People get used to using their native language and seeing themselves through their native language. You are comfortable with the way you speak and understand others. Then you start to learn English: you do not speak fluently; you cannot say everything correctly; you don't understand everything. In English, you do not feel as intelligent, friendly, and charming as you feel in your native language. You can feel very frustrated as you try to speak in English. Why? Because your new language ego is weak.
Before you read further, do Questionnaire 6.

QUESTIONNAIRE 6 Language Ego

Circle the number that best describes you. Circle only one number for each Item. Use the following scale:

  1. The sentence on the left describes you well.
  2. The sentence on the left somewhat describes you.
  3. The sentence on the right somewhat describes you.
  4. The sentence on the right describes you well.

Example

I don't care if people laugh at me. graphic of the numbers 1,2,3,4 and the number 2 is circled I get very upset if people laugh at me.

Number 2 has been circled. This means that this person generally doesn't mind if people laugh at him or her.

1. I don't want to make mistakes because people will laugh at me. 1 2 3 4 Everyone makes mistakes, so it's okay to try out my English.
2. I must speak perfectly or no one will understand me. 1 2 3 4 Other people will not care if I make mistakes.
3. If my English is bad, I feel very stupid. 1 2 3 4 If my English is bad, I still have strong confidence in myself.
4. Classmates who speak English better than I do really bother me. 1 2 3 4 Classmates who are better than I am don't bother me.
5. A bad score on a test means that I am not intelligent. 1 2 3 4 A bad score on a test means that I need to study harder next time.
6. When my teacher corrects me, I feel ashamed. 1 2 3 4 When my teacher corrects me, Idon't feel ashamed.
7. I hate making a fool of myself. 1 2 3 4 I don't mind making a fool of myself
Add up the numbers you circled. You should get a total score between 7 and 28.
Score:_____

H. Douglas Brown, Strategies for Success: A Practical Guide to Learning English (White Plains, NY: Pearson Education, 2002.) Reprinted by permission of Pearson Education.