Haere mai ki te rōpū mahi o Te Pūtahi Reo Darren Forster rāua ko Diep Tran (welcome to the LLC team Darren Forster and Diep Tran)! We are delighted to have you both aboard. Darren is brand new here, whereas Diep is actually no stranger to Te Pūtahi Reo the Language Learning Centre, having previously worked as one of our assistants in 2017. By way of an introduction we would like to leave them to answer a few questions below.

Diep

What are you doing here at Victoria University of Wellington?

I am a PhD student in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies. My research focuses on language testing and assessment.

What are some of the tasks you have been doing here at Te Pūtahi Reo the Language Learning Centre?

As an assistant, I work at the counter issuing books, answering students’ questions and making them feel welcome here at the LLC. Apart from that, I take care of the books and sometimes join the LLC staff in special events such as Open Day or the LLC anniversary.

Do you have a useful tip, or some advice, for our language learners based on your experience of learning or teaching languages?

The LLC always reminds me of how enjoyable it is to be a language learner. English is my second language and I used to be an English teacher in Vietnam before undertaking my PhD research here. Tips for language learners… only three words: Input – Interaction – Identity. I call that my ‘three ‘I’s principle’. It’s very simple.

• Input: it’s absolutely important to listen and read a lot in the language that you’re learning. Just try it and you’ll see how much your speaking and writing skill will improve. I know it’s not always fun to practice the receptive skills, but it’s well worth your time and effort.
• Interaction: By this, I mean both interacting with yourself and interacting with others. When I was learning English at a university in Vietnam, I talked to myself a lot, I wrote a diary in English and I can’t remember how many times I practiced speaking English in front of a mirror. Something to which I guess all language learners can relate! Interacting with other people gets you out of your comfort zone so it can be intimidating or embarrassing at times. But in the end, it’s the whole point of learning a language, isn’t it?
• Identity: What does language learning have to do with identity? More than we think it does, I believe. When I was still studying English in Vietnam, I tried really hard to sound like a native speaker. I even made it my ultimate goal. But as I grew older and had the opportunity to study and live abroad, I realised that I don’t need to try that hard to blend in. It’s important to speak the same language with people around me, but at the same time still keep my identity. I’m happy to say that my English is made in Vietnam.

Can you share with our students a particular LLC resource or web resource from our Practice Online web page?

I highly recommend ‘Something to write about’, a lovely online book that inspires you to write. I know most students shy away from writing because it takes time and involves a lot of thinking. Writing skill is usually labelled difficult or boring. However, this book might make you think twice about that. It offers a wide variety of topics that you can relate to. It turns writing in to a very personal experience in which you tell your own story, in your own way. For every topic, there are useful prompts to help you brainstorm and super cute illustrations that will get you in the mood for writing.

When you are not providing top notch customer service at the LLC or studying, what sorts of things do you like to get up to?!  

My top three free-time activities are dancing, reading and cooking. I’ve been swing dancing for more than two years now. Can’t say that I’m good, but I really enjoy it. I find pleasure in reading and Haruki Murakami is currently my favourite author. Cooking is a good way to de-stress. My Vietnamese spring rolls are quite popular among the LLC staff!

Darren

What are you doing here at Victoria University of Wellington?

I'm studying languages like Japanese and Scots Gaelic (in my spare time), as well as other subjects like Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

What are some of the tasks you have been doing here at Te Pūtahi Reo the Language Learning Centre?

I man the counter, serving any students who need help, as well as other behind-the-scenes tasks like fixing up books.

Do you have a useful tip, or some advice, for our language learners based on your experience of learning or teaching languages?

Be engaged with what you're learning. Always take some time out to revise.

Can you share with our students a particular LLC resource or web resource from our Practice Online web page?

The LLC has a lot of great resources, but I'd recommend the resources regarding time management, as well as online language courses like Duolingo.

When you are not providing top notch customer service at the LLC or studying, what sorts of things do you like to get up to?!

I do a lot of reading and writing in my spare time. I find creative work helps me to relax.

Diep and Darren are rostered on to our counter at varying hours each week according to demand. Feel free to come and chat with them whenever you find them here at Te Pūtahi Reo the Language Learning Centre.

Article by Benjamin Swale