How I’m Learning
English
by Wei Ni Zhang
Almost two years ago I spoke no English. My husband
brought me to the library to be in the Project Read
program. Eileen became my tutor.
I started to learn. I remember that Eileen used
pictures, children's stories, and word cards. We used a
picture dictionary and I used a little Chinese - English
computer to help me to hear the words and to understand
their meanings.
We have been working in the library four or five days
each week. It is hard, but we have fun. I have learned
how to read. Right now I am reading Tiger Eyes by
Judy Blume. It's not difficult for me. I understand the
story. I learned how to spell many new words. I feel
happy when people understand what I am talking about.
I want to know a lot of English so I can speak
fluently. I want to be able to read an English newspaper
and write long letters to my tutor and my parents.
On June 29, 1997, my husband and I opened a seafood
restaurant, "1 Harbor Bistro", at 172 Third Avenue, San
Mateo. It is easier for me to speak with people who come
into the restaurant. I can read the mail. When food is
delivered, I make sure that everything is there as we
ordered.
I feel excited and very happy that I can understand so
much.
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