The English Learner’s Manifesto

September 21, 2018August 24, 2019 nhutly No Comments

This post introduces two manifestos that language learners should learn by heart to remind and motivate them to achieve their language goals. Reading out loud these manifestos everyday is considered a good affirmation.

1. The English Learner’s Manifesto (from learnoutlive.com)

What I Want
I want to learn.
I want to succeed.
I want to triumph.

Resolution
I will be realistic about my goals, because to hurry is to slip.
I will remain positive, because negativity solves nothing.
I will rely on myself, because I am always here to help me.

Process
I will read, because reading is the path to knowledge.
I will listen, because I will learn pronunciation and style.
I will speak, because by speaking, I will think about my words.
I will write, because by writing, I will think about my sentences.

What I Can Do
I can speak words, even if they must be softly, even if to myself; it is better than silence.
I can ask others for help, because unless I ask, I will never know if they can help me.
I can challenge myself, because that will help me expand my boundaries.
I can speak with others, because that will help me develop my confidence.
I can read about specific things I know of, because I can apply my knowledge.
I can learn the patterns of words, because that will help others understand me.

Reflections
There is no failure; only steps towards success.
There is nothing impossible; only things I have not yet done.
There is nothing lost by trying my best.

I Will…
I will learn English.
I will succeed.
I will triumph.

2. An English Learner’s Manifesto (from Steve Kaufman – a famous polyglot)

Have you studied English for many years? Are you still afraid to speak English? Please study this and repeat it to yourself daily.

I can be FLUENT in English. My goal is to be FLUENT. My goal is not to be perfect. My goal is just to be FLUENT. I can be FLUENT and still make mistakes.

F: First I must forget what I learned in school. I will make a fresh start. I will forget the rules of grammar. I will forget the quizzes and tests. I will forget all the times I made mistakes. I will forget what my teachers taught me. I will forget my native language. I will forget who I am. I am a new person. I am an English speaker. I will make a fresh start. I will have fun! I will focus on things that are fun and interesting. I will learn.

L: I will learn how to learn. I will listen a lot. I will let myself go. I will listen and let the English language enter my mind. I will listen often. I will listen every day. I will listen to the same content many times. I will listen to the meaning. I will listen to hear the words and phrases. I will listen early in the morning. I will listen late at night.

U: I will understand the language. I will understand what I hear and read. If I can understand what I hear and read I will be able to speak and write. Until I can understand what I hear and read, I will not be able to speak and write well. But there is no hurry. I will work on understanding. I will read a lot and especially, listen a lot. I want to understand the meaning of English. I do not want to understand the rules of grammar.

E: Every day is a learning day. Every day the language is entering my brain. I enjoy reading and listening every day. I study with energy and enthusiasm. I study interesting things and enjoy the language. If I enjoy the language I will improve. Let the language enter my mind. There is no need to push myself. I am getting better every day.

N: I will never say that I am no good. When I read and listen I will tell myself “nice going”! I will learn naturally and easily. I will be nice to myself. I will not be nervous. If I make a mistake I will say “never mind”. If I cannot understand something I will say “never mind.” If I forget a word I will say “never mind.” If I have trouble saying what I want to say , “no problem”. I will continue.

T: I will Trust myself. I will be confident. Confident learners improve quickly. I will treat myself with respect. I will tell myself that I am doing well. I just need to keep going, no matter what. The more I listen and read using The Linguist, the more I will understand. The more words and phrases I save the more I will know. Soon I will be ready to speak and write well. I will take it easy. I know I will succeed. I will trust myself and trust The Linguist.