I enjoyed reading your article about the Chat Club. What a fabulous idea started by Natalie Hernandez two years ago.

Learning to speak another language that is not mother tongue is not easy, and judging by the standard of the writing of the articles that I read, I can see that the writers have done extremely well to not only write but to have what sounds like truly enjoyable conversations in Chat Club. It is one thing to learn another language, which is not always easy. It is especially difficult if you do not get the chances to speak and practise what you learn.

This is exactly what Chat Club allows you to do. It does so much more than give you opportunities to chat. It is about listening to different accents and also to practise your pronunciation. Your vocabulary will also grow tremendously. I also see it as you learn about another culture, and also for the others to learn about Kenyan culture as well. You are ambassadors of Kenya and all things Kenyan.

I am sure that some of you have made strong friendships through these chats and I hope that the Chat club continues to grow and thrive.

I have been teaching English for many years and have been blessed to be able to teach both children and adults and something I always encourage my students to do is to keep speaking and practising, even if what they say is not grammatically correct. Fluency is not about speaking a language that is not your mother tongue correctly. It is about making yourself understood. As you practise, you will become more fluent and confident.

Asante sana.

Written by: Joan