Traveler's Log: Introduction

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Day 1: Flight from Boston to India


Over the past several weeks we have discussed many important topics like common grammar mistakes made by nonnative speakers of English, the significance of having a mentor, and the importance of reading to improve your proficiency. For the next four weeks, I will be traveling to India, and by doing so, I will essentially be putting myself in the position of a nonnative speaker who comes to the United States.

 Culture shock has been a term we have used more than once because of how relevant it is. Perhaps there is less of a shock for those who immigrate from European countries but for those coming from African or Asian countries, there are a lot of different social aspects that may take some getting used to. My goal through this journey to India is to experience culture shock firsthand, and more than that, I hope to be confronted with challenges because of my ignorance in their cultural nuances.

 I feel confident in saying that I am an expert in the English language. I have spent close to the last decade honing my writing and rhetorical abilities. Not only that but I have a great deal of respect and empathy for people who do not have sufficient proficiency because English is their second or third language. If you have not read my story, I urge you to do so. However, I believe that in order to truly develop a genuine understanding for such people, I must immerse myself in an environment in which my primary language does not make me an expert.

 As you may know, English is one of at least twenty-five recognized official languages in India, and therefore, my experience will only be somewhat similar to a person from India coming here. Even so, I believe that through my experience I will acquire additional understanding and empathy for such people who travel to the United States.

 The blog posts over the next month will be primarily reflective; that is, the posts will mostly be about my experience. However, I will also include any lessons I have learned and try to connect them to the experience of a nonnative speaker of English. My hope is that you find these posts both enjoyable and informative.

If you would like to get in touch with us, please don't hesitate to email us at levelupproficiency@gmail.com or send us a message on our Facebook page. We will be checking emails and messages daily. 

 Ryan M. Shea, English Proficiency Specialist 

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