Tag: english

So you want to be able to speak English well, don’t you? 

• I have been learning English for years, yet I am not able to speak English fluently. What to do? 
• I have just started learning English. However, I find it hard to remember the words and grammar rules; especially, the pronunciation is extremely hard for me to get it right. 

If you have been searching for the answers to the above-mentioned questions, you have come to the right place. 

#1 Constantly check the dictionary

If you haven’t acquired a habit of checking the dictionary constantly, do it already, won’t you? It is one of the greatest ways to learn new languages, especially English. With a dictionary, preferably in English, you can learn the meaning, pronunciation and also the colocation of each word, which in turn helps you master the language much more easily. But it is hard to bring a bulky dictionary with me all the time, you might say. Wait! Haven’t you heard of the electronic dictionary? You can have it on your smartphone, assuming everyone has one? With this new, modern technology, you can also play the sound of each word to learn the sounds by repeating to improve your pronunciation.

#2 Learn to sing English songs

Don’t worry if you don’t know enough English to sing songs in English. Many of us don’t know all the words; we just sing. First of all, go to youtube.com and choose your favourite song(s). It can be an oldie or a new pop song from Ed Sheeran. Any songs that you feel comfortable to sing. Listen to the song for a few times to the rhythm right. Then you print out the lyrics of the song and start to sing along. After several attempts, you might be able to sing without lyrics. If you do this often, you will notice that your speaking starts to improve gradually.

#3 Texting your friends in English

When we text, we don’t normally mind our grammar. However, if you wish to improve or to learn English faster, be minded. Be aware of the grammatical mistakes when you type or before you send out. You might feel strange or uncomfortable at first, but as you keep going, you will feel better and see your acceleration in your learning.

#4 Change the language on all your gadgets to English

You will be surprised how effective it can be by the end of the day. You will get accustomed to the language quickly and that helps you with sighting words, the ability to recognize words immediately when you see them.

#5 Watch talk shows in English

Talking from experience, this is one of the best techniques to learn English rather quickly, and it requires minimum effort. You will be able to adapt some basic phrases and slangs, which helps you sound more natural when you speak.

#6 Befriended with native English speakers

If possible you should become friend with any native English speakers to help you learn better. Learning in class or school is probably account for only about 10% to 20% of all the language acquiring. There is more to do outside of the classroom, one of which is communicating with a real human who speaks perfect English. You will get the first-hand experience in real-life interaction, not just a roleplay you do in class. I have been learning English for more than 10 years myself, yet I still practice this technique any time I possibly can.

#7 Reading anything

The last tip can be a bit mainstream. However, I am sure not many of us do it even though we all know it pretty well. Try reading signs you come across at any traffic lights, it doesn’t require much effort. Read books or magazines even if you don’t understand completely. You are practising your reading. If you encounter any new words, go back to tip #1.

#Bonus tip

Follow my blog and read more of my posts. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know which tip you think is applicable for you. Have fun and enjoy your day. Thanks for reading.

Something I’ve just realised the moment I finished writing this post

Does it sound contradictory when you read the title? Go read it one more time, but remember to read it slowly. If you want to be able to read and speak English well, doesn’t that mean your English isn’t good, or slightly poor? Well, what do I expect for this article? If you could read and understand everything, why would you waste your time reading this? Well, it is okay. At least you are showing surport for me to keep writing more. Thanks.