Impact of Learning English on Mongolian Students

Introduction

• Statistics:
  • 25% of the world knows some English.
  • 12.8% know English as a second language.
• Personal Journey: Moved from a Mongolian-Belgian school to an international American system.

Transition to International School

• Initial Challenges: Difficulty grasping English grammar and sentence structure.
• Cultural Contrast: Felt out of place initially.
• Adaptation: Improvement through practice and tutoring.

Becoming Bilingual

• Definition: Fluent in two languages (Mongolian and English).
• Realization: Proficiency in English led to a decline in Mongolian fluency.
• Experiences: Difficulty in translating from English to Mongolian during volunteer work.

Broader Impact on Mongolian Students

• Observations: Many peers also struggled with Mongolian spelling and grammar.
• Educational Policy: Mongolia promotes English over Russian; 8 years of English education for every child.

Linguistic and Cultural Attrition

• Personal Attrition: Losing native language impacts identity and culture.
• Scientific Insights:
  • Efficiency of first language declines but can be relearned.
  • Decision-making changes when thinking in a second language.
• Generational Gap: Older generation speaks Russian, younger generation speaks English.

Pros and Cons of Bilingualism

• Advantages: Opportunities like better education and global communication.
• Disadvantages: Loss of fluency in the native language.

Strategies for Balancing Both Languages

• Focus Division: Use English for academics, Mongolian for casual activities.
• Continuous Practice: Engage in Mongolian conversations, read Mongolian books, and think in Mongolian.
• Mindset Transformation: Transform thinking process to incorporate Mongolian.

Conclusion

• Future Steps: Small consistent efforts to balance both languages are crucial for maintaining cultural identity and ensuring generational continuity.