“How Did You Learn English?” We’re Sharing Our 7 Successful Techniques to Get Fluent

How did you learn English? As a non-native speaker, this question may bring back memories of struggling through grammar exercises and trying to decipher the meaning of new words. But fear not, there are specific practical steps you can take to become a confident English communicator. In this blog post, we’re sharing our 7 successful techniques to get fluent in English.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that language learning is not a one-size-fits-all process. Your mother tongue and previous experiences with the English language will greatly affect your approach. For example, my favorite poets Kamala Das and Talking Heads greatly influenced my desire to learn English as an Indian post-ill answer generation student. However, these influences don’t necessarily apply to everyone.

Our techniques involve both traditional methods such as reading and writing, as well as modern tools like portable PDFs for on-the-go learning. Whether you’re an aspiring English-language writer or simply looking to improve your communication skills, these tips can help you on your journey to fluency. So grab a copy download of our article and let’s dive into the world of how to learn English!

The short answer is that I grew up in a country where India remained colonized for over 200 years. The institutional structures the British created remained even after they left, and this included schools. While I attended both public and regional language schools, a private English-medium school wasn't an option. So, learning English was a strategic choice for wider exposure to one of the most practical languages spoken by over a billion speakers worldwide.

It was a pretty practical decision - knowing that English is the language of international business and has strict rules for instruction studying specific classes. As I grew increasingly comfortable with writing stories and reading books, it led me to take English literature classes. But more importantly, it allowed me to tutor underprivileged kids who didn't have access to the same resources as I did. Teaching children from diverse backgrounds helped me realize the important truth that knowing a language opens doors to opportunities that go beyond just practical uses.

In conclusion, my decision to learn English came from a combination of factors: institutional structures created by colonialism, strategic choices for wider exposure in international business, practical reasons such as strict rules for instruction studying specific classes, and personal growth through writing stories and reading books. But ultimately, teaching children from diverse backgrounds showed me that learning a language isn't just about its practical uses - it's about understanding different cultures and opening doors to opportunities that we may not have otherwise had access to.

If you're looking to learn English quickly, there are a few key steps you can take to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. First and foremost, it's important to focus on commonly studied vocabulary and grammar structures, using study materials that have been proven effective by other learners. While there may be countless fingertips articles promising secret hacks for learning English fast, it's best to stick with tried-and-true methods that have already delivered progress fast.

Another crucial component of learning English quickly is taking advantage of online communities and resources. Whether you join language exchange groups or simply browse forums dedicated to ESL learners, connecting with others who are also working towards fluency can provide invaluable support and encouragement. By following a step-by-step rundown that prioritizes the easiest path towards English proficiency, and making use of all the resources at your disposal, you'll be well on your way to achieving your language goals in no time!

Setting targets is essential for learning English. However, "I will become fluent" may not be the most helpful goal for everyone. Fluency suggests speaking like a native speaker, which is an extra word that adds pressure to your learning. According to learning research, people continue learning their native language until middle age, so it's unrealistic to expect yourself to learn faster than that.

Instead, set targets relevant to your individual context, such as "I want to score 100 points in the TOEFL exam," or "I want to make small talk on common topics like weather, tourism, and sports with native English speakers." These specific measurable attainable relevant (SMART) goals are great examples of how you can set yourself up for success. You can also join a language learning community or find business partners who speak English online to practice with. At Columbia University, we encourage our students to set targets that fit their needs and stick with them throughout their language learning journey.

H3 Section: Warning Flashcards

If you're learning English, you might be wondering what methods are most effective for memorizing vocabulary. I personally found that flashcards were incredibly helpful in boosting my word power. However, a word of warning: flashcards aren't always fool-proof. False friends can trip you up and hinder your ability to use the words correctly in conversation.

H3 Section: Start Memorizing Words

That being said, flashcards are still a great way to start memorizing English vocabulary. I spent a lot of time learning words at home luckily, using great free apps like Word Power Lite. The good news is that it's an achievable number - studies from Western Ontario University show that just 3000 of the most-frequently-used words make up 95% of normal life conversations. So start practicing and soon enough, you'll have the word power you need to carry on any conversation!

One of the quickest routes to learning English is through sentence mining. Studies show that this technique can help you learn words faster and more effectively than just memorizing them in isolation. Language nerds call it "sentence mining" because it involves digging up full sentences from various sources, such as books or online articles, and then analyzing them for meaning and context.

