Once again, English language learning students often “ponder” how they can learn the English language quickly and effectively. Should I enroll in an English Language course? Should I buy an English textbook and study alone? Lots of students ask themselves what they can do?
All of these are good methods. Don’t “rule out” any of them or others. Anything you do is good.
My tip of the week for how to learn English is…. “Live it!”.
What does this mean you might ask. It means that you should try to “immerse” yourself in the English language. In other words, try to incorporate English into your life. Don’t just study it, “live it”.
There are several avenues to accomplish this. You might try reading novels in English. One strategy is to find a novel that you like in your language and then see if you can find it translated into English. Or, go to a book store and just grab a “bestseller” in English. These are popular with most people because they are usually interesting. So, try one!
What kind of TV shows do you like? Try watching the same kind in English. You can find many interesting or funny American TV shows in most countries. If they are “dubbed” in your language, then you might have to buy some DVDs of the series that you like. This is a good way of improving your listening and vocabulary skills.
How about music? What kind of music are you into? Try listening to some Western music. You could find a friend who likes the same kind of music as you and then try listening together. Afterwards, you could talk about the song and share your thoughts (preferably in English). This is a great way of making friends and making learning English fun.
Make a foreign friend or two who speak English. Or, meet one of your friends from your country and have an “English night out”. Suggest to your friend that on the night that you guys go out that you only speak in English. These can be great ways of having a little bit of fun while you learn.
The “bottom line” for this tip is that you should try to make English part of your life. Try not to view it as a “cumbersome” task. Have fun with it and “endeavor” to live it!
Written by: Alan Bruhn
English Teacher at Canadian Education College, Singapore
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