`I find it hard to learn English language'

`I find it hard to learn English language'

There is no doubt that English is one of the most important
subjects at school. The government even held the National
Debating Championship last week, which was participated in by
many students who speak English fluently. However, there are many
others who have difficulty learning English, as some students
expressed to The Jakarta Post.

Fanny, 17, is a second grade student of a private economics
vocational high school in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. She resides
on Jl. Gelora, Central Jakarta, with her family:

Frankly speaking, I don't like English, because the lessons at
school are not at all interesting.

The teachers teach so fast that I am hardly able to catch up.
So I find it hard to study English. I prefer mathematics to
English.

Worse still, the teachers often give difficult assignments to
the students such as compiling English materials from newspapers
clippings, taking pictures of foreigners, interviewing them and
recording the interview on tape.

Last week I tried to interview a foreigner but he was upset
due to the communication barrier and even called me a crazy
person. I didn't like it. I want to give up the assignment.

I failed an exam because I could not give the appropriate
reply in a mock phone conversation in English with the teachers.
I did not get a certificate.

In a way I realize that English is very important now, more
over if I major in secretarial studies. Thus, like it or not I
have to study hard.

However, I regret my parents cannot afford the fee for an
English course. So I have to study myself.

I hope someday I could get a job and at the same time I would
take an English course to improve my proficiency.

Destyana, 18, is a third grade student of state-run SMU 60 in
Kemang Timur, South Jakarta. She lives in Pasar Minggu, South
Jakarta:

I like English because there are no figures like in
mathematics. I hate numbers and accounting or anything whatsoever
dealing with numbers. So, I like English and it has nothing to do
with the teachers.

I think that I have to enjoy English lessons as English is one
of the compulsory subjects one has to pass in the final exam.

Besides, English will be important for the Asian Free Trade
Area (AFTA). Many jobs now also require English as one of the
important qualifications.

I don't want to join an English course. Well, at least I have
the commitment to pay more serious attention to the lessons in
class from now on. I'm afraid that if I fail the final exam it
will be hard for me.

Only one thing is motivating me to study English better, that
is to graduate from senior high school and pass the English exam.
The new system now requires a pass grade in English and several
other compulsory subjects.

The new system is really burdensome for me. I prefer the
previous system in which the pass grade was not as rigid as now
and there was no distinction between passing and graduating such
as in the current system.

Nevertheless, the new system in many ways is much more
beneficial in that it will produce more qualified graduates. That
is, as long as there is no fraud in the national final tests.
However, I am a bit doubtful about that.

Andi, 18, is a second year student of state-run SMU 24 in
Central Jakarta. He resides near the school with his family:

I have enjoyed learning English since I was in elementary
school. I have not enrolled in an English course so far. I'm
really self-taught.

So I keep a keen interest in English regardless of the way the
teachers teach or the teachers' personal traits.

I learn the language through many things including films,
cassettes and practicing with my sister. In addition, I rely a
lot on the dictionary as the major source.

I feel confident even though I am just a self-taught learner.
I've proven that I can achieve far better results compared to my
friend who studied an English language course.

I am certain that English is very important for our future.
Everyone must master it as an international language. I hope
someday I will have the chance to study abroad due to my
proficiency in English.

-- Leo Wahyudi S