If you're new to this method, a quick internet search will reveal an enthusiastic online community that shares free lists complete with audio recordings of example sentences. Once you start mining sentences, you'll discover that the meaning takes on a fuller explanation when you see how words are used in different contexts. And because you're learning whole sentences instead of individual words, your brain can better absorb the language and eventually produce it more naturally.

One of the top ways I learned English was by watching TV series. According to a 2012 study, students chose watching TV as one of the top 5 ways to learn English. Some of the most popular shows for language learning include Friends, Game of Thrones, and Breaking Bad. However, the top most-watched show for students tuning in to learn English was The Big Bang Theory.

Passively watching TV can actually aid in language learning, especially when using an extension like Netflix's Language Learning with Netflix. This great free tool allows you to watch Netflix shows with both your native language and the target language subtitles on at the same time, making it easier to pick up new vocabulary and phrases while enjoying your favorite shows. So grab some popcorn and start binge-watching your way to better English!

One easy tip I learned when I was learning English was to listen to native English speakers try to speak my mother tongue. As a Czech-Spanish speaker, it was interesting to hear how my language sounded to someone whose home language was English. It also helped me pay attention to common mistakes English native speakers make when speaking other languages.

Another important aspect of learning English for me was understanding sentence structure and English grammar. By listening carefully to how native speakers constructed sentences, I was able to improve my own writing and speaking skills in English. Overall, immersing yourself in the language and paying attention to the way it is spoken by native speakers can be an effective way of improving your language skills.

One way I learned English was by changing my phone and social media settings to English. In this modern life, we spend hours everyday staring at our phones scrolling aimlessly, changing our phone settings is an easy step that won't necessarily interrupt our daily routine. By doing so, we are exposed to more English words and phrases which can help improve our vocabulary. Additionally, I also discovered vocabulary learning websites through sponsored content on social media which further helped me in my language journey.

Making small changes to our daily habits like switching phone settings or taking advantage of sponsored content on social media can make a big impact in learning a new language. It may not be the traditional way of language learning but it's a convenient and effective method for those who want to incorporate language learning into their daily routine without disrupting their schedule.

Finding a community of language learners is one of the great ways to learn English. You can start digging online for public Facebook groups or Reddit's English language forum where you can connect with fellow learners and get insights breakthroughs that can help improve your language skills.

Another great option is to look for ESL learners in your area and finding study buddies to check your progress and practice with. There are also 7 language communities that offer advanced aspects of learning English, including grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary building. Joining one or all of these communities will not only help you master the language but also make new friends along the way.

Learning English can be a challenging but exciting journey, and with the help of technology, it has become easier to achieve. One life-changing method that many people use is using language learning apps. These apps are convenient and accessible, allowing you to learn at your own pace without draining your phone battery. Our favorite five include Duolingo, Busuu, Rosetta Stone, Babbel, and Memrise. With their engaging interfaces and interactive lessons, these apps make learning English fun and effective!

Learning English fast is something that many people aspire to do, but it can be a challenging process. However, practice and remember that there are valid ways to learn this language. Some people are big fans of using textbooks, while others find ways to integrate the English language into their daily life. Whatever your preferred learning process may be, try changing your phone settings to English or subscribing to a great ESL YouTuber for some extra help.

One of the best ways to learn everyday English skills is by immersing yourself in the language. You won't feel like you're studying if you're listening to music or watching TV shows in English. The Beatles won't feel so foreign anymore! By finding ways to make the learning process more enjoyable, you'll be more likely to stick with it and make progress quickly. So go ahead and start practicing - before you know it, you'll feel comfortable speaking the English language fluently!

Finding a tutor can be easy if you know where to look. My favorite tutor was recommended to me by a friend who had learned english as a second language. She was patient, understanding and knowledgeable about the language.

I believe that having a good tutor is essential in learning any language. They can provide guidance, encouragement and support when you need it most. With the right tutor, you can improve your language skills quickly and efficiently. So don't be afraid to ask around and find your own favorite tutor!

Selecting the right classes was crucial for me to learn English. I first tried to find lessons online, but I found it difficult to focus without a teacher. Then, I found a local language school that offered intensive courses.

The classes were taught by native speakers and the small class size allowed for personalized attention. The teacher used a variety of materials and activities, such as role-playing and group discussions, which made learning fun and engaging. Thanks to these classes, I was able to improve my English skills significantly in just a few months.