Ming has now been in Aus for 7 months. She begins her "formal" English lessons (provided by the Aus Government) on Feb 3rd. She has had no other formal teaching, only what is spoken between me and her, and her and the people she comes into contact with, and with what she learns from the (rubbish) Chinese text books she brought with her..
Already she has learned enough to pass the written Examination for a Drivers License Permit, she has learned enough to pass her on-road Driving test and can go shopping, driving around with no fears about communicating with anyone. OK, she cannot hold a detailed conversation about the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
, but her and my conversations are now quite detailed, and with a little help (different accents) can converse and understand most people she meets.
She is 44 years old, and I couldnt say she is an academic, she has no particular brilliance at learning language....but same as all Chinese Women, she is bloody determined to do it, and to do it right.
Have no fears...your partner will surprise you with how quickly she picks it all up...provided you are willing to help continually, and be calm and friendly about it...they cannot be bullied into learning anything...they just clam up !!!