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.