Breaking Language Barriers: Overcoming Writing Challenges for ESL Writers

Writing is a skill everyone can possess, but writing effectively comes with practice and understanding grammar. A well-written article is not just about putting your thoughts on paper; it requires organized thinking, clear and structured sentences, and correct grammar.

In this article, we will explore some of the major challenges faced by ESL (English as their second language) writers and offer practical solutions to overcome these issues:

Translating Thoughts from One’s Native Language:

Often, writers who have English as their second language think in their native language and translate their thoughts into English. The problem with this process is that each language has its own set of rules, and when one translates literally, the resulting written copy may not be appealing. The arrangement of words could be disorganized, and the sentence structure could be incorrect. For example, in English, a subject is often followed by a verb. Consider the following sentence to understand better:

- John likes to eat fruits after his meal.

In Hindi, the sentence would be:

- जॉन को खाने के बाद फल खाना पसंद है (John ko khane k baad faal khana pasand hai)

So, if a non-English speaker tries to translate this thought directly, the result could be:

- John’s after meal fruits are favorite.

While the essence of the thought is communicated, it might put off an avid English reader. To avoid such instances, writers need to practice thinking directly in English and sidestep translating from their native language.

Some of the ways to improve are as follows:

1. • Acquaint with new words and concepts, with images or experiences, rather than translating them
2. • Narrate your thoughts and actions in English as you go about your day
3. • Surround yourself with English media and content to improve your understanding and thinking in the language

Unfamiliarity with Grammar and Writing Rules:

Most ESL writers struggle with English grammar, mostly because of its complexity and various exceptions to its rules. Elementary education often provides only a brief overview of grammar, leaving many of its intricacies unexplored. Just getting an overview of the subject and neglecting the rules may have detrimental effects on one’s writing. For example: a comma can be used to set off additional information in a sentence (eg., He worked with me in my previous organization, in Mumbai, for 4 years. Here “in Mumbai” is additional information and has been set off using a comma). An ESL writer may not be aware of this rule and may only know to use a comma to indicate pauses or to separate items in a list.

Some of the ways to improve are as follows:

1. • Practice grammar skills by taking online tests and quizzes
2. • Learn grammar by taking up advance English courses
3. • Use grammar checking tools to identify, learn, and correct mistakes

Shyness or Lack of Confidence in Writing Abilities:

It is observed that many people in India gauge one’s intellectual capabilities with their proficiency in speaking or writing English. This often discourages ESL writers as they may be ridiculed or discouraged by avid English speakers. Due to such instances, many ESL writers feel shy or lack confidence in their writing abilities. They fear making mistakes and are not able to express themselves effectively.

Some of the techniques to overcome this challenge are:

1. • Consistently practice writing and share your work with individuals who can provide constructive feedback.
2. • Remember that learning is a process and making mistakes is an integral part of it. Do not let the fear of making mistakes hold you back.
3. • Participate in writing groups or enroll in writing courses to improve your skills and gain confidence.

Unconsciously Switching Tenses:

It is common for English ESL writers to inadvertently switch tenses between sentences. For instance, they may start a sentence in the past tense and then include present and future tenses. These inconsistencies make it difficult for readers to follow the narrative. However, an exception to this is when there is a change in the timeline or timeframe.

To avoid this problem, keep the following in mind:

1. • Choose a primary tense and remain consistent with it throughout your writing
2. • Change tenses only when there is a need to show a shift in time
3. • Reread your written material and consider the overall timeframe — past, present, or future
4. • Take note of the tense of your verbs to ensure consistency

Memorizing Without Understanding:

Another issue faced by ESL writers is the tendency to memorize rules and vocabulary without fully understanding the context or usage. This method often leads to miscommunication or faulty use of grammar. Memorizing the rules and vocabulary can be valuable; however, it is equally important to understand the context in which they are used. The approach of memorizing and not understanding the rules will make your writing mechanical and may not accurately convey the intended meaning.

Some of the strategies to overcome this problem are:

1. • Understand the meaning and usage of an unfamiliar word or rule before memorizing it
2. • Learn new words and grammar rules in context to use it effectively and efficiently Use new words and grammar rules in your writing and speaking. This will help reinforce your understanding
3. • If you are unsure about the meaning or usage of a word or rule, always ask, do not hesitate to learn

Becoming a proficient writer is a marathon and not a sprint. So, be patient and persistent; practice regularly by setting achievable writing goals for yourself. Working on your writing consistently will help you improve your skills over time. Writing is a craft that can be polished and refined with practice, so do not get discouraged if you fail to see immediate results.