A little love letter to the English Language

Written by Maya B.

“BEFORE

B-E-F-O-R-E

NOT B4

Unless you speak Bingo, not English.”

— RE:BOOKS

English is not my “first” language. But what does that even mean?! 

I was born in Israel, so technically Hebrew is my first language. 

Though, a family friend of ours always joked that when I started speaking, I spoke Hebrew with an English accent, just as my mom did since she was Canadian. 

It was my way of melding both languages together.

Most people around me, including family, friends, and educators, did speak Hebrew, as I did; but I had the benefit of my mother’s first language — English — as well. 

I spoke and understood English probably as well as I did Hebrew. 

I only started learning to read and write in English in Grade 5 or 6, but I did pretty good — sorry — I did well, all things considered.

When I came to Canada at age 16 and started school, the guidance office had a problem: my English was too good for an ESL class, but I technically was a newcomer, so I had to take English as a second language in order to graduate. 

They put me in some ESL “advanced” course with one other person, and all we did was gossip  read.

I also had to take a geography class that first year in Canadian high school, and the teacher singled me out in front of the class, calling me a liar — he didn’t believe I was new to Canada (looking at you, Mr. Case).

I guess I couldn’t blame him. I was dauntless when speaking. My writing skills, though, left a lot to be desired, according to my English teacher (looking at you, Mrs. Pugh). 

I am proud of the fact that during my first year in Canada, in Grade 11 English, I got an A-. Not too shabby. Mr. Case, however, was still doubtful. He gave me a B+. 

Thanks to him, though, I know where all the provinces are located, and what their respective capital cities are.

That was the beginning of my relationship with the English language. 

At first, I couldn’t care less about the language, but things have changed dramatically. To say I’m in love with English may be pushing it, but I do have great respect and admiration for English words. 

My love of reading has extended my knowledge of words and given me motivation to further expand my vocabulary. 

A few years ago, I took it to the next level by starting to study and insert new words into my daily speaking and writing activities.

To do this, I had to come up with innovative strategies that did not include reading a dictionary (though, opening the dictionary randomly did cross my mind). 

Using today’s technology and online availability, I’ve adapted daily and weekly habits using some useful resources. I have signed up to receive daily emails with “Word of the Day” content. 

Each day, I receive an email containing a special word. Some of these words are “normal” words that we incorporate into our language daily, whether verbally or written, but on the other end of the spectrum, some are words I have never seen or heard before. 

This service I use — and now proudly can say I have gotten Rebecca addicted to — is free from Dictionary.com. (The same is available from multiple sites. The benefit of receiving an email daily, at least for me, is that when I check my emails every morning, I can read the word, its proper definition, and how to use it.

(Rebecca and I now use our word of the day at least twice a day through text because we like to outsmart each other. “Stravage?” “caterwaul?” Our texts are ridiculously funny...and ridiculously smart!)

Another source I use is podcasts. Every day with my morning coffee, I listen to a two-minute podcast, courtesy of Merriam-Webster. 

Again, this gives me a definition, a source, and an example sentence. There are various word-of-the-day podcasts to choose from as well.

When I have my words of the day, I make a point of inserting them into a conversation or a piece of writing. (Again, I'm proud to say that Rebecca is now addicted too!) I’ve used these words in essays and exams as well as when conversing with clients at work. 

I may have inserted a couple in this article, as well. The possibilities are endless! Why not write a haiku? (I’ll leave that for some other time…)

Realistically, I don’t use two different words every day, but I attempt to — at least five to seven times a week. 

This tactic has paid off in many ways, one of which was confirmed when one of my classmates commented on the versatility of my vocabulary and exceptional use of words.

What about you? Do you have a love for the English language? How do you enhance your verbal and written skills? Let re:books know here!