Had I not realized the importance of phonetics before. Do not get me wrong, I am good at producing sounds for instance. However, what I do not excel at is at memorizing the phonetic alphabet. Not that is not a simple task. Nonetheless, for some reason I had avoided even trying. Of course I´ve taken phonetic courses, and can recognize most of the symbols. Notwithstanding, my laziness stopped me from continuing. Thus, I cannot form words with the phonetic symbols just yet. Not exactly have I felt disgruntled at my teachers´ methodology. Though, I know they could have done it better. Anyhow, last night, I found this simple method on how to learn the basics. You see, one of the skills I have is to be good with my long-term memory. Ergo, just hearing most words a couple of times I can master their pronunciation. Be that as it may, I needed to go deeper. Not only because there are some exceptions to my rule, but also because I want to know more. Still are there lots of nostrums on how to learn English fast. However, as they say: No pain, no gain. Usually inexperienced people believe that crap they see on TV. You cannot learn a second language in less than a year. In Latin America, most brats these days are bludgeoned into learning English by their parents. It should not be that way though. There has to a reason other than learning English just because we are in a globalized world. People need to learn English because they like it. Or even if they don´t, at least they should find some interest in it. For example, a high school girl is eager to learn English. Why?. Since she is a ¨Directioner¨, she wants to understand the lyrics of all the songs of her favorite band.  Obviously, the same would happen with any other motivation you find in learning a second language. As exulted as I am after Real Madrid´s conquest of the Champions League, I would be if new teaching techniques were implement in the Americas. Regarding languages of course. Anyway, if I had found out I was good at singing back as a kid, I would have stood ramrod straight practicing English songs. Lastly, I´d say that you do not want to end up scourged by your conscience, due to not having learned something. Not that I would like to see all learners having a bee in their bonnet about punctuation, such as me.