). Either way, the intentions is to make our mind memories the shown cards and learning language *thats the ultimate intention. 

It is also the same with songs. We remember the lyrics with the songs together but then when we know the words already, do we need to look for the lyrics in paper? No right? Why? Because we remember the words, the structures already. Why that happened? It happened because the words already stored in our mental lexicon bank. Amazing right? Cute. 

Well, that is all for now. Thank you.

Assalamualaikum WBT

p/s: memory strategies is quite okay. Love it. It is learning acquisition. hehe...

Learning English : Language Learning Strategies.

Assalamualaikum WBT,

As promised, I would love to write about Language Learning Strategies which, this would actually help us in learning language (s) and in this case, it is English language. And since this blog is focusing on learning English language, lets just bear in mind it is about English language, yes?

Now, what is Learning Strategies? 

Learning Strategies defined as specifications, behaviours, steps, or techniques -- such as seeking out conversation partners, or giving oneself encouragement to tackle a difficult language task -- used by students to enhance their own learning (Scarcella & Oxford, 1992 p.66).

So that is language strategies. Back those days, my supervisor, Dr. Normah asked me to look for recent articles as the references, but, I am so sorry Dr. I found just those articles published on the internet but alhamdulillah, I managed to get good grade on that thesis. A few lecturers said that my topic is quite 'long-time-ago', I mean, I little bit 'not new' but, hey, I almost half way on that topic, please. Hahaha, there is no way I'm going to change it! please. 

Now, lets comeback to the main topic.

What are the elements or the items under language learning strategies?

1. Memory Strategies

2. Cognitive Strategies

3. Compensation Strategies

4. Metacognitive Strategies

5. Affective Strategies

6. Social Strategies

These are the items under language learning strategies that we need to know. 

Above is the chart by Oxford (1990) and she divided into two main groups which are, Direct Strategies and Indirect Strategies. Later on, I will explain more one the items on each group. But, in order for us to know which strategy that used the most in learning English language, we need to talk a simple test, its called SILL ( Strategy Inventory of Language Learning). 

Sometimes, some of us might asked ourselves, why the hell I need to study this? It is not like I have give lecture to students. Well, you have those questions, give me five darling, I too had those questions before. But, when I think back, there reason why we learned all sorts of things, it is to prepare us for the world out there. Don't worry, keep learning, no one could stop you from learning, plus, its a good thing to learn, well at least you learn something, right? hehe...

For this entry, I will try to make it short and I just want you to know what are the strategies for language learning, that is all. Later on, I mean, in the next entries, I will explain more on the strategies. Yes, one by one with examples, okay? Don't worry, we try to figure this our together, okay?

Well, its just language, nothing more. hahaha...

Assalamualaikum wbt

p/s: some said, "learning English language is not good, you'd better learn Mandarin". B? are kidding me right? hahahha

Learning Curves!

Assalamualaikum WBT,

Have you heard about Learning Curve?

Well, I have, and I personally think, the learning curve should be like this.

It should not be like this. Why? To be honest, learning should not have curves, why? Because, its not only for women, it also for men. Well, men should not have curves. hahahaha.. Kidding.

Yes, it should not have curves. Plus, learning is a longtime, continuous activity. No one should consider stop learning. Learning can be formally or informally. Like me, I am now reading Task-based Language Learning and Teaching by Rod Ellis. I found it very interesting book and very helpful for a person like to start something else other than creative mind job, something like that. 

In addition, it took me two long years to know that I am really into English language. The technical terms, the systems, the grammar, the unique vocab, and whatnot. I really love it. The more I read, the more I don't understand and I love it. It makes me want to read more. It makes me want to know more about particular topic. Really.

Remember those tonnes of books that I owned from my uni life? I still read them, why? To be honest, reading is one of my hobbies. Reading makes me wonder, reading makes me think and most of all, reading makes me imagine things. I mean, the more I read, the more want to know about things. That is why, internet is so important nowadays. Books are important too, but books can only provide particular topic within the topic of the book, but internet can do some much that books. Really. 

That is why, learning should not have curve why? Because learning is a process. No one should stop but just keep soaring in learning. Improve and keep reading. Believe in yourself. It does not have to be formal, it you do not want the fuss about examinations and whatnot, keep reading and worry not about the exam, why? because you learn in informally. hehehe.. like me.

Assalamualaikum WBT

p/s: Next time, I will provide you with the Language Learning Strategies results. I wrote it as my thesis back in the day. hehe

Learning English Grammar : 'If' Conditional Sentence and its types.

Assalamualaikum WBT,

I feel like I have abandoned this blog for quite sometimes. Haish. I am so sorry blog, not posting any entry made me sick too, why? I lost the momentum already. There were times I was so darn excited in writing blog, like almost 2 entries per day, but now. Don't ask. Yes.

