Language Barriers

Language is not a big problem
Iman Usman (Gryffindor)

New year has come! That means the coming of lessons, too. Prepare to do a batch of duties which will seize your attention. New year also means new things for new students. First year student from around the world come with many reasons: the wanting to become Harry Potter, to fill the spare time, to search for new friends, or even to increase the ability in speaking English.

For the countries that use English as the first language, completely participating in HOL is not a main problem. It only requires motivation, diligence, and spirit to be a good student. But, for the other countries that don't use English as their first language, it’s a big problem and slightly frustrating. They must be able to understand the explanations written about every class in order to follow and do homework carefully (because they must translate every word into their language). Making friends from around the world also might be a bit difficult.

I took a look at Indonesia, a country that produced many HOL students last year in all four houses. They won contests and earned many points during their first year as students, even! I was able to interview a current Ravenclaw First year about HOL life: Deddy Perdana.

Iman Usman: Hi! How are you, I must first tell you, “Congratulations and welcome to HOL!”

Deddy Perdana: Fine, thanks. Nice to join into HOL.

IU: What made you join HOL?

DP: Before, I didn’t know anything about HOL. I joined into the Harry Potter Fan Club Indonesia mailing list. But, I guess, this mailing list was not so active. And then, I wanted to search for other communities. Finally, I found Hogwarts Indonesia Mailing list. And that was the community for the students who joined Hogwarts Online (Not only HOL). From that, I read an explanation or an advertisement about HOL. I was interested, and so I joined.

IU: Wow...so, what keeps you interested in being an HOL student?

DP: I think it will be a great experience for me. I’m addicted to Harry Potter. Since some years ago, I dreamt of becoming a Hogwarts student. But, it was just my imagination. Now, with HOL, at least my dreams come true.

IU: What’s your motivation? HOL uses English, is it not a problem for you? Or a scare?

DP: Because of that, I enjoy HOL. HOL can increase my ability in English. Discussing with many people from a great number of countries, with different characteristics, is interesting. And I can gain friends, too!

IU: Why did you choose HOL and not some other Hogwarts online site?

DP: Since I opened HOL’s website. I have seen that HOL is the most professional. There are a lot of students, and I have many classes to choose from.

IU: Only that? Were there any impressions you obtained from the Hogwarts Indonesia maling list?

DP: Comments, and advice from Hogwarts Indonesia mailing list also increased my interest, and assured me about HOL. It means HOL has proven its great quality...

UI: If I can know, what classes did you choose, and why did you choose those classes?

DP: I take 5 classes. Astronomy, DADA, Basic Tarot, Transfiguration, and Ghost. I like science fiction and astronomy films. Besides that, I’m learning about Tarot and others, since I want to know about the lessons which are in my imagination.

IU: Finally, what is your target for this year?

DP: I hope, I can be promoted to 2nd year, and at least get 5 quills. And I hope I can get some awards for my house. Hopefully my English will be better then.

IU: I hope you will hit your target, and thanks for your time.