When trying to learn a new language there are lots of tips and good ideas for success. But where do you start? What techniques should you stick with? Should you read more books? Watch more films? Attend a class? Move to an English speaking country? It can get a little overwhelming. So we’ve identified the three best things to do, which include some additional tips that will really set you up for success. Perform them all in the sequence and you’ll be on your way to fluency in no time.
The three best ways to learn English
1. Take a class
Many people start off learning English by watching English films with subtitles or listening to podcasts. Both of which are fantastic and definitely something you should do to supplement your learning. However, the number one best way to learn English is to attend a class.
Our recommendation is of course with us at Lingoda. Not only can you attend classes at your convenience, progress at your own speed and vary your learning with the Sprint challenge, but you’ll always be learning with the best English speakers, which ensures your learning starts off on the right foot. And what’s better is when you move to your English-speaking country of choice (see point number 2) you can still continue your classes with minimal disruption.
10 ways to say “I love you” in English
2. Move to an English-speaking country
It’s important to learn the basics, understand the structure of a language and build your vocabulary but the second best way to learn English is to actually fully immerse yourself in the language. Nothing is more potent than being surrounded on a daily basis by the language you’re trying to learn. Interacting regularly in English, whether it’s for something simple like buying groceries, asking for directions or a small conversation with your neighbour, will do wonders for your language learning.
Nothing beats the ability to be able to dig into your brain and search for the words, verbs and the sentence structure that you’ve just learnt. Whilst getting the regular opportunity to repeat that over and over again. So if it is possible, our recommendation is to move to an English speaking country as soon as you can. Preferably with some English under your belt but either way the learning curve will be sharp.
The ultimate moving abroad checklist
3. Build a group of English speaking friends
Whilst living in an English speaking country is a fantastic opportunity to go from beginner to intermediate, there are still many ways to avoid speaking English. In order to build your confidence and ensure a daily practice, create a network of friends of native or fluent English speakers. Building confidence is essential and this includes not worrying about every little mistake you make. So be sure that your friends are patient with you but will correct any big mistakes you make.
If you can find a love interest who speaks fluent English, you’ve hit the jackpot. They say pillow talk is the best way to become fluent in a language. So get romancing!
Some additional bonus tips
Be sure to weave into all of this some time for reading English newspapers, and watching and listening to English TV and radio out even YouTube channels, can help! There are many YouTube channels (like Lingoda’s YouTube), or English with Lucy out there that teach you short English lessons, there are other channels that read English stories to you with the words on the screen – practise reading these out loud and you’ll see a big improvement in your pronunciation. Reading is great for building your vocabulary. Whilst watching films, TV and listening to the radio and podcasts is fantastic for strengthening your ear. Full immersion can be tiring but before you know it, you’ll be thinking and even dreaming in English.
