An English language learner better not ask in this site?
I asked this question and it had been closed as off-topic(it was reopened). Some members seem to have an opinion that a learner better not ask here(see the comments of the above mentioned thread). I would like to know your opinions.
To directly answer your question:
There is a second site, English Language Learners (ELL). It is designed for people who are trying to learn English when it is not their primary language.
English Langugage & Usage (ELU) assumes that the users already have a fairly advanced degree of knowledge of the English language and are asking more complicated questions. (As a general rule: On-topic questions would likely be at least a mild challenge to a native speaker.)
When we vote to close a question here, it is because it doesn't specifically fit the profile of a question on this site.
The most common reason for closure is that the answer would a) be readily apparent to a native speaker, b) would be easily found within a general reference that is readily available. We call this closure reason General Reference. The majority of questions that are asked by non-native speakers fall into this category; many of these questions would likely be more welcome on ELL.
There are some, however, that have clearly done their research and are asking for clarification of certain nuances that might not be readily apparent from those general references. Those questions are typically welcome on ELU. The key difference is: the general reference research has been done PRIOR to posting the question.
So, to make my point clearer: We have a thriving community of non-native English speakers here. And, many of them are our finest contributors. But, they already possess a significant proficiency in the English language. Some, in fact, are more knowledgable than a native speaker with regard to grammatical usage, and other fine points.
There is no stigma to being asked to post on ELL instead of ELU. That is the entire reason ELL exists, to help people who are trying to learn to speak English at most levels. If you post a question and it gets closed, then please read the comments explaining why the close votes were applied. If many of them recommend posting on ELL, then consider reposting it there. You will likely get a better and more complete answer there.
I think that every site under the StackExchange umbrella has had a question on its meta site making a similar point. The point being that new users are not made welcome.
In all cases the answer is similar. The sites have different expectations of their users than a simple forum site would.
This has the disadvantage that it can appear unwelcoming to new users who fall foul of the standards required. The flags and comments received may appear brusque and unwelcoming.
This is outweighed by major advantages. These sites form a repository of useful information that can be read easily. The Q&A format leads a reader to information without having to trawl through the drivel of a forum's stream of conciousness. It is very often not necessary to post a question as the answer can be found simply. Of course, not all other forums are bad and these SE sites are not perfect.
The sites are not as unwelcoming as you may at first think. Please continue to use the site, all are welcome here. Just please take a moment to understand what there is on offer and what you can offer in return.