Okay, now, last week, we were on Whatsapp but then I did not able to reply because I did not have internet connection to active the Whatsapp and my friends were discussing about Conditional Tenses (English). Darlings, after a few websites and light reading, conditional tenses is actually quite tricky. Why? Well, there are five (5) conditions that we need to know in Conditional Tenses. What the the conditions?

 See the example above and also the explanation. As for the 'zero' conditional, it has this element that it will happen it this happened. So, the result is always right. See the example give. "If you heat ice, it melts". What does it mean? It means, when ice is heated, it will melt. why? Its science. Got it right?

 Then the Type 1 Conditional, okay, for this one, its a little bit tricky. Well, at least, to me, I do not know about you, I am not perfect darlings. hahaha.. well, no matter what, I will try to explain about it. As mentioned in the picture, its about the tense (time) both present and future and the situation is REAL but its too about the possibilities might be given by the other subject. Let say, 'If you make a mistake, someone will let you know". This is the example, as you can see there, the clause is 'if you make a mistake' and the main clause is 'someone will let you know'. What does it mean? It means, if you make mistake *in any possible ways people could think of, someone will let you know your mistake. That the possibility. And bear in mind that the situation is real.

 Well, for the Type 2 Conditional is more like the type 1 but honestly, its different. Trust me. It is also based on time but the situation is UNREAL. Why? Why Unreal? Let see the example above. 'If it rained, you would get wet'. Well, that the clause and the main clause, but since we are discussing about conditional tense, the use 'if' is important. In this Type 2 conditional, it is not based on fact. It more to the hypothetical condition with the probable result. Let say if it rained and I would get wet. Would I? there two things that we could ask back, 1, its not going to be rained, 2, i have my umbrella. So, would I get well. This is where the 'what is' questions would easily slipped from our own mouth when we want to have argument. Yes. But in terms of grammar, that is the clause and the main clause. It is just based on the hypothetical conditions where we do not even know what might happen. will it rain today? Right? now you know.

 Now, the Type 3 Conditional, it is used in past perfect and the main clause is the perfect conditional. This one is very darn tricky. Hahaha.. i had to read a few times to understand it. Well, the nature of this Type 3 Conditional is UNREAL. The time is obviously, past. Let see this other example, 

"If you had warned me, I would not have told your father about that party."(But you didn't, and I have). This is usually comes with hatred. Hahaha... you want to tell the thing but then you choose to tell someone about it but then you denied it. Eff you! hahahaha.. Ask yourself, you might have done this before. Well, somehow it connected. Let see another example, refer the picture above, 'If you have worked harder, you would have passed the exam'. Would you? Even if you worked harder, would you passed the exam? Somehow, this Type 3 conditional sentences are more likely to get away from the situation. Awkward situation. Yes. And try to pamper people. This Type 3 conditional sentences. Bear in mind, contrary to reality, unreal, opposite. Obviously, two faces would love this type. hahaha...

Well, this one is mixed between two types. Type 2 and Type 3. But the result is in the present and in the past is unreal and the reality is what you already passed. Well, complicated?  A bit, yes. Let see the example given. "If I had worked harder at school, I would have a better job now". Can you see that? Its quite easy, now we look the words one by one. The if' clause is past perfect and the main clause is present conditional, we look at the past perfect first, 'If I had worked harder at school...' Well, since it is past perfect, we know he was not a good grader at school, right? And the second one, "...I would have a better job now'. Another negative meaning implied, well, obviously, we know that he have good job but he might me tired of his job. Who knows right? So, there you go. Understood already eyh? hehe...

No doubt its quite complicated. But we need to read it. I have this a little bit easy-to-understand sheet. 

'If' is often used in a Conditional Clause. We use the Simple Present tense in Conditional Clauses to show that things are likely to happen. The other clauses are the Simple Future Tense.

There is another Conditional Clause. The use of Simple Past tense in Conditional Clauses to show that things unlikely to happen. The other clauses are used in the Present Conditional tense (would or should + an infinitive).

Sooo? how? okay? hahaha... *broken English a bit. No matter what, we need to read more, since English language is not our mother tongue. Well, some of us, not me. My mother tongue is Malay. So, speak Malay lah? Gitu? hehehe..

Assalamualaikum WBT

p/s: its not that hard but reading brings joy to myself actually.

Source one
source two
source three
source four

English Language Learning Methods.

Assalamualaikum WBT,

Okay, today, I am going to talk about 'Learning English Language'.

Some said,

'You need a proper teacher to really understand English language'.

I'd say,

Yes, you really need a proper teacher to teach you English language. Why? English language is actually a quite complicate but an easy language. Why complicated? but easy? why? Well, its complicated if you ignored the rules BUT, it would as easy as cake if you follow the rules. Funny eh?

