English Learning Community and Resources

With this new interview series, ‘My Language Learning Journey’, you will read about the experience and advice of English learners across the globe. For this second interview in this series, you will learn about the English learning journey of community member Marta Luamba.   

I met Marta in the previous English Community Speaking Session on November 26th. Marta has a passion for languages that has its roots in the international community in the Venice area of Italy, where she grew up. She is currently a student of African Languages and Culture and will embark on her Erasmus+ mobility experience In Madrid in the second half of January. Now, let’s hear from Marta herself, shall we? 

 
Could you please share a bit about yourself with the community? 
My name is Marta, I’m 21 years old, and I’m a student of African Languages and Culture in Turin, Italy. In my studies, I’m learning Arabic and Swahili, the language they speak in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Congo. In a month, in January 2025, I will travel to Madrid to go on my Erasmus+ mobility experience. 

 
What does language learning mean to you? 
My parents grew up in Congo, but I grew up in the Venice area of Italy together with my two older sisters, who are now 32 and 28.  For me, language, culture and identity are closely intertwined. 

I grew up in an international community with multiple languages around me and people from different cultures. That experience created a deep curiosity in me about what identity really means to me. I am Italian by birth, my parents are Congolese, and I grew up in a community with multiple cultures; where does that leave me?  I think that in today’s world and the many factors that shape identity, I can consider myself a global citizen with certain cultural aspects that are fluid to a degree.   

What languages do you speak, and where are you now on your language learning journey? 
As a result of my upbringing and schooling, I speak multiple languages: Italian, French, Lingala, Spanish and English. I’m currently focused on improving my English language skills to prepare myself for future work and studies. 

Do you have any techniques for learning English you want to share with the community? 
When I was in school, I didn’t enjoy learning English that much; the classes were mainly focused on grammar and learning words. But when I started to watch English films and listen to English songs in middle school, I started to enjoy the language and practice more.  

One of the TV series that helped me learn English is ‘Friends’. In the series, you hear many everyday conversations that you may have in a café, at work and at home with friends. I find this very useful for learning the English language. 

For me, travelling has been instrumental in gaining confidence in my English listening and speaking skills. My Interrail travel experience has been especially meaningful because, during that time, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to many people.  

The last time we spoke was during an English Community Speaking Session; what was that experience like for you? 
It was very helpful for me to practice speaking English, as I don’t have many opportunities to do so in real life. It was also nice to talk to people from different backgrounds; you never know what insights you may learn. In my case, a guy from Valencia who joined the speaking session gave me some helpful advice about my upcoming Erasmus+ experience in Madrid.  

Now we are on the topic of your mobility experience: how are you preparing yourself? 
The process of preparing for my Erasmus+ started a year ago already by filling out the application forms. Now, I’m actively searching for a place to live in Madrid. Before my Erasmus+ officially starts on January 24th, I plan to discover my new city for a few days and attend the open day at the university that welcomes new students.  

I wish you all the best of luck on your mobility and further English learning journey! Are there any final words you would like to share with our community of English learners? 
The OLS platform can give you a good opportunity to practice a new language and be part of an international community. Speaking sessions can especially be very helpful when you don’t have a lot of opportunities to practice speaking the language you are learning. You can at least try and see if it’s for you! 
 

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First of all, a big thanks to Marta for sharing her story and inspiring others on their language learning journey! I hope you will take some helpful insights from this interview and Marta’s journeys. If you would also like to be interviewed as a part of this series, you can let me know via this link or by writing a message in the comments below!  

Warmly,  

   
Marieke, OLS Community Manager – English