【对话】

A: I’ve always wondered, what’s the difference between English for Chinese students and English for native students? 

B: I don’t know. What do you think?

A: I think a Chinese student concentrates on written English, and uses it as a basis for communicating. From start to finish he’s learning vocabulary and fundamentals of grammar. This is a very difficult way to learn. 

B: What do natives get?

A: They get higher level English, which is more formal than everyday spoken English. They also deal with matters of style and creativity. 

B: Do you mean that a native doesn’t make any mistakes in grammar? 

A: Absolutely not! Native speakers make a lot of grammar mistakes, especially if they come from a home where nonstandard English is spoken. 

B: I suppose that only a small percentage of college students don’t know standard English in American universities. 

A: Actually there are more non-native speakers than you think. That’s why it’s so important to quit worrying about making mistakes. Just talk to everyone every chance you get.