The English language… it’s a tricky one. There’s two, to and too. Then you’ve got there, their and they’re.
And let’s not even get started on words like ‘set’ which have hundreds of different possible meanings. Let’s set up this blog now! Ready, set, go? Before the sun starts to set. You see? Confusing, to say the least. Let’s explore ways to help you pick the English language up.
Practice
As they say, practice makes perfect. So, when you’re talking to your friends or you’re writing something down (if you are creating an essay in English see this website for an online proofreading service) try and do so in English. Of course, this doesn’t have to be all the time. But try at least once a day. If you move to an English speaking city try and communicate with the locals. As daunting as it is, it is very beneficial and people will appreciate your efforts. Although it might seem like the hardest method, immersing yourself in a culture and a language really is the most effective way of picking it up.
Make a note of words you learn and have the translation next to them. If there are multiple meanings of the word then include those too. Put how the word sounds and in what context it is used. Revisit and add more details to your notes where possible.
Change your settings
Make the language on your electronic devices English if you already have a grasp on the language. It can help you to discover new words and will subconsciously make you more fluent. If you come across a word you are unfamiliar with then look it up and add it to your written list. Revise the words and try to slip them into conversations where possible, to help you remember them and to make them a part of your vocabulary.
Watch and listen to English speaking media, like films or songs, avoiding the translated versions. With films and TV you can put subtitles on in your own language on at first to help you but as you improve and start to understand more, slowly try and restrict yourself from doing so.
Make friends with those who speak English fluently
Of course, don’t make this the only reason you befriend certain people but maybe make more of an effort with those that can benefit your learning. Having support from others can be extremely helpful. They can correct you if you make a mistake, teach you new things and encourage you to keep up the good work. In return, maybe you could teach them some of your own language - you could even have study sessions together, where you spend half of it speaking English and the other your own language, to see if they can pick something new up in the process as well. Win-win.
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