I know English. Actually it is not my usual entry, it is a qestion. When can we say that we know a language? For example, can I say, that I know English, if I wrote this entry without dictionary or spell-checker? Or perhaps I cannot say, that I know English, because I'm not sure that I can talk on every topic. Sometimes I'm not sure that I know Russian well, even if it is my native language. Actually I still think that I need much more speech practice. I do not even thin that I will understand everything someone tell in English. Well, I used to listen audiobooks in English, and understand them but it was professional actors who read them, what about ordinary people? And if I'm not sure at all that I know the language, how can I tell to someone that I know it? On the other hand, I cannot say that I don't know it at all. Well, I know that there are test for English levels but I guess that tests are not very objective. It can show your grammar level (mine is quite poor, I know) but it cannot show perfectly your vocabular (I humbly think, that mine is fine, I hope I'm not flattering to myself). Learning language is interesting, but really difficult thing. It is really important to find a goot teacher. I used to be afraid of talking English untill I found a teacher who stopped interruot me every other word, correcting me). Italki also gave me a good stimull to use the language. Really, I used to have C- or even D marks for my compositions in English. Now I have B- or B, I think it is progress. So italki helps me to study at university. I only hope, that I will improve my terrible French as well. Well, at least there is a thing I'm sure. I don't know French at all! I'm so glad, that there is a thing I know excactly! :) And what about you? Do Italki give you real help with language or you use it just for communication?