Let's learn together!

[SitangCampus]

Hi, Behnam, so it was actually a pilgrimage made by those Vietnamese scholars to a great poet of Iran. In our country there are also such practices people enjoy very much, but they are more of religious than of literary significance.

In Tibet, the west part of China, to show their piety, native Tibetans put their body full on the ground to cover the long distance inch by inch from their home to the holy temple, and it may take a whole year to fulfil such a pilgrimage, with the yak hide protecting their belly from the thousands of time close contacts with the road surface worn out totally.

The Communist Party of China founded the current People's Republic of China in 1949 through hard struggles with foreign powers and reactionary forces. The former revolutionary bases along the route where the Party grows from a club of a number of enthusiastic young people to a political bloc armed with strong military power have become the holy pilgrimage sites to Chinese people.

I haven't heard of the poet you mentioned until you told me but to many Chinese poem lovers, a Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran is a household name, whose works of philosophical poems and essays are widely read and frequently cited.

I read more Chinese classical poems than the modern poems either written by Chinese poets or translated from the western world. But I did visit the rural village of Tagore, the well known Indian poet and Nobel winner for literature. It was an accident during one of my travels on business in that country a while back. I met a local man and the two Japanese girls he showed around and learnt that they were going to visit the birth place of that poet not far away. I thought little of the fun of meeting a literary master, but I enjoyed so much the conversations with the two Japanese cute girls, who tutored me how to pronounce the words of Japanese I taught myself during my long and dull years of staying in a foreign land, that I joined them. Maybe I had fallen in love with one of them unknowingly, separated from my circle of friends in China too long. I took photos with them too, but where they (the pictures)are placed now is really beyond me, otherwise I will post them here so that you can have a look and share my childish feeling, haha.

[behnam]

The question of Chicken Soup is actually about philosophizing. Chicken Soup is actually a brand of series books of an American publisher, which teaches and guides the average people how to be a good guy in their family, career, or daily life. When you first read some of such stories you were moved and touched and inspired, but more will make you jaded.

Dear SitangCampus,

You are teaching me wonderful things with your great posts full of interesting points. I searched for more information about "Chicken Soup", and asked DeepSeek and ChatGPT AIs about it. Both of them gave me very valuable information. It was really exciting. Chicken Soup for the Soul is a well-known American book series and media company that specializes in inspirational and heartwarming stories. The name "Chicken Soup for the Soul" comes from the idea that chicken soup is comforting and healing, much like the stories in the books aim to be. It seems that DeepSeek categorizes its answers very well. I listened to some stories by ChatGPT. It was really amazing. I really enjoyed listening to them. You actually introduced me to this. Thank you very much.

All the best,
Behnam, 21 February, 2025

[SitangCampus]

Hi, Behnam, we are now chain writers to each other. It is nothing new between two lovers, but a little unusual to two persons of the same sex, haha.

Yeah, you are right, you do not know what kind of interesting topics in store if you do not have exchanges with other people, as we Chinese say, a piece of truth will be more clear with a lot of arguments done about it.

Last time you mentioned the British English as the source of good English, I agree with you. A Shakespear is more than half of the English-speaking world in terms of literary creativity and everyday use of the language. I learn from history that in late 1970s after China recovered from the havoc of Cultural Revolution, many manufacturing workers in China went to evening schools after their tiring days to learn English, the international language to help them learn more about the modern world. The first words written in their clumsy hands in the exercisebooks were none other than "Long live Chairman Mao!", who is our late great leader Mao Zedong.

But Americans did make great contributions in this regard when the most popular textbook of that period was "English 900", in which a total number of 900 sentences in English were categorized under 20 headings covering the usual topics in daily life. My parents also bought two copies of it, because they did not realize that they could share the resource without overspending. But later on, they turned to "Follow Me", an English-learning program on TV made by the BBC, which was much easier to understand through vivid visual and audio effects. However, it is not anybody that can be a good learner of language, they did not go anywhere on the road of English learning.

[behnam]

I think that if one wishes to learn English well, he should get authentic materials as much as possible, but many English learners try to learn it by translating words of wisdom from Chinese into English as the above Chicken Soup did, they are not supposed to do that because it is wrong and their lousy translation with linguistic or grammatical errors cannot be understood by the native speakers.

Dear SitangCampus,

How are you? I hope you are doing well and everything is OK with you. Thank you very much for Continuous participation in writing.

I do agree with you. Most of the time, word for word translation does not convey the correct meaning of the text. When it comes to development of speaking skills, based on my own experience, "English collocations in use" is very useful. In other words, I found "English collocations in use" useful to develop speaking skills.

... so it was actually a pilgrimage made by those Vietnamese scholars to a great poet of Iran. In our country there are also such practices people enjoy very much, but they are more of religious than of literary significance.

That place is not religious. People visit there because of the literary importance of Sheikh Saadi in the literature of Iran. He is a very famous poet and prose writer. I love his poems and prose style very much.

I haven't heard of the poet you mentioned until you told me but to many Chinese poem lovers, a Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran is a household name, whose works of philosophical poems and essays are widely read and frequently cited.

Saadi had been a poet and prose writer about 750 years ago. Comparing him with Khalil Gibran may not be correct. Without exaggeration, Saadi is like a shining star in the sky of world's literature. The poem written in the United Nations building was written by Saadi. He is famous in the world. His book Golestan is full of wise stories. If you are interested in literature, I recommend you to read Saadi's Golestan. I am sure you will enjoy reading it. There is a strong possibility that the Chinese version is also available. I am sure about the English version.

... I enjoyed so much the conversations with the two cute Japanese girls, who tutored me how to pronounce the words of Japanese I taught myself during my long and dull years of staying in a foreign land, that I joined them. Maybe I had fallen in love with one of them unknowingly, separated from my circle of friends in China too long. I took photos with them too, but where they (the pictures)are placed now is really beyond me, otherwise I will post them here so that you can have a look and share my childish feeling,

You had been lucky to meet two Japanese cute girls. I wish I could see the photo of the girl you fell in love with. What made you fall in love with her? Her beauty? Let me say it another way: What caused you to fall in love with her? I want to know what factor made you choose that person from the two girls?

All the best,
Behnam, 22 February, 2025

Sheikh Saadi

[behnam]

I think that if one wishes to learn English well, he should get authentic materials as much as possible, but many English learners try to learn it by translating words of wisdom from Chinese into English as the above Chicken Soup did, they are not supposed to do that because it is wrong and their lousy translation with linguistic or grammatical errors cannot be understood by the native speakers.

Dear SitangCampus,

How are you? I hope you're doing well and that everything is going smoothly for you. Thank you very much for your continuous participation in writing.

