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 #2 (permalink) Fri Mar 28, 2008 10:34 am Yen From Malaysia |
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Hi Yen,
Your written English seems to be pretty good -- I take it you learned at English at school and university? What is your native language and what do you do for a living? I think improving your English is a bit like doing a sport. As long as you practice it constantly, your skills improve.
Let me know what you think and many thanks for sharing your ideas and experiences with me.
Regards,
Torsten
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
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Torsten
Learning Coach
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Yen
I'm new here and I like it ;-)
Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 32
Location: KL, Malaysia
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| #4 (permalink) Mon Mar 31, 2008 4:34 am Yen From Malaysia |
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Hi Yen,
Welcome to English-test.net 
I am Nina from Kuching. I bet you are from the from the Peninsula. Most Chinese (in Kuching) that I know are very fluent. Accept for the accent. But hey, guess what, everybody has it. I think it's our habit of speaking Malaysian English back in Malaysia. BTW,'accents' is also a hot topic on this forum. You can check it under "What do you want to talk about".
And may I know which part of Malaysia are you from?
Talk to you later,
Nina |
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NinaZara
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 1165
Location: Malaysia (Cat city)
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| #5 (permalink) Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:03 am Yen From Malaysia |
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Hi Nina, it's a pleasant surprise to see a home friend here.  Yes, I'm from the Peninsula, to be precise I'm from Seremban whereby English is not widely used there. You are so right, my chinese accent and my pronounciation that annoyed me a lot. I wonder if there's any effective method/ program that can help me to get rid of these problems. BTW, you have moved out from M'sia? You are in Japan currently for work or for study?
Nice to see you here!!
Cheers,
Yen |
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Yen
I'm new here and I like it ;-)
Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 32
Location: KL, Malaysia
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| #6 (permalink) Mon Mar 31, 2008 14:40 pm Yen From Malaysia |
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| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| Hi Nina, it's a pleasant surprise to see a home friend here. Yes, I'm from the Peninsula, to be precise I'm from Seremban whereby English is not widely used there. |
Oh...Seremban, let me guess, Negeri Sembilan? I always confused it with Melaka. My close friends still tease me about mixing up the states with one another. They usually blame it on my "Sarawakness". Every time 'Seremban' comes up in any conversation, one of them will definitely say, "Okay Nina, where's Seremban?" I hope I get it right this time...(wow, it feels so good to talk about our country)
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| You are so right, my chinese accent and my pronounciation that annoyed me a lot. |
Well, I think we should strive for clear pronunciation but personally, I think as long as our speech is intelligible, I think a tiny bit of accent won't hurt anybody. I have it too, everybody does. But that doesn't mean you cannot be free of it. And I also hate to think that it is unachievable. I believe, if you put your mind to it, you can do anything your heart desires.
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| I wonder if there's any effective method/ program that can help me to get rid of these problems. |
I'm sure our professionals here on the forum can give you better advice. But personally, I rely a lot on listening. I notice that our pronunciation is influenced by the things that we listen to. When I first learned animal sounds in Japanese, I notice that they hear animals sound differently. For example, in Japanese dogs make "wang wang" sound but in English, it's "woof woof", and "nyia nyia" for cats intead of "miaw...". We even fought with our Japanese language teacher and told her that dogs do not make "wang wang" sound. But now I know, it's only that they listen to it differently. I bet in other languages, the animal sounds are different too.
So, if we want to sound like, say, an American, I suppose we should listen a lot to American. Don't you think? It is one of my infamous theories. So take it at your own risk  .
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| BTW, you have moved out from M'sia? You are in Japan currently for work or for study? |
No I have not moved out from Malaysia. I miss Malaysia terribly. I call home every possible day. But I work quite late (for my standard, for the Japanese going home at 8 p.m. is not considered late. My boss stays until morning many times a week and everytime I visit the office on weekends he is always there. And many times too he stayed back for two days, then took just a half day off, then came back to work again. Japanese are crazy I tell you! Crazy!)
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
Nice to see you here!!
Cheers,
Yen |
I am also excited to have a fellow Malaysian on board. And Yen, I don't mean to be rude, but...you are er, a girl, right? For the first time I can't tell the gender from a Chinese name. And I suppose Chin, and not Shiau is your surname, right?
