RIDGEWOOD

Ridgewood ESL program is not just about language

Meghan Grant
NorthJersey

RIDGEWOOD — It's a place to get the latest bestseller, but for foreigners in the country, it's also where they learn about ordering at a deli counter and making small talk.

The Ridgewood Public Library is home to 128 students and 47 volunteer tutors, in an ESL program marking its 25th year.

Students and tutors attend the Ridgewood Library's ESL Luncheon on June 7.

The English as a second language program has members from 30 countries, including Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, India, Iran, Lithuania, Peru, Syria and Turkey. 

Monica Winter, who speaks Romanian, moved to America after her husband died. At first she was afraid to speak, since her English was not good. She enrolled in ESL for her daughter’s sake.

“You have more confidence when you speak, and you meet new people,” said Winter, who attends a group session weekly.

Beginners start one on one with tutors, then move on to small conversation groups, said ESL Coordinator Victoria Hilditch. As they advance, they can join larger groups. “Having more people creates more conversation” and demonstrates what they’ve learned, she said.

Students from Korea and Japan make up this year’s largest demographic, Hilditch said.

Students and tutors attend the Ridgewood Library's ESL Luncheon on June 7. On stage is Library Director Nancy Greene.

Dawang Sun is a graphic designer who moved from Shanghai in 2016.

The father of two daughters is learning English and getting help with his résumé, and his tutor has aided his career, he said. Sun has also designed the library’s new logo.

The focus is on social English and how it applies to everyday living.

“It’s not just the language, it’s learning the culture,” everything from how to shop for groceries to ordering from a restaurant menu, Hilditch said. “The goal is to be understood,” she said. They also cover the measurement system, public bathrooms, ordering at a deli counter, superstitions and everyday expressions.

“We help them feel they can make it in a new country and feel completely comfortable,” said tutor Lauren Melso, who majored in Japanese and lived overseas.

Fourth-year tutor Janine Lanzisera said she often discusses her students’ kids and how they are adjusting, similar to her own experience as a parent living in Italy and teaching English.

Vilma Gonzalez (left) presented on her visual merchandising and window design career during the ESL Luncheon, posing with dresses she made with recycled materials.

Yukino Mino celebrated the milestone of reading a novel, calling it a “dream come true.” She said she was touched by Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.”

“I love the program because my tutor is very kind and thoughtful,” Mino said.

ESL Assistant Coordinator Victoria Schnure noted that the library also offers a French language café to give English speakers a chance to try their skills.

The library is hosting teen-to-teen ESL sessions over the summer, helping English-learners keep sharp during school break.

“It’s gratifying to work one on one with someone. It’s as much about the connection, and the work has an obvious impact,” said Librarian Larissa Brookes.