I completely agree with you. Most of the time, word-for-word translation fails to convey the correct meaning of the text. When it comes to developing speaking skills, based on my personal experience, English Collocations in Use is incredibly helpful. In other words, I found English Collocations in Use to be a valuable resource for improving speaking skills.

... so it was actually a pilgrimage made by those Vietnamese scholars to a great poet of Iran. In our country there are also such practices people enjoy very much, but they are more of religious than of literary significance.

That place is not religious. People visit it because of Sheikh Saadi's significant literary contributions to Iranian literature. He is a highly renowned poet and prose writer. I greatly admire his poems and prose style.

I haven't heard of the poet you mentioned until you told me but to many Chinese poem lovers, a Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran is a household name, whose works of philosophical poems and essays are widely read and frequently cited.

Saadi was a poet and prose writer who lived about 750 years ago. Comparing him to Khalil Gibran may not be appropriate. Without exaggeration, Saadi is like a shining star in the sky of world literature. The poem inscribed on the United Nations building was written by Saadi. He is renowned worldwide, and his book Golestan is filled with wise and insightful stories. If you are interested in literature, I highly recommend reading Saadi's Golestan. I am sure you will enjoy it. There is a strong possibility that a Chinese version is available, and I am certain an English version exists.

... I enjoyed so much the conversations with the two cute Japanese girls, who tutored me how to pronounce the words of Japanese I taught myself during my long and dull years of staying in a foreign land, that I joined them. Maybe I had fallen in love with one of them unknowingly, separated from my circle of friends in China too long. I took photos with them too, but where they (the pictures)are placed now is really beyond me, otherwise I will post them here so that you can have a look and share my childish feeling,

You were lucky to meet two cute Japanese girls. I wish I could see a photo of the girl you fell in love with. What made you fall in love with her? Was it her beauty? Let me rephrase that: What caused you to fall in love with her? I'd like to know what factor made you choose her over the other girl.

All the best,
Behnam, 22 February, 2025

Sheikh Saadi.jpg

[behnam]

Hi, Behnam, we are now chain writers to each other. It is nothing new between two lovers, but a little unusual to two persons of the same sex, haha.

Hi SitangCampus,

Haha, you're absolutely right! Chain writing between two lovers is quite common, but between two people of the same sex, it's definitely a bit unusual, though not any less fun! I'm really enjoying our exchanges, and I'm glad we can share this unique connection through writing.

Yeah, you are right, you do not know what kind of interesting topics in store if you do not have exchanges with other people, as we Chinese say, a piece of truth will be more clear with a lot of arguments done about it.

You're absolutely right! It's amazing how much we can learn and discover when we exchange ideas with others. I love the Chinese saying you shared. It's so true that the more we discuss and debate, the clearer the truth becomes. It's one of the reasons I really enjoy our conversations.

Last time you mentioned the British English as the source of good English, I agree with you. A Shakespeare is more than half of the English-speaking world in terms of literary creativity and everyday use of the language.... many manufacturing workers in China went to evening schools after their tiring days to learn English, the international language to help them learn more about the modern world.

I'm glad you agree about British English being a rich source of the language. Shakespeare's influence is truly unparalleled. His works have shaped not only literature but also everyday English in profound ways. It's inspiring to hear about the dedication of manufacturing workers in China who study English after long, tiring days. Their commitment to learning the international language to connect with the modern world is truly admirable. It's a reminder of how powerful language can be in bridging cultures and expanding horizons.

But Americans did make great contributions in this regard when the most popular textbook of that period was "English 900", in which a total number of 900 sentences in English were categorized under 20 headings covering the usual topics in daily life. My parents also bought two copies of it, because they did not realize that they could share the resource without overspending. But later on, they turned to "Follow Me", an English-learning program on TV made by the BBC, which was much easier to understand through vivid visual and audio effects. However, it is not anybody that can be a good learner of language, they did not go anywhere on the road of English learning.

It's amazing how language learning resources have evolved over time. English 900 sounds like a classic textbook. It's interesting how it structured learning around practical, everyday sentences. It's also funny how your parents ended up with two copies; I think many of us can relate to over-preparing when it comes to learning something new! The shift to Follow Me must have been a game-changer, though. Visual and audio effects really do make learning more engaging and accessible. It's a pity they didn't continue, but not everyone finds language learning easy, and that's okay. It's all about finding the right method and motivation.
Looking forward to more of our exchanges!

All the best,
Behnam, 22 February, 2025

[SitangCampus]

Hi, Behnam.
I find it very interesting you made a very good summary of my writing or what I tried to mean. The wording is very nice and worth my chewing. In China and other countries, learners have focused on memorizing words and phrases but do not know how to use them in an active way, which is very frustrating in their learning experience.

About your effort to search information of political matters of China from DeepSeek, it might be plowing the sand. Although the AI tool is the brainchild of Chinese, it has been a convention that China practices censorship in this area of accessing to sensitive information. In the old days before the rule of Communist Party, it is usual to see a note put up on wall with big characters on it in a teahouse or a restaurant, warning the customers "No talking about state affairs but love affairs".

We living in the mainland of China today are actually separated by a firewall from the rest of the world. We cannot use Google here without resorting to VPN, which is supposed to break the law. But if you really use that, it is not a big deal, because in China law is just a small part of the life, other parts including connections, power, money, etc, all of which can play its role in the working of the society.

Forget about the serious talking and return to your question about my love affair. As you know, men are a visual animal, and that is why Buddhist monks are not allowed to look their female gift givers to eyes, which will make them indeterminate in their religious pursuit. Of course I was not and am not a monk, so it is natural to be attracted by cute and pretty girls. Whether it is the romantic love that will lead to a marriage or to a one-night stand, it doesn't seem matter much. But actually I could only get the names of the two girls, with holding hands or making a hug being impossible. Japanese females who are small in size but pretty in face, mild in temper and obedient are made a role model in keeping house in the oriental culture. Persian ladies are very nice too, I have reason to believe. The Arabian Nights must have some parts doing credit to them.

[behnam]

Hi, Behnam.
I find it very interesting you made a very good summary of my writing or what I tried to mean. The wording is very nice and worth my chewing. In China and other countries, learners have focused on memorizing words and phrases but do not know how to use them in an active way, which is very frustrating in their learning experience.

Dear SitangCampus,

How are you? I hope you are doing well.

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found my summary meaningful. I am rewarding to show that I've understood your thoughts correctly. I completely agree with your point about language learners focusing too much on memorization without knowing how to actively use words and phrases. It's a common challenge, and it can indeed be very frustrating. I think the key is to practice using the language in real-life situations, whether through conversation, writing, or even thinking in the target language. It's amazing how much more natural and effective learning becomes when we shift from passive memorization to active application. Thanks for sharing your insights. It's always a pleasure exchanging ideas with you!