Talk later,
Nina |
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NinaZara
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 1165
Location: Malaysia (Cat city)
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| #7 (permalink) Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:50 am Yen From Malaysia |
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| NinaZara wrote: |
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| Hi Nina, it's a pleasant surprise to see a home friend here. Yes, I'm from the Peninsula, to be precise I'm from Seremban whereby English is not widely used there. |
| Quote: |
| Oh...Seremban, let me guess, Negeri Sembilan? I always confused it with Melaka. My close friends still tease me about mixing up the states with one another. They usually blame it on my "Sarawakness". Every time 'Seremban' comes up in any conversation, one of them will definitely say, "Okay Nina, where's Seremban?" I hope I get it right this time...(wow, it feels so good to talk about our country) |
You got it right this time. Seremban is in Negeri Sembilan! You can now tell you friends that you are no longer that "Sarawakness"! :p
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| You are so right, my chinese accent and my pronounciation that annoyed me a lot. |
Well, I think we should strive for clear pronunciation but personally, I think as long as our speech is intelligible, I think a tiny bit of accent won't hurt anybody. I have it too, everybody does. But that doesn't mean you cannot be free of it. And I also hate to think that it is unachievable. I believe, if you put your mind to it, you can do anything your heart desires.
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| I wonder if there's any effective method/ program that can help me to get rid of these problems. |
I'm sure our professionals here on the forum can give you better advice. But personally, I rely a lot on listening. I notice that our pronunciation is influenced by the things that we listen to. When I first learned animal sounds in Japanese, I notice that they hear animals sound differently. For example, in Japanese dogs make "wang wang" sound but in English, it's "woof woof", and "nyia nyia" for cats intead of "miaw...". We even fought with our Japanese language teacher and told her that dogs do not make "wang wang" sound. But now I know, it's only that they listen to it differently. I bet in other languages, the animal sounds are different too.
| Quote: |
| So, if we want to sound like, say, an American, I suppose we should listen a lot to American. Don't you think? It is one of my infamous theories. So take it at your own risk . |
I do agree with you! I have been working with an Australian for 3 years. More or less I have picked up his way of speaking, his accent but for me I just find my slight Australian accent is a bit awkward!
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| BTW, you have moved out from M'sia? You are in Japan currently for work or for study? |
| Quote: |
| No I have not moved out from Malaysia. I miss Malaysia terribly. I call home every possible day. But I work quite late (for my standard, for the Japanese going home at 8 p.m. is not considered late. My boss stays until morning many times a week and everytime I visit the office on weekends he is always there. And many times too he stayed back for two days, then took just a half day off, then came back to work again. Japanese are crazy I tell you! Crazy!) |
What do you do in Japan? In what industry? Perhaps I can help you to find a more work life balance job in Malaysia!
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
Nice to see you here!!
Cheers,
Yen |
| Quote: |
| I am also excited to have a fellow Malaysian on board. And Yen, I don't mean to be rude, but...you are er, a girl, right? For the first time I can't tell the gender from a Chinese name. And I suppose Chin, and not Shiau is your surname, right? |
My surname is CHIN and my first name is ShiauYen. Can tell now?
Talk later,
Nina |
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Yen
I'm new here and I like it ;-)
Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 32
Location: KL, Malaysia
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NinaZara
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 1165
Location: Malaysia (Cat city)
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Yen
I'm new here and I like it ;-)
Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 32
Location: KL, Malaysia
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| #10 (permalink) Tue Apr 01, 2008 15:23 pm Yen From Malaysia |
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| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| Wow, that's something I really do not know of. I have not dealt with engineers before as I do a lot of banking & financial services. |
Lucky girl. Your job sounds awesome. You actually deal with real people and learn knowledge that are useful in life. Unlike me, I sometimes or most of the times have to deal with stupid machines. If you ask why, machines cannot fix themselves whenever there is trouble (you have to excuse my language, I am just living up to my boss' reputation) 
My father is trying to push me into learning finance, though. I am still unsure about jumping into a field I know nothing about. But I know for sure that knowing the subject will give me great advantages. Maybe you know some tips on how to begin? Will really appreciate it.
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| I guess life must be kinda though for you in Japan as their patriotism is very much high. |
That is so not true. At least for the young generation. You'd be surprised at how some universities students do not even know their Prime Minister's name. And generally people or even men do not find politics interesting at all. Though I am not sure whether knowing or liking politics can be seen the same as being patriotic. All I know is they hold steadfastly to their culture and certain way of thinking which I think will hold them back in competing with the Westerners.
