ESL: why can I understand everything on TV but have difficulties understanding the people in real life?

Question

Hi,

I've been in the US for 1 week now (Arizona), and I have difficulties understanding people and this is frustrating because I can understand everything or almost on TV!
I've worked very hard to have a good English before I came here and according to my almost perfect TOEIC score I do. So how come can't I understand some people? It makes me feel like a beginner :-(

Maybe it's the accent but I'm not sure it's this because I learned the American accent and I listened to Arizona radio and local TV and I can understand them.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

People on television are trained to enunciate (speak clearly with strong consonants and crisp words). The sound is controlled (boosted when necessary, cleaned when it is cluttered with background noise).

When you are talking to someone, people can mumble, use incorrect wording, use local terminology, and are rarely trained in elocution (speaking clearly and properly). In addition, you have to try to listen to them while hearing background noises, other people talking, and changes in tone or volume that can be very distracting. It's not because they are dumb, or your education is lacking - clearly. It's simply that you aren't yet accustomed to how we really speak.

When I went overseas for a year, it took me about 3 months to be able to have an easy conversation. By then, you will be very good at asking people to repeat themselves. But suddenly, it will click (I'm guessing toward the end of November -- no, I take that back, Mid-October based on your score).

Pardon me? I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that? Would you mind repeating that [first] last part? I think I understand what you said, did you say......? Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't catch that at ALL! What?

The worst thing to do (and I am as guilty as the next) is to stand there and smile and nod - you'll be amazed at the stuff you agree to ;o) when you do that!

Answer 2

My second language is French. I have a similar problem - I think it's because you feel stressed because you want to make a good impression, and also because you can't properly listen - you have to appear like a person with social skills, not pulling faces or staring at them strangely like you can if the radio gets confusing! :P It's hard to try and converse normally in a foreign language.

Also bear in mind that even in smaller places, the 'best-spoken' people will be on the radio and tv. The real people in the street will often have stronger accents.

Answer 3

People on tv HAVE to speak clearly (which means a little slower, focus on conjugation etc). People not on tv talk faster with less concern on proper word formation because natives of the language can still complete the words in their head..

Don't feel bad, just ask them to speak more slowly and explain that although you understand English, your still learning. Most people will be happy to help and even teach you a few tricks too.

Answer 4

on the tv you will find people speak with very good language and slowly so everyone can understand them. when talking to people, they speak faster and through in a TON of slang. It could also be the SOUTHERN american accent it is really different and sometime they use some weird phrasing down there but keep up the good work and keep talking to people

Answer 5

good for you for taking the time and initiative to learn a new language. you should be very proud of yourself. you've no doubt learned proper english which is a good thing but, because there is so much slang and people tend to talk to fast sometimes, it an cause a few problems when you're new at it. give yourself some time to get accustomed to native speakers. you'll pick it up in no time.

Answer 6

When people talk "in real life" they tend to use informal language and not finish words. On the television, newscasters and other people speak "Standard American English." You'll get used to it. I have the opposite problem with my Spanish. El Zorro still eludes me.

Answer 7

Maybe because people in real life talk like they spell - crappy!!!!