Trying to master the English language can at times feel like one step forward and two steps back. With its contradicting rules and grammar syntax, and non-straightforward spelling and meanings, it’s little wonder why many have a hard time trying to reach maximum proficiency and fluency. Such frustrations can morph into language learning barriers that will only hamper your progress.
If you believe that your learning is on a plateau, you might be dealing with a language learning barrier yourself! Here’s a breakdown on what these barriers might be and how you can overcome them.
The Fear Of Failure
As with any other language, learning the English language is a slow and arduous process. With a language so full of conundrums, exceptions to rules and homophones, achieving complete mastery may even seem like a pipe dream. With the embarrassment that comes with every mistake and correction looming at every corner, practising and utilising the language will not be easy. It won’t be surprising if one forms apprehension and fear of failure.
To enjoy progress, one will need to plunge into their activity with little to no hesitation. Whilst it may seem rather daunting, mastering English is not impossible. Mistakes and errors are part and parcel of learning, thus, there’s no running away from them. Instead, be open to err and learn from your mistakes. Doing so will guarantee an improvement in your learning.
Loving Your Comfort Zones
Many of those who wish to partake in any activity tend to stop at their comfort levels and have no desire to push beyond their limits. Of course, in terms of language learning, mastering a language is not the end goal of many students. Some students are perfectly contented with learning just enough to be able to engage in a conversation with a native speaker.
However, those who wish to reach a proficiency and fluency level that is required for any schooling and work opportunities, leaving your comfort zone is imperative. Unless you have a formal education in Singapore, many foreign schools and organisations need an official document to certify that you’re proficient and fluent in English. Those that wish to reach this stage are encouraged to enrol in an IELTS course and attain the IELTS certificate.
As a general rule of thumb, progress is not without the grit and the desire to constantly improve. Thus, settling in your comfort zones is not something you would want to do if you wish to get better in the language.
Not Partaking In Conversations
Being fluent requires you to be able to partake in conversations. However, if you’re not comfortable with the language, conversing with somebody in English may seem like an intimidating ordeal.
To bypass this issue, you can start by learning how to engage in small talk. Learn a few icebreaker questions and slowly build up the conversation. In fact, you can divulge how you’ve started learning English, or are making efforts to upgrade your proficiency! Once you’re used to conversing in English, the notion of being uncomfortable in speaking will be a thing of the past.
If you wish to improve your English skills, you’ll need to embrace the language learning tools that are made available. One of the tools that will guarantee results is, undoubtedly, English courses taught by experienced English tutors. Now that many institutions have moved their classes online in view of COVID-19, you are offered even greater flexibility than before. On top of these classes, there are also various language apps and communities that can help you improve your English. With perseverance and hard work, English mastery is within your grasp!
