Practicing English at the Local Library

Wheaton residents who speak English as a second language meet every Thursday evening to practice speaking in everyday language through the conversation club at the Wheaton Public Library.

The program is one of 22 English conversation clubs at multiple branches of the Montgomery County Public Library.

Aspen Hill resident Jack Crawford, 68, has led the group for about five years and rarely misses a weekly meeting. He says he respects the willingness of non-English speakers to participate in the group.

"I admire these people who are willing to come to a place and speak out loud - to do public speaking of a manner -  to people they may or may not know," Crawford said. "They are willing to talk in a language that they don't know well."

While the English abilities vary by student, the group provides a safe place for attendees to practice listening comprehension and speaking without fear of mistakes or criticism.

Crawford, a Washington D.C. native, said he enjoys talking with people because he worked in a fairly solitary environment as a computer programmer before his retirement in 2006. While Crawford doesn't have formal training in teaching English as a second language, he is trained in the Montessori teaching method.

The club consists primarily of Spanish speakers, but participants come from all over the world. In a recent meeting, attendees included immigrants from Ethiopia, Venezuela, Peru, India, Cambodia, Brazil and Ecuador. On average, the group has eight or nine participants each week, Crawford said.

At every meeting, as each participant introduces himself, Crawford points out his country of origin on a large atlas.

The club focuses exclusively on conversation. Participants discuss a variety of topics including the challenges of learning English and living in a new culture.

One recent participant from Cambodia, a roofer, said it is difficult to learn a new language when all of his coworkers speak his native language.

"I always try to be here because he is a good teacher," he said of Crawford.

Residents with stronger English language skills attend the club as well, to practice less formal conversation. A recent immigrant from Ethiopia with a formal education in English attended the club because he wants to develop his everyday vocabulary.

Sonia Miranda, 40, recently joined the club. Originally from Brazil, Miranda said the most difficult part of learning English is auditory comprehension.

Though she was initially hesitant, Miranda found the group to be welcoming.

"I feel comfortable in this class," she said. 

Participants share tips about English courses, books and other local opportunities to practice pronunciation. The benefits of the club extend beyond building conversational skills.

"The best part is meeting new people and learning about their countries," Crawford said.

Miranda agrees. "It's so beautiful: different people, different countries. I know we have the same purpose - to improve our English," she said. "The differences we have make us special."

New participants as well as English-speaking volunteers are welcome. No prior training is required.

The club meets from from 6:30pm to 7:30pm every Thursday in a small study room in the library at 11701 Georgia Ave. Participation is free, and there is no registration required.