All the best,
Behnam, 23 February, 2025

[behnam]

Hi everyone,

I just came across an amazing tool that I think will be incredibly helpful for all of us English learners! As we all know, English pronunciation can be tricky—especially with words that don't sound how they're spelled (looking at you, Worcestershire and Colonel ).

This free tool lets you type any word and instantly hear its pronunciation in different accents, like American, British, and Australian. It's super easy to use and a great way to improve your pronunciation skills.

Check it out here: [https://pronounce-web-j2m6.vercel.app/]

I've already tried it with a few words I've always struggled with, like February and rural, and it's been a huge help. I'd love to hear what you all think! What are some English words you've found difficult to pronounce? Give the tool a try and let me know how it works for you.

Let's keep learning together!

All the best,
Behnam, 23 February, 2025

[Nanning]

Hi, everybody.
I am amazed to see the fast growth of the posts in this thread, which may have surpassed the previous total amount of the whole forum.

But most of you are talking about personal experience and the history of the countries or the world.

I guess the reason for that might be the risk and sadness prevailing the world, which is also why I chose to stay home rather than abroad during the past Chinese New Year holiday. Even if I wish to visit Thailand, it is very likely to be kidnapped by local gangsters and smuggled to the neighboring Myanmar. Southeast Asia is now a pit, a deep one, for tourists from China. Middle East will be the new battle ground according to the development of the telefraud business.

I saw the owner of this website sometimes, no, not in person, but in the threads. I do not know how he can make some profits from opening such a site, yes, he has every reason to gain some money, because in this world everything has a price, and he also has his belly to fill and his family to support. That was many years ago I saw this forum, about 20 years, if I am not wrong. But my posts are few, haha, maybe I have spent too much time doing things that are time consuming but useless.

Yes, English Corner, if I did not see it mentioned here, I would almost forget about it. In my city there is one in the open, where fans of English gather on weekends in the hope of talking to native speakers or advanced learners. But as far as I know, most of them become friends or dates or other relations that are not related to English learning any more, after a period of time. Perhaps people look to this exotic venue for something fresh or for something they cannot have elsewhere.

[behnam]

Hi, everybody.
I am amazed to see the fast growth of the posts in this thread, which may have surpassed the previous total amount of the whole forum.

But most of you are talking about personal experience and the history of the countries or the world.

I guess the reason for that might be the risk and sadness prevailing the world, which is also why I chose to stay home rather than abroad during the past Chinese New Year holiday. Even if I wish to visit Thailand, it is very likely to be kidnapped by local gangsters and smuggled to the neighboring Myanmar. Southeast Asia is now a pit, a deep one, for tourists from China. Middle East will be the new battle ground according to the development of the telefraud business.

I saw the owner of this website sometimes, no, not in person, but in the threads. I do not know how he can make some profits from opening such a site, yes, he has every reason to gain some money, because in this world everything has a price, and he also has his belly to fill and his family to support. That was many years ago I saw this forum, about 20 years, if I am not wrong. But my posts are few, haha, maybe I have spent too much time doing things that are time consuming but useless.

Yes, English Corner, if I did not see it mentioned here, I would almost forget about it. In my city there is one in the open, where fans of English gather on weekends in the hope of talking to native speakers or advanced learners. But as far as I know, most of them become friends or dates or other relations that are not related to English learning any more, after a period of time. Perhaps people look to this exotic venue for something fresh or for something they cannot have elsewhere.

Hi Nanning,

Thank you for your interesting post! I'm glad to see you here, and I agree that this thread has grown very fast. It's amazing how many people are sharing their thoughts and experiences.

You're right, many posts are about personal stories or history. I think people like to share these things because they help us connect with each other, especially during difficult times. I'm sorry to hear about the risks in Southeast Asia. It's sad that such beautiful places have become unsafe for tourists. I hope things get better soon.

About this website, I also wonder how the owner makes money. Running a site like this takes a lot of time and effort, so it's fair if they earn something from it. But I'm just happy to have a place where we can all learn and share together.

I laughed when you mentioned English Corner! It's funny how people start with English but end up making friends or even finding dates. I guess learning English brings people together in many ways.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. I hope to see more posts from you soon!

All the best,
Behnam, 24 February, 2025

[behnam]

Forget about the serious talking and return to your question about my love affair. As you know, men are a visual animal, and that is why Buddhist monks are not allowed to look their female gift givers to eyes, which will make them indeterminate in their religious pursuit. Of course I was not and am not a monk, so it is natural to be attracted by cute and pretty girls. Whether it is the romantic love that will lead to a marriage or to a one-night stand, it doesn't seem matter much. But actually I could only get the names of the two girls, with holding hands or making a hug being impossible. Japanese females who are small in size but pretty in face, mild in temper and obedient are made a role model in keeping house in the oriental culture. Persian ladies are very nice too, I have reason to believe. The Arabian Nights must have some parts doing credit to them.

Hi SitangCampus,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about love and attraction. It's always interesting to hear your perspective! You're right; men are often drawn to beauty, and it's natural to admire cute and pretty girls. I laughed when you mentioned Buddhist monks avoiding eye contact with women. It's a funny image, but I guess it makes sense for their spiritual goals. For the rest of us, though, that's hard not to notice beauty when we see it!

Your story about the two Japanese girls made me smile. It's funny how sometimes we can only get someone's name, and that's as far as it goes. No holding hands, no hugs, just a memory of a cute face and a name. Maybe those girls are still wondering about the guy who only asked for their names! But don't worry, love is full of little moments like that. Sometimes they lead to something more, and sometimes they're just nice memories.

You mentioned Japanese women being small, pretty, and mild-tempered, which is a common stereotype. But I think every culture has its own beauty. Persian women, for example, are known for their intelligence, kindness, and strength. You're right to connect them to The Arabian Nights. That book is full of stories about clever and brave women, like Scheherazade, who saved her life by telling stories. It's a great example of how Iranian culture values wisdom and creativity in women.

Speaking of love, I think men often focus on beauty at first, but real love goes deeper. It's about connection, understanding, and shared experiences. Maybe that's why so many love stories—whether in The Arabian Nights or real life—are about more than just looks. They're about courage, loyalty, and finding someone who truly understands you.

Anyway, thanks again for sharing your story. It's always fun to talk about love and attraction. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll meet a Persian woman who will sweep you off your feet with her charm and intelligence—just like in The Arabian Nights!

All the best,
Behnam, 24 February, 2025

[SitangCampus]

Hi, Behnam and other friends who happen to be here.