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| Nevertheless, it must be fun too to explore to their cultures and their fashion sense! I have not been to Japan before, it's too pricey to pay a visit regardless I admire the fashion cutting edge in Japan. |
Well, it can be overwhelming. You'd see girls wearing gothic costumes or dress like dolls like it is the most natural thing to do in the world. But only in the big cities. I'm not too crazy about it. But hey, you can wear anything and people will not say a thing. I admire that openness they have.
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
Im a girl Nina. (let me PM you my fb/ friendster address) ShiauYen Chin is not my nick name - that's my real full name though!  |
I'm so sorry. How can I not see that? ShiauYen is definitely a girly girl's name. And I was referring to 'Yen' when I mentioned about your nickname. And I'm checking your PM as soon as I finish this post.
Later,
Nin (my other nickname ) |
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NinaZara
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 1165
Location: Malaysia (Cat city)
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| #11 (permalink) Wed Apr 02, 2008 2:38 am Yen From Malaysia |
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| Quote: |
Lucky girl. Your job sounds awesome. You actually deal with real people and learn knowledge that are useful in life. Unlike me, I sometimes or most of the times have to deal with stupid machines. If you ask why, machines cannot fix themselves whenever there is trouble (you have to excuse my language, I am just living up to my boss' reputation)
My father is trying to push me into learning finance, though. I am still unsure about jumping into a field I know nothing about. But I know for sure that knowing the subject will give me great advantages. Maybe you know some tips on how to begin? Will really appreciate it. |
Well, it depends on what you like. If you like to communicate with people, I guess Engineer job may not be a right fit for you as it can be very dull and boring. In fact, in the finance industry some people like it and some people don't again it depends on their personalities. One thing that I'm pretty sure of is the remuneration package, it's competitive compare to other industries. Analysts, Corporate Finance Professionals, Private Bankers, Actuarials are in good demand here. What did you study last time? Engineering?
| Quote: |
| Well, it can be overwhelming. You'd see girls wearing gothic costumes or dress like dolls like it is the most natural thing to do in the world. But only in the big cities. I'm not too crazy about it. But hey, you can wear anything and people will not say a thing. I admire that openness they have. |
Haha... Not to that extend. I like to see the Jap girls in moderate dressing up and make up. Especially the perming technology at the saloons there. Lots of hair care/ hair styling products in our home soil are from Japan which makes me have the impression that it must be cool to at least do my hair once in Japan!
| Quote: |
| I'm so sorry. How can I not see that? ShiauYen is definitely a girly girl's name. And I was referring to 'Yen' when I mentioned about your nickname. And I'm checking your PM as soon as I finish this post. |
It's ok Nina. I just realized many forumers are using nicknames instead of their real names. I'm just too blunt to register using my real name. Sigh... I was trying to change my name here but there's no way to change it!! Any idea on how to change the user name?  |
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Yen
I'm new here and I like it ;-)
Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 32
Location: KL, Malaysia
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| #12 (permalink) Wed Apr 02, 2008 4:31 am Yen From Malaysia |
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| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| Well, it depends on what you like. If you like to communicate with people, I guess Engineer job may not be a right fit for you as it can be very dull and boring. In fact, in the finance industry some people like it and some people don't again it depends on their personalities. One thing that I'm pretty sure of is the remuneration package, it's competitive compare to other industries. Analysts, Corporate Finance Professionals, Private Bankers, Actuarials are in good demand here. What did you study last time? Engineering? |
I studied mechanical engineering, and it is not boring. It is everything but boring. 
But my father is right then, about the demands you mentioned. Actually, 5 years ago, he suggested for me to study statistics or if I really have a taste for science, to just study pure physics then come back and work with him. What he didn't know is that, working with him is the last thing on earth I wanted to do. Now I don't think the idea is that bad. He was against me taking up engineering. If I remember the word he chose to describe my profession now was, "coolie" only that we are professional coolies. He was not an engineer, but he have dealt a lot with engineers. He was a QS (Quantity surveyor) before but now he and his friends (most of them were engineers) own their own businesses.
Now I wonder if there is a grain of truth in his words. But no matter how hard or stressful I get, I chop my right hand off before I let him know!
