Why Do You Learn English?

This is a good question — but are you sure you really know the answer?

Within all the limitations I've faced, I've discovered why I'm learning English and which part of it matters most to me.

Two years ago, I went on a business trip to the US and couldn't say a word. That feeling of having something to say but being unable to say it is what pushed me to start learning. Story

To Be Honest

English can't immediately transform your career or your day-to-day work, and you can't become fluent in a short time — so you have to keep learning throughout your life.

Some people want to land a job at a foreign company, but foreign companies in Taiwan rarely hire people without relevant experience. What they actually care about is your personality and core skills. For example:

• Do you have any extra contributions in this field?
• Are you qualified enough?
• Does your experience match the required skills?
• Foreign companies often hold high standards and come with intense pressure.

In reality, the job market has no shortage of people who speak English well. Your core skills are what matter most — English is just a tool that supports them.

Exam English or Practical English?

After taking my first TOEIC, I realized that TOEIC and practical English point in very different directions.

I talked about it with my roommate, who had scored over 850 on the TOEIC. The "bed potato" told me: if TOEIC really proved that someone's English was great, he wouldn't need to attend a language school. (About the bed potato)

If you drop TOEIC vocabulary into everyday conversation, people will likely find it confusing rather than impressive.

That said, some companies do use minimum English certification scores as a filter.

For me, the most important thing is learning practical English that I can actually use — within the limited time I have.

What's the Most Important Thing in Communication?

One of my favorite speakers is Jensen Huang, co-founder of Nvidia. When he gives speeches, he always uses simple words and speaks slowly — easy to follow for anyone.

That approach lets him reach a wider audience and make a bigger impact.

Good communication goes beyond knowing the language. It's also about:

• Listening
• Engaging others and making them want to hear you out
• Sharing ideas
• Giving your opinion
• Talking about experiences
• Demonstrating value
• Maintaining a good attitude

Rethink

School covers listening, speaking, reading, and writing — but mastering all of them in limited time simply isn't realistic. The key is to identify the parts that are most valuable and most aligned with your goals, then focus there.

Rather than chasing exam scores, I chose to prioritize English I can immediately use in daily life and work. Practicality matters more to me.

Here's what I've been able to do with English so far:

• Build connections with people from different countries.
• Attract a wider audience by writing multilingual articles.
• Communicate with foreigners more confidently and naturally.
• Help tourists when they get lost in Taiwan — instead of just waving my hands.

Closing Thoughts

Figure out what you really want, why you want to learn English, and where you'll actually use it.

In the end, influence has never been about what you know — it's always about what you do.