As our posts grow or may snowball soon, I am reminded of one English song "Unstoppable" that is very exciting and arouses me in my drowsy state. In the old story of China, an ambitious man had to hang himself with his long braid over the roof beam or to sting his thigh with a sharp needle so that he would not sleep when burning his midnight oil for reading the classics of sages that would help him to gain fame and fortune.

I used an alarm clock instead for my late night or early morning joy of watching World Cup football matches, so I know I am a different guy, haha. You may advise me that I could make some financial investment in the ball game betting which may alleviate my sense of guilt when earning some amount, but I am a pure fan of sports and I don't like to mix money making and living making. There are many people in my country who have the same clear mind. They protest against the corrupt and rotten western capitalism culture represented, but when the opportunity to immigrate to the West arises, they are definitely the first in the line before the gate of American, Australian, British or Canadian embassy waiting for visa. Three or four years ago, when I heard the news from an English podcast that a Ukrainian airplane was downed by a misfired missile from Iranian air force, I did not realize that on board were almost all Canadian passengers who returned to Iran visiting their loved ones. So they turned out to be Iranian people in birth but Canadian scientists in occupation.

I got some cash out of my account in a bank office today and noticed that it has been in there for over three years, the day when the Russia-Ukraine War began, but the interest was lower than expected and my hope to enjoy a whole roasted duck was changed to half of a fried chicken. When checking the social media, I found one of my friends is now in Saudi Arabia making perparation for an exhibition at a trade show, I posted my comment to admire him and he answered later that he was proud to be an exhibitor and wished me good luck to go beyond working as a volunteer for an event.

[behnam]

Dear friends,

Beauty is something that pleases our senses, especially our eyes. It can be about physical features, like a symmetrical face or a fit body, but it's not just about looks. Beauty can also come from personality traits, like kindness, confidence, or a sense of humor. Different cultures have different ideas about beauty. For example, some cultures value long hair, while others prefer short hair. Beauty is a mix of appearance, personality, and cultural values.

As the saying goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". This means that what one person finds beautiful, another might not. Another proverb, "Beauty is only skin-deep", reminds us that true beauty comes from within. A kind heart and a good personality can make someone truly beautiful, even if they don't fit society's standards of physical beauty.

Why are men drawn to beauty? One reason is biology. Men are naturally attracted to beauty because it can signal health and fertility. For example, clear skin and shiny hair are often signs of good health. In the past, these traits were important for survival and having healthy children. Even today, this natural instinct influences how men see beauty.

Another reason is culture. Movies, advertisements, and social media often highlight beautiful people. This makes beauty seem very important. Men are influenced by these images and may feel that being with a beautiful partner is a sign of success or happiness.

The attraction to beauty has a big impact on relationships. Men may choose partners based on looks, sometimes overlooking other important qualities like kindness or intelligence. This can lead to problems if the relationship is only about beauty and not about deeper connections. For example, a relationship that starts with physical attraction may not last if the couple doesn't share common values or interests.

On the other hand, beauty can also bring people together. A beautiful smile or a kind gesture can create a strong first impression, which can lead to meaningful relationships. The key is to balance physical attraction with emotional connection.

Beauty also affects society in many ways. Beautiful people often get more attention and opportunities. They may find it easier to get jobs, make friends, or become famous. This can create inequality, where people who are not seen as beautiful feel left out or undervalued.

A clear example of this can be seen in Iran. Many women in Iran feel pressure to meet high beauty standards. In recent years, more women have been spending large amounts of money on surgeries to change their appearance. Surgeries such as nose jobs, lip fillers, and body shaping are now very popular. This trend shows how society's focus on beauty can lead to unrealistic expectations and even harm people's health and finances.

At the same time, society's focus on beauty can lead to stress and low self-esteem. Many people, especially women, feel pressure to look a certain way. This can lead to unhealthy habits like extreme dieting or surgery. It's important for society to recognize that beauty comes in many forms and that everyone has value, regardless of their appearance.

It's important to remember that not all men are the same. While many men are drawn to beauty, others value different qualities more, like personality, intelligence, or shared interests. Also, as men grow older or gain more experience, they often realize that beauty is not the most important thing in a relationship. True happiness comes from understanding, respect, and love.

As the saying goes, "Handsome is as handsome does". This means that a person's actions are more important than their looks. A kind and loving person will always be more attractive than someone who is only physically beautiful.

Men are often drawn to beauty because of biology and culture. This attraction affects relationships, self-esteem, and society in both positive and negative ways. However, it's important to look beyond beauty and value the qualities that truly matter, like kindness, intelligence, and love. After all, beauty fades with time, but a good heart lasts forever.

What do you think about this topic? Do you agree that men are often drawn to beauty, or do you think other factors are more important? How do you see the effects of beauty standards in your own life or society? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please share your ideas below—let's keep this conversation going!

All the best,
Behnam, 24 February, 2025

[Nanning]

I am happy to receive a reply, which is worth my returning to check it out my post after a while.

It is really a good forum, yet the visitors or those who are active are not as many as expected, what a pity! Maybe they do not care to give a damn or they are not interested at all.

Nowadays there are so many attractions and temptations around, making the online forum seem an ancient thing. But I do see some gems here and I do not find my tongue all of sudden. I have been a learner of English for quite some time, but I do not have the feeling that I am successful in this area.

I remember that in my college days we talked about girl students with other roommates in bed at night. I believe the same happened in the girl dormitory. China's colleges usually house 6 to 8 persons in one room, so the conversation may go on for two hours at least, with many details of sensitive topics covered.

[behnam]

I am happy to receive a reply, which is worth my returning to check it out my post after a while.

It is really a good forum, yet the visitors or those who are active are not as many as expected, what a pity! Maybe they do not care to give a damn or they are not interested at all.

Nowadays there are so many attractions and temptations around, making the online forum seem an ancient thing. But I do see some gems here and I do not find my tongue all of sudden. I have been a learner of English for quite some time, but I do not have the feeling that I am successful in this area.

I remember that in my college days we talked about girl students with other roommates in bed at night. I believe the same happened in the girl dormitory. China's colleges usually house 6 to 8 persons in one room, so the conversation may go on for two hours at least, with many details of sensitive topics covered.

Hi Nanning,

Thank you for your post! I'm happy you liked my reply. You're right—this forum is a good place, but not many people are active here. It's a pity, but I think many people are busy with other things, like social media or videos. Still, I'm glad you find value here and share your thoughts.

I agree that online forums can feel old compared to modern distractions, but I think they're still special. They let us connect deeply and share ideas, which is harder to do on other platforms. I'm happy you see some "gems" here, and I hope you'll keep sharing. Your posts are always interesting!