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Well, it can be overwhelming. You'd see girls wearing gothic costumes or dress like dolls like it is the most natural thing to do in the world. But only in the big cities. I'm not too crazy about it. But hey, you can wear anything and people will not say a thing. I admire that openness they have. |
Haha... Not to that extend. I like to see the Jap girls in moderate dressing up and make up. Especially the perming technology at the saloons there. Lots of hair care/ hair styling products in our home soil are from Japan which makes me have the impression that it must be cool to at least do my hair once in Japan! |
Really? You mean those big hair and all. Well, it is kinda nice. But I don't think I'll ever pull them off. But it is true about them being very good at make-ups and stuffs like that. Actually, most women here will never be seen without make-ups on their face. I used to have that attitude but now I can't afford to have that attitude. I always tell myself when I see girls in my office who can wear girly clothes and dress up prettily every day that here (at my company) I am not paid to be pretty . But truthfully, I miss being a girl.
| Shiau Yen Chin wrote: |
| It's ok Nina. I just realized many forumers are using nicknames instead of their real names. I'm just too blunt to register using my real name. Sigh... I was trying to change my name here but there's no way to change it!! Any idea on how to change the user name? |
As far as I know, you cannot do that. Maybe you should PM Torsten or Slava. Ok, I got to go. My lunch break is almost over.
Talk later,
Nina
Oh yes, I have some questions that I want to ask later about this banking and finance matter. I'll email you. |
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NinaZara
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 1165
Location: Malaysia (Cat city)
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| #13 (permalink) Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:29 am Yen From Malaysia |
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| Quote: |
| I studied mechanical engineering, and it is not boring. It is everything but boring. |
It's great that you do enjoy it!! I'm just totally a dumb when facing machines!! Haha...
| Quote: |
| But my father is right then, about the demands you mentioned. Actually, 5 years ago, he suggested for me to study statistics or if I really have a taste for science, to just study pure physics then come back and work with him. What he didn't know is that, working with him is the last thing on earth I wanted to do. Now I don't think the idea is that bad. He was against me taking up engineering. If I remember the word he chose to describe my profession now was, "coolie" only that we are professional coolies. He was not an engineer, but he have dealt a lot with engineers. He was a QS (Quantity surveyor) before but now he and his friends (most of them were engineers) own their own businesses. |
Your father is foresighted!! Seriously, I regretted that I didnt take up statistic/ economic or accounting course after high school!! I always think, how nice if someone was there to provide me the prospect of each course!! How great is that if I'm now end up as an Actuary!! You dad is humorous though! "coolie" - I have not heard that word for long!! 
| Quote: |
| Now I wonder if there is a grain of truth in his words. But no matter how hard or stressful I get, I chop my right hand off before I let him know! |
I'm sure your dad gave you the best opinion possible!! Nevertheless, there are many successful engineers who has succeeded in climbing the corporate ladder. (Probably my statements/ views are a bit bias to the banking & financial services sector since I'm in that industry)
| Quote: |
| Really? You mean those big hair and all. Well, it is kinda nice. But I don't think I'll ever pull them off. But it is true about them being very good at make-ups and stuffs like that. Actually, most women here will never be seen without make-ups on their face. I used to have that attitude but now I can't afford to have that attitude. I always tell myself when I see girls in my office who can wear girly clothes and dress up prettily every day that here (at my company) I am not paid to be pretty . But truthfully, I miss being a girl. |
Not really the big hair!! I admire the big curls, the girly perms, coloring skills and the hair styles done by the Jap hair stylist. There's one Jap hair saloon in KL here too, they are really good at transforming boring hairstyle. But, the price they are charging is a premium in Malaysia. Not many people could afford/ willing to pay for it though! (I'm one of them, haha)
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| As far as I know, you cannot do that. Maybe you should PM Torsten or Slava. Ok, I got to go. My lunch break is almost over. |
I have already PM Torsten. Hope I can get rid of my real name here!!
| Quote: |
| Oh yes, I have some questions that I want to ask later about this banking and finance matter. I'll email you |
Please feel free to ask anything you think I could advise/ assist. I'll be happy to assist any possible I can! |
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Yen
I'm new here and I like it ;-)
Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 32
Location: KL, Malaysia
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| #14 (permalink) Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:18 am Yen From Malaysia |
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Please mind that the noun "stuff" is uncountable so the phrase "stuffs like that" is incorrect.
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary |
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Torsten
Learning Coach
Joined: 25 Sep 2003
Posts: 10051
Location: EU
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| #15 (permalink) Wed Apr 02, 2008 14:14 pm Yen From Malaysia |
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| Thanks for the reminder, Torsten. |
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NinaZara
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 1165
Location: Malaysia (Cat city)
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| New member from Saudi Arabia | Hello everybody! I am Shireen from Saudi Arabia. |
