I can't participate in class

[nvictor]

Hi,

We've started classes this week. It's only my second week in an English country. I have many difficulties to express myself though, in french I do it very well.

I'm afraid to talk in class because of my accent though I know most of the answers. Many of the professors are grading participation, so any other way, I must participate to get good grades.

What can help me?

[da1prophet]

Originally Posted by nvictor

Hi,

We've started classes this week. It's only my second week in an English country. I have many difficulties to express myself though, in french I do it very well.

I'm afraid to talk in class because of my accent though I know most of the answers. Many of the professors are grading participation, so any other way, I must participate to get good grades.

What can help me?

Since you're a native French speaker, its not like your professors or anyone else expects you to be fluent in English. And I wouldn't worry about your accent--I'd imagine that there will be plenty of people who like it!

Basically, since its part of the grade you just have to make the effort. Even if you don't express yourself as articulately as you'd like just keep in mind that you speak English better than 99% of your classmates speak French!

Good luck!!

[Mark Lapierre]

Does your university have facilities to help people whose native language is something other than English? Perhaps you could go see someone and get some assistance, if you really do need it. I'm sure that kind of initiative would look good to the professors as well.

As for your accent, don't worry about what other people think! If you put in the effort to show your professors that you're doing your best to participate then that's the important thing, not how well you speak English.

[RT Wolf]

As others have said, we often feel self-conscious when we don't fit in (it's the most basic of social pressures), and you can fight that with courage. You could try taking it in steps (or you could go all out, whichever you'd like).

Steps:
Maybe go talk to your prof after class. Tell them you enjoyed class or ask them a question or something. Build a little bridge there that'll be easier to cross even in a crowded lecture hall.
Maybe talk to the people around you (I don't know if you do that) and get used to that.
And then, start answering a question or two. Just a little one.
From there you can answer as many questions as you choose to.

BTW, speaking up in class is a great way to get recognized. If some young ladies/men hear you and like your accent...

So there are benefits to standing out.

[icesar]

Give yourself some time - you've only been there for 1 month and I'm sure that the professors are not expecting you to be the most outspoken given that English is not your native language.

You can participate after class by going up and talking to the pofessors one-on-one, and within a few months I'm sure you'll feel comfortable answering questions during class too.

[nvictor]

Thanks for the tips. Right now, I feel the most courageous man in the world, let see what's happen monday

[dpgiffin]

I lived in Germany for five months a few years back, part of a student exchange program. I could get by with my german, but I was so reluctant to ever say anything.

Finally after about three weeks of this, I finally joined in and prefaced my comment by reminding people of my german skills. I stumbled along that week, but the next week my confidence sky rocketed, causing my ability to communicate to sky rocket as well.

Just dive in. You can only regret sitting there an not saying anything. You will never regret just trying. And with a new language, doing is the only way to learn.

[nvictor]

Dustin, I'll, I have to.

[Gemini15]

I suggest you make it a goal to say something very early and it doesn't have to be long just one sentence. Even saying hello to fellow students as you arrive will help. After you have talked once, concentrate on looking our for another opportunity again but this time work hard on the content as well.

You will feel like a milliondollars when you walk out having succeeded.

From then on make it a goal to always say something to the group.

Good luck

[빈센트]

English is always spoken with an accent. Compare accents in Australia, England, Canada, and Texas. They all sound different. You can change your accent to sound authentic with alittle effort. Actors do it all the time.

Participate in the culture. Watch the movies and read English literature.

[elainevdw]

What's more important: your accent, or what you have to say? The way you communicate something, or the actual idea that you're communicating?

Remember that the content of your comments is far more important than your accent, so your accent shouldn't keep you from speaking your mind. I think it's great opportunity for you that your profs grade participation -- they're encouraging you to both overcome your anxiety, and increase your English speaking skills.

I'm not sure which English-speaking country you're in, but I've noticed in the United States that not a lot of Americans are very good at understanding non-American accents. So you may need to be prepared for people to ask you to repeat yourself a lot at first. But as the semester goes on, your accent will become more standard, and your classmates/professor will get better at understanding your accent.

Also, keep in mind that your perspective as foreigner in this country will make what you have to say twice as valuable to your fellow students. So don't deny them the chance to expand their horizons through you!