About learning English, don't worry too much. Learning a language takes time, and everyone goes at their own speed. The fact that you're still trying shows you're dedicated. Keep going—you're doing great!

Your story about college dorm life made me laugh! It sounds like you and your roommates had fun nights talking about girl students. I can imagine the details you covered—two hours of conversation must have been quite an adventure! And I'm sure the girls in their dorm were doing the same, maybe with even more drama. Those late-night talks must have been full of fun, gossip, and maybe a little exaggeration. College life is really special, isn't it?

Thanks again for your post. I look forward to hearing more from you—and maybe more dorm stories too!

All the best,
Behnam, 24 February, 2025

[SitangCampus]

Hi, Behnam, great to read your long post about beauty that can be compared to the serial essays of Francis Bacon, so I think the title for such a great writing should be On Beauty because other alternatives fail to carry the weight.

I am glad to have contributed to the topic by sharing my childish and laughable life experience. To fall in love at first sight is nothing new but now it is interpreted more as bodily pleasure than as emotional satisfaction. Not long ago, a man was banned permanently from entering any car show venue in China due to his weird behavior at the scene--while others used their cameras in various forms to take pictures, he stared with his naked eyes for a long time at the beautiful models standing in front of the car on show. His special hobby became the hot topic of the social media and helped him earn a nickname "Elder Brother Striped Shirt", for he always was in a short-sleeved striped T-shirt. He just showed his respect to the professional models, according to the web users, but the organizers did not think the same way and they believed this guy brought down the quality and taste of the show by manifesting his desire.

He was not alone in making the world know men love women. Previously it was usual for more people to visit the big auto shows around the country for photographing the girl models with the car stereotypes they represented left ignored. So beautiful girls were their real targets, as the famous Chinese saying describes, "Of the many barriers ahead, pretty girls are the one that can stop a hero."

In Japan, Thailand, the Netherland, and other countries that are open to western cultures, the red light districts or streets of similar names are provided to the public to have the fun of adults. People can see the performance of strip tease without bending their back and hurting their neck, and of course what interests them is the female bodies that they cannot see elsewhere but that make their blood boil at the very sight of them.

Iranian females, like most of their peers in the Muslim community, are a forbidden land to the rest of the world. We Chinese were much impressed by the Arabian belly dance when the movie of Alibaba and the 40 Thieves was first imported to China. Sexy girls are so unforgettable that even Jack Ma, the big boss of China's e-commerce giant, even names his company Alibaba.

When one of my friends was a college student, he rode his bike so fast one evening that he got hit by a car, but he managed to get up from the ground and reached the campus of his college at the long last. He was to see a film that night, the one which was rated as Not Suitable for Minors, with scenes of women showering lasting ten seconds or so at the beginning of the film. When he excitedly talked about his great acheivement, that is, his second time to see the hot shower scene after he had seen it not long ago because the film would be out of the market soon, he forgot totally about his injury and the damage made on the bike.

Men are always a teenager until his death and he will not stop loving see pretty women until he is put on the wall, in a frame of picture.

[behnam]

Hi SitangCampus,

Thank you for your fascinating reply! I am glad you enjoyed my essay on beauty, and I love the comparison to Francis Bacon—what a compliment! You are right, On Beauty would be a great title. It is simple but carries a lot of weight, just like the topic itself.

Your stories about men and their love for beauty are both funny and insightful. The "Elder Brother Striped Shirt" incident made me laugh—it is amazing how far some people will go to show their appreciation for beauty, even if it gets them banned from car shows! I can just imagine him standing there, staring like a statue while everyone else is busy taking photos. Maybe he was trying to memorize every detail for later! And the Chinese saying about pretty girls stopping a hero is so true. It is a reminder of how powerful beauty can be, even in unexpected ways.

I also found your comments about red-light districts and cultural differences very interesting. It is true that different societies have different ways of expressing and experiencing beauty. In Iran, for example, beauty is often tied to modesty and tradition, but that does not make it any less captivating. The Arabian belly dance you mentioned is a great example—it is a beautiful art form that has left a lasting impression on people around the world. Even Jack Ma named his company Alibaba—maybe he was inspired by those unforgettable belly dancers!

Your friend's story about biking to see the film with the shower scene was hilarious! It is amazing how men can go to such lengths for even a glimpse of beauty. I can just picture him, injured and with a damaged bike, still rushing to campus like a hero on a mission. And then, sitting there, completely forgetting his pain because of a ten-second shower scene! As you said, men never really stop being teenagers when it comes to appreciating pretty women. It is a universal truth, isn't it?

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and stories. Your posts always make me think and laugh at the same time. I look forward to hearing more from you—and maybe more funny stories too!

All the best,
Behnam, 25 February, 2025

[SitangCampus]

Hi, Behnam, though you repeated what I told before giving your comment, you did raise the level of the moral of the stories by your wonderful wording that has dexterously revised the errors of mine. I doubt you did not tell us the truth that you must have studied in London or other English speaking countries or that you worked for international organizations where English was used as the working language.

The line between beauty and eroticism or even pornography is thin or blurred, especially when you see the nude art shows always attract the largest number of visitors from all walks of life, and you will be surprised that the appreciation seems to be enhanced overnight. You once asked who made the law that rules how much of the skin or body parts can be allowed to be exposed, which is a very thought provoking question. The society has come to terms with some women who smoke in the public but to bare their body, especially the parts that can only be seen or enjoyed by their husband or boyfriend, is still unacceptable to the majority.

There are still many stories about the ungliness or true color of men before the temptation of women, haha. I was told that in in the late 20th and the early 21st centuries, the waiters standing in front of the porn shops or prostitute houses in the red light districts of Amsterdam began to greet guests in mandarin, the official language of China, telling them the shop could offer bills that customers of China, most of whom were government officials, could use for reinbursement from their companies or institutions when returning home. As a result, more clients came and during a show of striptease a whisper in Chinese in the audience was heard, "Chief, your wallet drops on the ground," and nearly all the people under the stage looked down to confirm whether it was his wallet or not.

Hahaha.
[youtube]【国家一级观察员条纹哥：你们只能用手机记录，而我的眼睛是摄像头，大脑是内存】 https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1kfUUY ... 42b4dc25e7[/youtube]

Here is the video to show you what Elder Brother Striped Shirt is doing at an auto show

[behnam]

Hi, Behnam, though you repeated what I told before giving your comment, you did raise the level of the moral of the stories by your wonderful wording that has dexterously revised the errors of mine. I doubt you did not tell us the truth that you must have studied in London or other English speaking countries or that you worked for international organizations where English was used as the working language.

