10 tips for learning English quickly
English is a fun language to learn (here are 9 reasons why), and while it is considered an accessible and relatively easy language to learn, with 750,000 words and spelling that can confuse even the most skilled learner, learning English quickly can seem impossible. But I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be that way – as long as you have the right strategy.
- Read anything and everything you can get your hands on.
If it's in English, read it: classic literature, paperbacks, newspapers, websites, emails, your social media feed, cereal boxes. Why? This content, on the other hand, will be chock-full of juicy new vocabulary as well as a fair amount you already know. This allows you to improve quickly because re-exposure to learned vocabulary provides you with new examples in context, reinforcing those words in your mind. Learning new words and expressions, on the other hand, is critical to expanding your vocabulary arsenal, especially in a language like English with so many words! However, don't just read and move on – you'll need to...
- Actively record new vocabulary
This is a tried-and-true tip for a reason: it works! We often enjoy a new word or phrase so much when we are learning that forgetting it seems impossible. But believe us when we say that not everything sticks the first time. To combat this, get into the habit of carrying a unique notebook with you or using a tool like Evernote. When you hear or read a new word or expression, write it down in context, that is, in a sentence with its meaning noted. This saves you time because you won't have to go back to that word and wonder, "What did that word/expression mean again?"
- Interact with real people.
What is the purpose of a language if not to communicate? Sure, we humans have mastered the art of communicating without opening our mouths – thank you, Whatsapp! – but However, when it comes down to it, speaking a language helps it stick in your head far better than reading or writing it. Consider how many times you've heard someone say, "I understand, but I don't speak English." Many would-be English speakers have turned talking into a massive impediment that only serves to frighten them. Don't be that way. Seek out native speakers for informal language exchanges, enroll in a course, or take online classes.
- Join podcasts or YouTube channels (in English)
Do you enjoy humour? Politics? Blogging? Cooking? There's an English-speaking podcast or YouTube channel for every interest imaginable. Subscribe to a few and listen to or watch them while driving to school or work. You may find the native accents difficult at first, but stick with it and you'll soon start to understand what you hear (along with learning a lot of new vocabulary from a native speaker!)
- Travel abroad
We'd love to know if there's a better way to learn English than living and studying in an English-speaking country! It's no secret that English is the most widely spoken language in the world, and with so many countries to choose from, you can tailor your ideal learning environment to your preferred hemisphere, weather, or city. Consider Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and South Africa, to name a few.
- Make use of your friends
Do you have friends who post in English on the internet? Don't skip over them in your newsfeed; instead, scan the items they share and commit to exploring one or two of them each day. They could be news or magazine articles, videos, talks, blog posts, songs, or anything else: as long as it's in English and the topic interests you, it'll be useful!
- Inquire a lot of questions
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it also accelerated the language learner's progress! As you learn English, you will amass a mountain of questions. Don't ignore your doubts; instead, be curious about them and work to resolve them! If you're enrolled in a class, ask your instructor (after all, that's what they're there for). But don't worry if you're learning alone: look for answers in blogs or language websites, ask other students, or read through forums. You'll be glad you did!
- Take a cue from the stars.
Mix up your learning by selecting a favorite native English-speaking actor or singer. Now, go online and look up a bunch of interviews they've done – and watch them! Watch for the gist once, then again, taking notes on interesting expressions and words you hear. The slang, stories, humor, and anecdotes that emerge from these interviews will undoubtedly provide you with plenty to work with!
- Begin with what you truly require.
Your English studies will likely move much faster if you constantly remind yourself of your motivations for learning. Are you participating in a study exchange? Then, concentrate on vocabulary that is relevant to your studies. Have a conference in another country? Rehearse some conversation starters to use with the other attendees. Taking a gap year? It appears that travel and tourism vocabulary will serve as your guide. If you start learning English with the expectation of magically learning everything at once, you're likely to end up confused and burned out. That brings us to...
- Don't beat yourself up while you're down.
When you start to feel like you're not making progress – which everyone does at some point – don't say, "I don't speak English," or "I'll never get this." Indeed, eliminate those phrases from your vocabulary! They only serve to distort your perception of your progress and persuade you that your ambitions of speaking English fluently are unrealistic. Instead, tell yourself, "I'm learning English and improving every day," "It's not always easy, but it's worth it," "I'm so much better than I was six months ago," and other phrases to keep the big picture in mind.