At 9, Muhammad Usman began his journey of learning English, a language that would later become an integral part of his personal and professional life. Coming from a background where English was not the first language, Usman was initially introduced to it through his school curriculum. The early stages of learning English were marked by curiosity and fascination, as he navigated the complexities of a foreign language. English was taught as a second language in his school, and Usman quickly realized the importance of mastering it for future opportunities.

Usman was introduced to basic grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary in the classroom. He was taught how to form simple sentences, understand common phrases, and recognize frequently used words. At first, the new language seemed challenging, especially with its different rules and syntax compared to his native language. However, Usman’s teachers made learning engaging by incorporating fun activities like storytelling, role-playing, and English songs, which helped him grasp the language more effectively. He also began reading beginner-level English books, filled with colorful illustrations, which captured his imagination and sparked his interest in storytelling.

Outside of school, Usman found additional exposure to English through everyday interactions with media. He became an avid watcher of English cartoons and children's TV shows, which significantly helped him with listening skills and pronunciation. Shows like Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo, and Looney Tunes were both entertaining and educational for him, as they presented English in a fun and digestible manner. Without realizing it, Usman started picking up phrases, intonations, and expressions that he would later use in conversations. His interest in these programs encouraged him to practice speaking English, even if it was just mimicking what he heard on screen.

One of the pivotal moments in his learning journey came when he attempted to speak English with his friends and family. At first, his attempts were met with giggles and minor corrections, but over time, he grew more confident. The more he practiced, the more comfortable he became with the language. His teachers and family members were supportive, encouraging him to continue his practice, which fostered a positive learning environment.

In addition to media and school, Usman’s exposure to English grew through the increasing presence of English signage and advertising in his surroundings. Whether it was reading the names of products, billboards, or even the subtitles in English movies, these subtle yet consistent encounters with the language broadened his vocabulary and sharpened his reading comprehension skills. He began recognizing words and phrases, and soon enough, he could read simple passages and understand the context.

Another important aspect of his early English education was writing. Though challenging at first, Usman learned to write basic sentences and gradually developed the ability to form paragraphs. His school often required students to write short essays or descriptions of their day, and while this task initially felt overwhelming, it became a valuable exercise. He learned how to structure his thoughts, choose the right words, and express himself clearly in written form. This practice was crucial in building not just his writing skills but also his understanding of the language as a whole.

By Muhammad Usman was 9, he had built a strong foundation in English. His experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom, provided him with the tools he needed to continue his language-learning journey. Though he was still far from fluency, his growing familiarity with the language gave him confidence. More importantly, it ignited a passion for learning that would stay with him in the years to come.

This early exposure to English set the stage for further development in his teenage and adult years, helping him communicate more effectively and opening doors to new opportunities. It wasn’t just a skill for school but a gateway to a broader world of knowledge, media, and interactions, which he would come to appreciate even more as he grew older.

ENGLISH MASTER