Dear SitangCampus,

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed my comments and found my wording helpful. While I didn't explicitly share my own ideas, I was building on your points and adding my perspective to the discussion. It's true that I repeated some of your ideas, but I wanted to expand on them and highlight their importance. I'm happy to hear that it raised the level of the discussion—that's always my goal when I write.

About your doubt regarding my background, I can assure you that I have not studied in London or other English-speaking countries, nor have I worked for international organizations. My English skills come from years of self-study, reading, and practicing. I've always been passionate about learning languages, and English has been a big part of that journey. I believe that with enough dedication, anyone can improve their language skills, no matter where they are.

Recently, my English was a bit rusty, but I've been working on bringing back my previous ability and skills in writing. Little by little, I'm seeing improvement, and your encouragement helps a lot! On top of that, I'm also practicing French now, which is both challenging and exciting.

I should also mention that I sometimes use online tools to help me refine my writing. There are many great tools available, like Grammarly for grammar and style checks, DeepSeek for improving sentence flow, and Hemingway Editor for making writing clearer and more concise. These tools are a great way to learn and improve, and they've been very helpful in making my writing clearer and more polished. I'm still working on improving my natural writing ability, and I hope to rely less on these tools over time.

Thank you again for your thoughtful message. I always enjoy our exchanges, and I look forward to hearing more of your ideas in the future!

All the best,
Behnam, 26 February, 2025

[Nanning]

Your story about college dorm life made me laugh! It sounds like you and your roommates had fun nights talking about girl students. I can imagine the details you covered—two hours of conversation must have been quite an adventure! And I'm sure the girls in their dorm were doing the same, maybe with even more drama. Those late-night talks must have been full of fun, gossip, and maybe a little exaggeration. College life is really special, isn't it?

Thanks for the comment.
Isn't it that college students do the same around the world? How about your college life?

I live in the southern part of my country, which has a different culture and custom from that of the northern part. As far as I know, students in that region use a big public bathroom during winter time, because it is efficient for the college to supply hot water, but i do not like that, because the private parts are not to be shown to a stranger, or a classmate, or somebody in good terms with you, embarrassing, isn't it?

From your photo and the age that it implies of yourself, I believe you must have gone through the well-known Iraq-Iran War in 1980s. What did you do at that time? People do not have any idea of wars now, because as I find out, that even in Ukraine, people can visit the Internet and post messages and photos, videos of their daily life, so what kind of a war is that? We were told since young that Japanese militants killed the unarmed 300,000 civilians in Nanking, the then capital city of China, it was very horrible!! So now when I hear the news that US President Donald Trump tries very hard to stop the Russia-Ukraine war and return the peace to the world, I feel relieved.

[Ankitsharma]

# Introducing QuickPronounce: A Free Tool to Master English Pronunciation

Hello Let's Learn Together community!

Thank you Behnam for the kind invitation to share my tool with you all. As many of you know, English pronunciation can be quite challenging, especially with words that don't follow typical spelling-to-sound patterns.

## Why I Created This Tool

As someone who struggled with English pronunciation myself, I found it frustrating that existing resources didn't offer:
- Multiple accent options (US, UK, Australian, etc.)
- Clear, high-quality audio
- A simple, distraction-free interface
- Easy access on mobile devices

That's why I built **QuickPronounce** - to help fellow English learners master pronunciation without the frustration.

## Key Features

- **Multiple Accent Options**: Hear how words sound in American, British, Australian, and Indian accents
- **Search Functionality**: Find any English word instantly
- **Mobile-Friendly**: Practice on the go with our responsive design
- **Completely Free**: No sign-ups or subscriptions required

## Try It Yourself

I'd love for you to try the tool and let me know what you think: https://pronounce-web-j2m6.vercel.app/

## Request for Feedback

I'm continuously working to improve QuickPronounce and would greatly appreciate your feedback:
- Which words do you find most challenging to pronounce?
- What features would make this tool more useful for your learning?
- Have you found any issues or bugs that need fixing?


Thank you for welcoming me to this community! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions.

Best regards,
Ankit Sharma

[SitangCampus]

Hi!
Yesterday at the usual time of posting, I was engaged in the bargaining of fast delivery of a parcel at a discounted charge with the postman, which took much a longer time than expected and led to my forgetting the post, haha.

China is now a major power in terms of fast delivery, which also helps promote the business of e-commerce. The speed is very amazing, and as a result, many of brick-and-mortar shops have been shut down due to little or no business done offline. It began before the COVID-19 epidemic and had been enhanced by the same disease that affected the whole country, with most of the people confined at home and doing all the necessary shopping online only.

The guy I talked to yesterday came to my door very soon after I just placed my order a few minutes before through a phone app. I had to get my big package done quickly and carried it downstairs to meet him. He came not just for my order only, because around the residential area there were other people who asked him for the same service. So he got his tricycle replaced to receive the cargo. Seeing that the volume of the parcel, he suggested me to join an online group so that I could have a discount to make the transaction accepted happily by me.

Ah, let's not forget about the current topic of beautiful ladies, haha. Recently I visited one of the ancient capital cities of China that is located in the central area of the country. As you know, there are quite a number of such cities that served as old political centers in the country for it has a very long history over the same territory. In that city I saw many beautiful women of all ages dressed in old-styled costumes, making them a scene against the modern background. Local people are ll used to such a phenomenon, but to us outsiders it is like a time-travel film spread before our eyes. When I sat side by side with a very pretty girl in such costume, I couldn't help looking at her from my food. But in the oriental culture, both the looker and the looked are not supposed to give or take the compliment face to face. I had to stop my hand from taking out my phone to snap a picture, but some cameras were in action around me undoubtedly.

Nanning the user told us his college life and the bedtime talk, which I find very usual in my days of college too. In China, we have a saying that goes, "Whoever doesn't talk about others before the people and whoever isn't talked about behind his back?" The information center is not with the government office, but with the men and women gathering at the entrance of their rural village eating their lunch.

[behnam]

Thanks for the comment.
Isn't it that college students do the same around the world? How about your college life?

I live in the southern part of my country, which has a different culture and custom from that of the northern part. As far as I know, students in that region use a big public bathroom during winter time, because it is efficient for the college to supply hot water, but i do not like that, because the private parts are not to be shown to a stranger, or a classmate, or somebody in good terms with you, embarrassing, isn't it?

From your photo and the age that it implies of yourself, I believe you must have gone through the well-known Iraq-Iran War in 1980s. What did you do at that time? People do not have any idea of wars now, because as I find out, that even in Ukraine, people can visit the Internet and post messages and photos, videos of their daily life, so what kind of a war is that? We were told since young that Japanese militants killed the unarmed 300,000 civilians in Nanking, the then capital city of China, it was very horrible!! So now when I hear the news that US President Donald Trump tries very hard to stop the Russia-Ukraine war and return the peace to the world, I feel relieved.

