In a world where one can easily navigate life through making use of the English language, it might come as a surprise that the majority of people who speak English are not native English speakers.
Many people learn English as a second or third language because it allows one to navigate life more easily, study at a wider variety of great universities, and gain access to better job opportunities.
So, here are some practical tips to help improve language proficiency.
1. Read more.
Many language teachers are bookworms and will continually encourage their students to read more. There are a few very good reasons for this:
-In the same way that casually watching documentaries will inevitably increase one’s knowledge about the topic discussed, reading is a passive way of broadening one’s vocabulary and understanding of the language.
-Reading naturally improves understanding of sentence structure. Many second language speakers have trouble with English sentence structure. Reading is a passive way in which one can get used to how English sentences are formed.
-Lastly, some English idioms and language nuances that are difficult for second language speakers to understand can be learned within the context of a novel - which can serve as an example of when and where to use certain idioms or phrases.
Overall, reading improves a person's understanding of a language in a way that few formal language classes are able to successfully teach.
2. Engage with native English speakers.
There are two main ways that you can engage with native or first language English speakers: Through speaking to them and through writing to them.
Speak to people who are proficient in English. Although practising forming sentences in a conversational manner can be daunting, holding a conversation with another person can help a new language feel like second nature over time.
Write to people who are proficient in English. In our technological age, one can have a virtual-pen-pal and send “letters” through email or other online platforms. Practising writing and corresponding with another person is a less intimidating way to practise language production and can improve your skills greatly.
3. Consistently study the language.
Make time to regularly study the language. These study sessions do not need to be intense or last for hours on end.
Many times a ten minute language exercise works wonders!
Free online resources such as Duolingo can make learning sentence structure and broadening one’s vocabulary quite enjoyable.
Learning a new language is always a challenge, but if the three tips mentioned above are consistently practised, mastering a new language is only a matter of time.
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