There is a possibility that you are going to come across at least a few people where you go in the world who speak English. Even if you do not know the native language where you are going, you will find at least a few who understand English.
English is the language of international business and is also the most spoken language in the world. Now, it has become one of the basic skills that everyone should have. However, formality is not always the reason why you would want to learn this language.
There can be various reasons why you want to learn the language; it could be because you want to read a book by a prominent author or watch some movies without the need to look into the subtitles, or you want to be in touch with a long-lost friend.
Whatever the reason is, learning this language is important, and it will help your mind grow. So, how to learn English step by step? Here are the steps listed.
How to Learn English Step by Step
The entire world studies English primarily as their second language. However, here is a guide on how to learn English step-by-step.
Set Your Language Learning Objectives
Before you begin with your lessons, you have to set some benchmarks and goals. Setting goals is going to help you create a learning strategy. Your goals should be in alignment with the language level and also on the resources you have access to.
You can also consider the various components of gaining proficiency in the language, like pronunciation, building your vocabulary, writing skills, and reading comprehension. Setting a goal is good for anyone who is learning a language, no matter who it is. Here are some learning objectives that might get you excited.
However, goals that involve studying a language do not always have to be formal. For instance, if you are planning a trip abroad, and you do not have to learn the language extensively, you can just watch movies to improve your learning skills.
You do not have to learn all the grammar rules for that, so design your goals in a way that is attainable and helps you fulfill your purpose.
Start Speaking in English
If you wish to learn English fluently, this is something that you have to practice regularly. Have regular conversations with someone who is fluent in the language. This is going to help you in a way nothing else would.
The most common thing that people have is a mental barrier that they are going to embarrass themselves in front of everyone. But to get that confidence, you have to start somewhere.
Even if you start taking grammar classes and do vocabulary exercises, nothing is going to help if you do not start speaking the language. None of these skills are going to matter if you do not get out of your shell.
This is a common mistake people make. Most people say that they understand the language well but are not very good or confident when they speak. So, start speaking in English, have a friend or someone you trust to help you, or there are various tutors online ready to give you a spoken English class.
Start Reading
Finding reading materials in English is one of the easiest things these days. Or look it up on Google Translate if you can’t understand something or get frustrated. If you are not yet ready to read Shakespeare, you can start with these things.
- Browse through the internet and read celebrity gossip on reading websites like Upworthy, Mashable, or Buzzfeed.
- Read a book of your choice from your native language in the English transition.
- Switch your browser to the english language and set it as default.
- Follow more Australian/American/British public figures on Facebook and Twitter.
Make Yourself Accountable
If you want to learn the language faster, you have to practice regularly. That is the only way to make the process faster. There is no place for making fake promises here, which you will not be able to keep.
You have to find a way to practice even when your schedule gets busy. If you have willpower, then you will make yourself accountable and the entire process becomes very easy. It is like putting an alarm on your phone to remind you that it is time for your lesson.
However, it becomes a lot easier if there is someone who is dependent on us, who is learning with us, and with whom you can compare your progress. So, it’s better if you find yourself a learning partner who will motivate you for your lessons and whom you will motivate as well.
Try Flashcards Along With Whole Sentences
When you are learning with the help of flashcards, it can take you a lot of time, but without their context. However, when you are trying flashcards along with a lot of practice, then it becomes an easy process to absorb a lot of words quickly and improve your vocabulary.
There are various free apps as well that help you memorize words wherever you go. However, there have been studies that show learning with the help of flashcards is helpful, but it is even more helpful when you learn full sentences.
Language experts call this technique “sentence mining,” and if you search the term over internet, you will find a community who will tell you that this is the fastest way you can learn the language.
Certainly, learning whole sentences is going to help you learn words with their context and will help you learn their meaning and how they change in different contexts.
Do Word Puzzles
One of the most important parts of learning the language is getting hold of the vocabulary. And there is no better way of reinforcing this other than doing word puzzles. Doing crosswords helps you to expand the vocabulary, try the spellings and train your mind to think in a different language than your native language.
How would you know that you have mastered the language? The moment you notice yourself thinking in that language, even without noticing it, that is when you know you have mastered the language.
When you hear something in English, you immediately start to think of the response and do not try to translate what the other person said. A crossword is a helpful exercise that helps you read a question in English and give a response without too much delay.
Ask for Help When You Need
The moment you start to learn the language, you will be bombarded with numerous questions. Never be scared to ask those questions. You have to be comfortable asking what you do not know, and asking questions can make a huge difference.
Everyone was a beginner once. Be glad that you have the courage to ask these questions and speak your mind. You never know what you get to learn when you ask the simplest of questions.
Go Abroad
The final step is putting everything to work that you have learned. Go abroad and experience the language firsthand. This is not just a good way of improving your skills, but it will also boost your self-confidence.
When you go abroad, you get to experiment with your knowledge, as you are forced to communicate with people who might not be aware of your mother tongue. You will have no other option left other than speaking the language.
Do not feel bad, and do not feel embarrassed. Making mistakes is just a human thing to do. Remember that they are also not comfortable with your mother tongue or your native language.
Wrapping up!
How to learn English step by step? Well, here are the steps, and now that you have broken down the entire thing into steps, then the process becomes easy and a lot less overwhelming.
Do not rush, and never forget why you want to learn the language. Just have fun while you are learning the language. It should never feel tedious. Just enjoy it and be confident. That is when everything will work out.
Recommended Reading..
- Tenses In English: Know The Basics And Master The Language
- 20 Common English Idioms Examples Everyone Should Know
- The 20 Most Common Grammar Mistakes (And How To Fix Them?)
