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How to Learn English
To learn English requires a certain amount of commitment - in terms of time, patience and a good amount of enthusiasm. Aside from basic lessons, whether online or in a classroom, the old adage, practice makes perfect, is the key ingredient to success.
Obviously, the best and quickest way to learn English would be to spend some time in a English-speaking country, where you have no choice but to speak, listen, eat and breathe English!
Listed below are 9 ways to learn English. If you apply yourself to one or more of these methods, you will be speaking, writing and thinking the English language in no time.
1. Take English Lessons
Sign up for an English language class at your local university, an adult education centre or with an online language school. Whether you are a complete beginner or just wanting to brush up on your school English, committing to some form of educational tool / process will kick start your journey to becoming proficient in the language.
2. Speak English
A class with other students and a teacher has its advantages as you can practice with each other. Other ways to practice speaking English would be to find places where you can meet, mingle and most importantly, speak English with native speakers (and beginners of course) in a social setting organised around interesting activities.
3. Read English
Reading English can be much easier for beginners who are having difficulty understanding English that is spoken quickly. Reading English newspapers, magazines or even children's books - then looking up the words you don't understand - makes good homework.
4. Write in English
The Internet has many areas to write in English, through forums, message boards, chat rooms and so on. Practice on your own as well (less embarrassing for beginners), or find a pen pal to correspond with.
5. Listen to English
Listening to the English language as much as you can is of utmost importance if you want to get your pronunciation right. Listen to audio language tapes, and English music and radio while driving, and visit the English cable TV channel and try to make sense of what's being said.
6. Think English
Try and "think English" as you go about your day, translate the thoughts in your head, count things in English, write your memo list in English, and tape the English names of things to objects in your home.
7. Be Creative
If you have children, involve them in learning the language. Do things together while speaking English, like cooking, playing games and singing songs. The Internet has many resources for these sorts of activities. Learn 5 words a day and make yourself do an "English" activity every week, such as watching an English film.
8. Test Yourself
In order to keep improving your skills with the language, you must find ways to test your knowledge. Find tests on the Internet, or purchase course books with tests.
9. Practice makes perfect
Practice as much as you can, with native speakers, online and off, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Have fun and enjoy yourself!
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