Hi Nanning,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It's interesting to hear about the differences between the north and south in your country. I understand why a big public bathroom might feel uncomfortable—privacy is important, and it’s not easy to share such spaces with others, even friends. It must have been hard to get used to!

To answer your question about my college life, it was different in some ways but also similar. I didn't live in a dorm with many roommates, but I remember talking with friends late at night, studying together, and sharing stories. Those moments created strong friendships and memories I still treasure. College life is special everywhere, I think.

You mentioned the Iraq-Iran War, and I remember it well. It was a terrible time, and the suffering it caused is hard to forget. Wars bring so much pain, and each one is different. Now, with technology, people in wars like Ukraine can share their stories in real-time. This helps others understand, but the pain of war stays the same.

It's sad to hear about events like the Nanking Massacre. They remind us how important peace is.
When you mentioned the Nanking Massacre, I felt deeply sad. It's one of the most heartbreaking events in history, and the suffering of those innocent people is unimaginable. It's important to remember such tragedies so we can work toward a world where such horrors never happen again. I hope leaders around the world can work to stop wars and bring peace. However, frankly speaking, I'm not very optimistic about Trump's policies. I don't believe they have brought good results for the world, but I still hope for better solutions in the future.

Thanks again for your message—it's always nice to share stories like this!

All the best,
Behnam, 28 February, 2025

[behnam]

# Introducing QuickPronounce: A Free Tool to Master English Pronunciation

Hello Let's Learn Together community!

Thank you Behnam for the kind invitation to share my tool with you all. As many of you know, English pronunciation can be quite challenging, especially with words that don't follow typical spelling-to-sound patterns.
.....
- **Mobile-Friendly**: Practice on the go with our responsive design
.......

Thank you for welcoming me to this community! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions.

Best regards,
Ankit Sharma

Hello Ankit,

Thank you for sharing QuickPronounce with us! It sounds like a very useful tool, especially for those who struggle with English pronunciation. I really like that it offers different accents, such as American, British, and Australian. This is very helpful because learners often need to hear how words sound in different ways.

The fact that it works well on mobile devices is also great. Many people use their phones to learn, so having a tool that is easy to use on the go is very important.

I will try it myself and share it with others who might find it helpful. If I notice any issues or have suggestions, I will let you know. For example, it might be interesting to add more examples of sentences, not just single words, to help with pronunciation in context.

Thank you for creating something so helpful and for sharing it with our community. I am sure many people will find it useful.

All the best,
Behnam, 28 February, 2025

[behnam]

Hi!
Yesterday at the usual time of posting, I was engaged in the bargaining of fast delivery of a parcel at a discounted charge with the postman, which took much a longer time than expected and led to my forgetting the post, haha.

China is now a major power in terms of fast delivery, which also helps promote the business of e-commerce. The speed is very amazing, and as a result, many of brick-and-mortar shops have been shut down due to little or no business done offline. It began before the COVID-19 epidemic and had been enhanced by the same disease that affected the whole country, with most of the people confined at home and doing all the necessary shopping online only.

The guy I talked to yesterday came to my door very soon after I just placed my order a few minutes before through a phone app. I had to get my big package done quickly and carried it downstairs to meet him. He came not just for my order only, because around the residential area there were other people who asked him for the same service. So he got his tricycle replaced to receive the cargo. Seeing that the volume of the parcel, he suggested me to join an online group so that I could have a discount to make the transaction accepted happily by me.

Ah, let's not forget about the current topic of beautiful ladies, haha. Recently I visited one of the ancient capital cities of China that is located in the central area of the country. As you know, there are quite a number of such cities that served as old political centers in the country for it has a very long history over the same territory. In that city I saw many beautiful women of all ages dressed in old-styled costumes, making them a scene against the modern background. Local people are ll used to such a phenomenon, but to us outsiders it is like a time-travel film spread before our eyes. When I sat side by side with a very pretty girl in such costume, I couldn't help looking at her from my food. But in the oriental culture, both the looker and the looked are not supposed to give or take the compliment face to face. I had to stop my hand from taking out my phone to snap a picture, but some cameras were in action around me undoubtedly.

Nanning the user told us his college life and the bedtime talk, which I find very usual in my days of college too. In China, we have a saying that goes, "Whoever doesn't talk about others before the people and whoever isn't talked about behind his back?" The information center is not with the government office, but with the men and women gathering at the entrance of their rural village eating their lunch.

Hi SitangCampus,

Thank you for your post, which is full of interesting and meaningful points. Your writing is so rich and detailed that each point could easily be the subject of an essay. I truly enjoyed how you connected everyday experiences, like your interaction with the postman, to larger ideas about culture, history, and human nature. Your stories are not only engaging but also full of depth, making your post a pleasure to read.

I must also compliment your English and writing skills—your language is clear, expressive, and a joy to follow. You have a wonderful way of painting vivid pictures with your words, and it makes your posts truly special. Please continue sharing your excellent work!

It sounds like you had a busy day with the postman and your parcel. Fast delivery in China is very impressive. It reminds me of the saying, "Time is money," and it seems China has mastered the art of saving both! The COVID-19 pandemic made more people shop online, and this changed many businesses. It's true what they say: "Necessity is the mother of invention."

Your story about the postman and the discount group made me smile. It is smart how they make things easier for everyone. It seems you got a good deal, which is always nice!

I also liked reading about your visit to the ancient capital city. The old-style clothes with the modern background must have been very interesting to see. The old and the new coexist in harmony. Cultural rules can make even looking at someone feel tricky, but you handled it well. I can imagine how beautiful the scene was, and it is great you saw something so special.

Your story about college life and the saying about talking about others reminded me that some experiences are the same everywhere. Wherever there are people, there are stories. Whether it is late-night talks in the dorm or people sharing stories in a village, people love to connect through conversation.

Thank you again for sharing your stories—I enjoyed reading them! I hope to hear more from you soon.

All the best,
Behnam, 28 February, 2025

[behnam]

...
The information center is not with the government office, but with the men and women gathering at the entrance of their rural village eating their lunch.

Hi again dear SitangCampus,

I completely agree with your observation. The real information center is not in government offices but in the everyday gatherings of people, like the men and women eating lunch at the entrance of their village. These informal moments are where stories are shared, news is exchanged, and connections are made. It reminds me of the saying, "The voice of the people is the voice of truth."

In many cultures, these casual gatherings are the heart of community life. They reflect the wisdom, humor, and experiences of ordinary people, which often carry more weight than official announcements. It's fascinating how much can be learned just by listening to these conversations.

