ESL Basics

A friend of mine recently sent me an article entitled, "Writing English as a Second Language". It raises the questions of how our native languages affect the way we articulate our thoughts into writing. Perhaps you are an English language learner who has yet to grasp the English writing style. I will encourage you to check out this article and take note of how your culture informs your writing. In essence, languages value written thought and organization in their own unique ways. When you come to understand how your native language organizes writing, you can be released to write in another mode. This doesn't discredit your own language's way of writing and putting thought to page. It simply opens you up to an awareness that can positively impact your writing in English. The key sentiment in the article that enlightens ESL and EFL students to the ways of English writing is the author's affection for his native language. He writes, "I'm hopelessly in love with English because it's plain and strong." May you come to discover the "clarity, simplicity, brevity, and humanity" of English. 

Want to learn more about writing styles across cultures and how to write in an English mindset? Read William Zinsser's article, "Writing English as a Second Language."