“Do you know what a foreign accent is? It’s a sign of bravery.” – Amy Chua

The quote by Amy Chua above stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it. How wonderful and true it is. You are brave, for learning English and then for speaking it. Far braver than those who never learn and never try.

“Anyone who can only think of one way to spell a word obviously lacks imagination.” ― Mark Twain

(one of the USA's most famous writers) Even as an English person I find English spelling weird and frustrating! 

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” ― Mark Twain

Kids refusing to go to school and moaning about it? You are not alone, mama! Remember education doesn't just happen in the classroom, and sometimes a break is good for everyone

"The English language is nobody's special property. It is the property of the imagination: it is the property of the language itself." - Derek Walcott

How do you feel about English, is it your language? Are you still a 'learner' or a 'user'? You might feel that your English is 'broken' and that you must speak 'perfectly' but this isn't true. English is a global language and its purpose is communication, it's a tool not something that has to be perfect.

“The English language is a work in progress. Have fun with it.” ― Jonathan Culver

It changes all the time, and from country to country, even city to city and person to person. You can make your own version!

"The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation." -James E. Faust

Sometimes I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing! But you definitely have an influence on your children, and if we just think about English, the way you use or don't ever use English will influence them too. Imagine if your parents had spoken English (or another foreign language) to you as a kid - where would you be now?

"My mother was my role model before I even knew what that word was." -Lisa Leslie

You're a role model whether you know that or not. If your children see and hear you speaking English, they'll follow you. Instead of dull, dry English lessons at school they'll see English as a living thing that helps you make friends. A useful tool, and who doesn't want that!

You can use your English with us in Mums' English Circle. Speak English with friends from the comfort of your own home, and become an English role model for your kids. Check it out here

What do you think about these quotes? What's your favourite inspirational quote? Let me know below