Picking up a new language is hard, especially if the nature of your native and the foreign languages are different. For someone who has been speaking in a syllable-timed language such as French has a hard time trying to pick up a stressed-time language like English. Throw in grammar complications and it becomes a ball of confusing mess.
However, it’s not to say that you should be deterred! In fact, the prospect of learning and using a new language is exciting! Especially for English, which is used in most parts of the world. You may have enrolled in English courses or are learning it all on your own – if so, you’ve got guts! -, here are some tips to help you out!
1. Speak, Think and Breathe English
No matter the language, the fastest way to master a foreign language is to dive straight into the waters. Take every chance to practice English whenever possible. Strike a conversation with a native English speaker at random or make a habit of thinking in English. Whilst it is great to focus on grammar and whatnot, it’s fine if you made mistakes. After all, it is about the journey, not the destination. Keep practising and incorporate the language in every little thing you do.
2. Comprehension Is Key
There are several aspects to gauge one’s grasp on language, one of them being comprehension. Conversations and discourses are harder if you have no idea what the message another person is trying to convey.
It’s obvious but pick up any form of English materials there are available and it’s best if these materials handle different subject matters. That way, you’d not only increase your knowledge, but you’d also improve your comprehension of several nuanced subjects. You can do this by exposing yourself to films, movies and audiobooks. A particular method that has been rising in popularity recently is podcasts. This is better for beginners as podcasts aren’t as academically centric and you won’t have to crack your brain to understand academic jargon. They are usually informal in speech but they are definitely packed with information.
3. Level Up: No Subtitles
Whilst it takes time getting used to, start watching movies without subtitles. This way, you’re forcing yourself to be aware of the movement of the characters’ lips and their pronunciation. Of course, you can jump straight into the film without any, but if it takes away the fun of the film, that’s no good either. It’s best to go into the movie for the sake of enjoyment and rewatch it to study it. Go with your favourite film or series! Since you know how the story unfolds, you can sit and make sense of what they’re trying to say.
4. Get Guidance
The most effective way to learn English is to, of course, enrol in an English class. Not only do you have a professional to teach you and point out your mistakes, you’d also be surrounded by other individuals who are also trying to learn the language. You can have discussions over study materials or just bond as friends. The journey is less lonely, in a sense.
English can be a difficult language to master, but it’s a skill and language that will be beneficial for you. Those who enrol in IELTS preparation classes will have an abundance of opportunities all over the world, with just an IELTS certificate. Incorporate the language into your everyday life and you will be able to master it in no time.
