Episode summary
An introduction to Tayvin and his experience as a teacher and language learner — where it all began.
T.E.A. Time is hosted by English teacher Tayvin Bayless. Read the full transcript.
Hey there, my name is Tayvin Bayless, and welcome to the first episode of the Transcripted English Audio or T.E.A Time podcast. I am 25 years old and working as a professional English teacher living in America. I have helped hundreds of students from dozens of different countries improve their English skills, and I have also successfully learned a foreign language myself. In my experience as a language teacher and learner, I have come to wholeheartedly believe that everyone can learn a foreign language. We just need the right mindset, tools, and encouragement.
When I was in high school I took a foreign language course where I studied Spanish. I was actually in the Spanish class for over three years, and despite spending many hours going over flashcards and grammar I never learned to speak. I have spoken with many people from around the world who had a similar experience. After failing to learn Spanish I thought that I was just not good at learning languages. But then a few years later I moved to Japan. I was living in Japan working as a volunteer for a religious organization. As a part of the volunteer work, I taught English both one-on-one and in large group classes. However, with the exception of the few English classes I taught a week, most of the work that I was expected to do required me to speak in Japanese. This was terrifying! I had spent years trying to learn Spanish and had almost nothing to show for it, but now I was expected to interact with people in Japanese with only a few weeks training.
Long story short, I was able to learn to speak comfortably in Japanese within only a few months. But, I didn’t have time to spend hours a day studying Japanese grammar textbooks or memorizing flashcards. So, how did I learn to speak Japanese then? I used the few words I did know, and I talked to people. I made a ton of mistakes and I embarrassed myself, but I talked to people anyway. I probably talked to 50-100 new people every day. On trains, on buses, walking down the street, at restaurants, and bookstores I talked to people. I made friends, and I had a lot of fun.
Now, the way I learned Japanese won’t be practical for most people. You won’t move to a new country and get a job requiring you to speak in a language that you are not proficient at. You might not be able to find 50 new people to talk to in your target language. You might not even be able to find 5. But, you can still be successful. The way I learned was clumsy and I had to make a lot of mistakes. When it comes to language learning there’s no way to avoid making mistakes, but you can find a way that is fun and enjoyable for you. That’s why I’m making this podcast.
I want to provide my students, and any English language learners, with enjoyable resources to speed up their progress. Each week I will take time to talk about important tips and concepts for effective language learning, answer common English questions, and provide interesting topics and stories for listening practice.
I’m here to help you as best I can in your English journey. Please send questions and topics that you’d like me to talk about through Twitter, anchor, or on italki. Until next time. Have a wonderful day!
Background music
Valse Gymnopedie by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/7928-valse-gymnopedie
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