However, in some cultures, people do not open their hearts easily. They may be reserved or cautious about sharing their true thoughts and feelings, especially with outsiders or authorities. This makes it much harder for governments to understand what is really happening in society. In such cases, governments must work harder to build trust and create ways for people to express themselves openly. They may need to rely on community leaders, local networks, or even informal settings—like those village gatherings—to gain insights into the needs and concerns of the people. Without this effort, there is a risk of misunderstanding or overlooking important issues. As the saying goes, "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back." Governments must listen carefully to the voices of their people, even when those voices are quiet or hard to hear.

Thank you so much for sharing your interesting and thoughtful points. Please continue writing in this thread—I truly enjoy reading your posts and find them both engaging and insightful.

All the best,
Behnam, 28 February, 2025

[Nanning]

Hi, Mr. Behnam!
You are like a high school teacher replying with your warm words and patience the letters or exercises of the students. I remember that in my school days my teachers often said the similar things, even before they were going to give me a dressing down.

I am now trying to get more people that I know are English learners around me to join this great forum and to meet knowledgeable people like you.

But I have met some difficulties. First is the attitude of the people, they do not seem to have real interest in English proficiency, what they know about good English is it must come from the mouth or hand of native speakers. I point it out to them that many native speakers do not use correct grammar and many of their speakings are not suitable for the public.

Second is the technicle problem. The forum seems to reject the registration using email addresses on Chinese major portal websites such as www.163.com or www. sina.com, that owns millions of active users daily. I have sent a private message to Mr. Joe for addressing this matter.

I remember trying to contact via email the authors of some op-ed articles published on the websites of Indian or Pakistani news portal. The replies were far and few between.

So it looks like a blessing that you give responses to our concern promptly, with many insightful bonus points added that have broadened our horizons.

[behnam]

Hi, Mr. Behnam!
You are like a high school teacher replying with your warm words and patience the letters or exercises of the students. I remember that in my school days my teachers often said the similar things, even before they were going to give me a dressing down.

I am now trying to get more people that I know are English learners around me to join this great forum and to meet knowledgeable people like you.

But I have met some difficulties. First is the attitude of the people, they do not seem to have real interest in English proficiency, what they know about good English is it must come from the mouth or hand of native speakers. I point it out to them that many native speakers do not use correct grammar and many of their speakings are not suitable for the public.

Second is the technicle problem. The forum seems to reject the registration using email addresses on Chinese major portal websites such as www.163.com or www. sina.com, that owns millions of active users daily. I have sent a private message to Mr. Joe for addressing this matter.

I remember trying to contact via email the authors of some op-ed articles published on the websites of Indian or Pakistani news portal. The replies were far and few between.

So it looks like a blessing that you give responses to our concern promptly, with many insightful bonus points added that have broadened our horizons.

Hi dear Nanning,

Thank you for your kind words. I am glad that my responses feel warm and patient, like a teacher's. It's nice to know they remind you of your school days. I am also a learner, just like you, and I enjoy sharing thoughts and learning together.

I understand the difficulties you face in encouraging others to join the forum. Many people think that only native speakers can teach good English, but this is not true. Being a native speaker does not always mean using a language correctly. In fact, native speakers often make mistakes, while many non-native speakers use English very well. This reminds me of my own experience. When I was in school, spelling and grammar were very important. But now, even with computers and writing tools, many young people struggle with spelling. As a physics professor, I have seen this while checking my students' exam papers—some cannot even spell their own names correctly, even though they are all native Farsi speakers. This teaches us an important lesson: knowing a language well does not depend on being a native speaker, but on working hard to learn and use it properly.

About the technical issue with email registration, I'm sorry to hear that. It's good you contacted dear Josef. I hope he can fix the problem soon so more people can join without trouble.

It's interesting that you tried to contact authors from Indian and Pakistani news websites. Getting replies can be hard, but it's great that you tried. Sometimes people are busy or don't check their emails often.

I'm happy you find my responses helpful. I will keep replying to your questions and sharing ideas. Thank you for trying to bring more people to the forum. Together, we can create a supportive community for all learners.

Thank you so much for sharing your great ideas. Please keep writing in this thread—I really like reading your posts and find them interesting and full of good points.

All the best,
Behnam, 29 February, 2025

[behnam]

Dear friends,

Many people think native speakers always use their language perfectly, like a straight road. However, this is not true. Native speakers often make mistakes in grammar, word choice, and pronunciation. This essay will explain why native speakers make errors, how these mistakes affect communication, and how language changes over time, like a tree growing new branches.

One reason native speakers make mistakes is that language is very big and complicated, like a puzzle with many pieces. Even though they learn the language from a young age, they may not know all the rules. For example, some native English speakers say "I seen" instead of "I saw" or mix up words like "their" and "there." These mistakes happen because people learn language by listening to others, not by studying books. Over time, these errors can feel normal, like wearing old, comfortable shoes. In my work as a physics professor, I have seen native English-speaking students write "affect" instead of "effect" or use "it's" when they mean "its." This shows that even educated native speakers can make simple mistakes.

Another reason is regional differences. Native speakers often use words or phrases that are common in their area but not in standard language, like local fruits that grow only in certain places. For example, in some parts of the U.S., people say "y'all" instead of "you all." These words are part of local culture but may not follow formal grammar rules. This shows that what is correct can depend on where you are and who you are speaking to, like different styles of clothing for different occasions. In my classes, I have students from different Farsi-speaking places, and sometimes they use words or expressions that are unfamiliar to me. This reminds me that even native speakers have differences in how they use the language.

Mistakes can have different effects. In casual conversations, errors are usually not a problem because the goal is to share ideas, like talking with friends at a park. However, in formal situations like school or work, mistakes can make a bad impression, like a stain on a clean shirt. For example, writing "should of" instead of "should have" in a job application can make someone seem less professional. This shows that native speakers also need to learn formal language rules for certain situations, just like wearing the right clothes for an important event. As a professor, I have read research papers written by native English speakers that contained grammar mistakes or unclear sentences. This proves that even in academic writing, native speakers are not always perfect.

Language changes over time, and native speakers play a big role in this, like gardeners planting new seeds. Words and phrases that were once wrong can become accepted. For example, "texting" and "selfie" are now common words. This happens because native speakers use these words in daily life, and over time, they become part of the language. Mistakes today can become correct tomorrow, showing that language is alive and always growing. In my field of physics, new terms like "quark" or "quantum entanglement" were once unknown but are now standard. This taught me that language is flexible and shaped by how people use it.

In conclusion, native speakers do not always use language correctly. They make mistakes because language is big and complicated, and they learn it naturally, like walking without a map. These errors can affect communication, especially in formal settings, but they also help language grow and change, like a tree adding new branches.

All the best,
Behnam, 1 March, 2025