Speaking English and Comprehension Skills

Angelika With respect to speaking the language, many people keep asking me if my English is already perfect. I would say that many things are easier for me now (e.g. making phone calls), as I understand more complicated things and I don't have to think so long when I want to say something. Nevertheless, I still come across my language limits, especially when it comes to having a conversation at a higher level. It is also quite difficult to be funny in another language. However, I think this is normal; after all, I have been speaking German for much longer than English. What I have noticed is that many things I learned in school come back to me (e.g. grammar). I can also write short texts quite well again. Speaking, however, is still the hardest part for me, but it was like that in school already. Another big problem is that I often don't dare or want to express things too complicated. Well, I still have a lot of time to practice. Starting Monday, I will attend a four-week English summer course at my City College and then everything will be closed here due to the summer break. Starting June 26th I will be visiting in Germany. I will first land in Munich and stay there until July 5th. From July 5th to 22nd I will be in Oldenburg. So if anyone wants to see me, remember these dates.

Of course, this newsletter wouldn't be complete without a few comments on everyday life in America: