Hello everyone,
I am a transmission belt professional based in Guangzhou, China. For a long time, whenever I wanted to share my industry insights, I relied on direct translation. The results were often awkward and stilted. Yet, I’ve always felt a strong desire to contribute my practical experience, hoping it might help fellow professionals in the field.
So, I decided to change my approach — not just sharing knowledge, but also explaining how I’ve been improving my English to make this sharing possible. I believe the journey itself could be as helpful as the insights.
Why I’m Writing This Post
Why am I writing this post? It all goes back to two awkward moments I had a few years ago in Guangzhou. Every year, the Canton Fair brings people from all over the world here, and you can hear different languages on the streets.Once near a subway station, a tall, handsome man with blue eyes asked me for directions in English about a hotel’s location. I understood and told him to go straight then turn right. But I wanted to get to know him—ask where he was from? I couldn’t figure out how to express it. In the end, I could only regretfully say “bye-bye” and hurry away. That awkwardness remains vivid in my memory to this day. The regret of not being able to communicate with him despite liking him
Another time on a bus, a foreigner holding a ten-yuan bill asked me in English if I could give him change. I understood perfectly, yet again didn’t know how to respond—hesitating for several seconds as I reached for my wallet. Seeing my silence, he turned to ask someone else. In that moment, I felt not just regret, but deep self-reproach: I could have helped, yet I backed away because of a language barrier.
These two small incidents stuck in my heart like tiny thorns for a long time. I began asking myself repeatedly: Why, in an international city, could I not even manage the most basic communication? It was then that I silently made a resolution: I must master English.
These two experiences were like thorns stuck in my heart for a long time. I started asking myself: Why, in an international city, can’t I even handle basic communication? From that day on, I made a decision: I will learn English well.
How I’m Improving My Spoken English
Here’s what I committed to:
Immersion in English Content: I made it a habit to regularly read English news and industry blogs. This keeps me updated on global trends and exposes me to professional vocabulary in context.
Structured Learning with a Tutor: Understanding that self-study has limits, I invested in professional guidance. Despite a busy schedule, I dedicated two hours every day to online sessions with an English tutor. This consistent practice has been invaluable for building confidence and accuracy.
The Rewarding Outcome
The benefits extended far beyond writing. During a recent trip to Europe, I was thrilled to find myself understanding everyday conversations. Even more rewarding were the genuine connections I made:
I chatted with the son of a restaurant owner about his school life.I was delighted to share my school life with him. He was surprised by the cross-cultural differences—he found our Chinese cultural studies dull and tedious, while he thought his school life was fun. I was quite envious.
Then,I had a meaningful conversation with the owner of a burger shop in Switzerland about his daily operations, lifestyle, and even income challenges.
These moments were a powerful confirmation that persistence pays off.
Using Social Media to Write Posts and Connect
Now, I’m taking this next step: writing directly in English. My goal remains the same — to share practical knowledge about conveyor belts, from maintenance tips to market observations. But now, I hope to do it more clearly and connect with a wider community.
This article is just the beginning. I look forward to engaging with all of you, learning together, and growing together in our professional journeys.
I’ve started posting in English on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), even if it’s just a photo with one sentence. Likes, comments — even a simple “Nice!” — encourage me. More importantly, I see how people from different cultures express themselves, and I learn authentic expressions.
I’ve also realized that blogging doesn’t just improve my English — it helps me understand myself better. When I describe an experience or idea in English, I have to think more clearly. That, in turn, sharpens my thinking.
Thank you for reading.
Warmly,
[aki]
A Transmission Belt Professional from Guangzhou Yonghang