English language is not like Malay language, which does not have tenses, English language does have tenses. It will a little bit more difficult to memorise and language is not something that you could easily memorise just like that without knowing the grammar.

Yes, every single language in this world has its own grammar. Some are ridiculously funny but some are okay. Hehe, but whatever it is, it is arbitrary. Its always like that. Back to the teacher thingy, yes, you need at least one teacher to learn English language. Why?

Well, someone who knows English language better would be the best teacher to teach you. Some might know about how English language work in everyday lives but some might know it from the syllabus taught. Some might have different sides of learning method. Yes, there lots of ways in learning English, some might be very effective to other, but some not.

On that matter, we need to identify the real potential on mental lexicon and their confidence. Some might be very good in writing because they know the rules and they have lots of vocabulary, but they might be in trouble in speaking, delivering in verbal communication. Word vomit can't be always good, right? Some might be very darn good in speaking but have trouble writing. That also can not be good. So, we need to balance between those two. Speaking and writing aka verbal and written forms. 

So, why do we need to know the effective methods in learning English language and how can we identify those effective methods?

Well, I too have my very own ways in learning English. To be honest, I learned English from my primary and secondary teachers, well, it wasn't so great, in fact, I usually just wrote and answered the sentences that I felt right, yes. It is always like that. But when I enrolled to UNISZA and took English course, then I realised, 

"ohh, my English is bad".

I told my friend and I said,

"Jaja, I need to learn English, again, my English is bad".

He answered,

"okay, I could see that too, nevermind, I have something for you".

Then he made me this table and it was really amazing, I could easily learned English grammar *the basic ones in just like a week. I do no know how its happened but it happened. Amazingly good. And alhamdulillah, I still learning English language. I remembered the rules even until now. 

The rules, the grammar, we need someone to teach us but vocab, we need to find it ourselves. How? Through reading and so many more. 

 Back the question imposed just now, why do we need to know the effective methods in learning English language and how can we identify those effective methods?

"Why do we need to know the effective methods in learning English language?"

We need to know the effective methods because we could learn with ease the English language. 

"How can we identify those effective methods?"

Well, this question is quite tricky. This one we need to figure it out by ourselves. As I said before, there are lots of language learning methods. Some good with just reading, but some good when there are teachers presence. So, Different people have different methods. Yes, so, its all about trial and errors and also efforts. You tried but you failed so, do not give up, try again. In the end, it is just a language.

The real challenge would be out there, where you skills with be put to the test when you have to converse with other, Where you have to communicate with others. That what really matter, it does not mean that grammar is not important, but balancing all the elements is most important.

So, now you know right?

That is all I guessed, thank you!

Assalamualaikum WBT

p/s: Rusty English vs Amazing English. hihu :)

 

Get Your Inspiration Now!

Assalamualaikum WBT,

Hi all, how do you do? Well, it has been a while right? since my last entry, well, let me put aside the grammar session because I really want to focus more on what I want to say about something.

What do you know about inspiration?

I mean, inspiration is something that really matters to us actually in doing something. Inspiration is something that a thing that keep us motivated in doing jobs. Let say, a photographer feeling hopeless in continuing his job but then if he has something that might keep him motivated or inspire him to do his job, he might be able to avoid his 'hopelessness', right? 

Well, motivation and inspiration are needed to survive. Why? Every single person in this world, on earth, has something that they refer as inspiration. In fashion, all those designers has at least, one person referred as the inspiration. Coco Chanel? Miuccia Prada? Gianni Versace? Those are fashion people. *i'm using ARE because they still live in people's heart.

Yes, I am not a good writer in linking points, but I am still learning the way to link my points. I am so sorry, I found it a little  difficult in linking my points in English language. Yes, I know English language, but I do not use it in my everyday conversation. I only used it in my written form, yes. Easy? Quite hard, that is why sometimes, when someone is trying to converse with me, I had to talk quite slowly and utter my words carefully. Hehe..

And one more thing, I was working the other day, and my cousin and I was looking for one place, to set up the dais (pelamin), then, we asked the security man there *Nepal, and to be honest, me and my cousin are good with English but then when we were talking to that man, we became blank. Zero, nada! Why? Because, his English is not near to our English. Well, our English is Malay+British+American English but that man English is more to Crippled+Nepal English. Sorry, I do not know how to start a simple conversation with such English. Not bad to them but bad to use. Just like the Broken Malay English, hello, just using the root word to everything is not helping in developing good English command. Sorry.

So, get your inspiration and let it inspires you now. Same goes with English language above, get your inspiration, NOW!

I have mine, Harry Potter, The Queen, Made in Dagenham. Lovely!

Assalamualaikum WBT

p/s: Cute eh?