Nowadays, English has become the lingua franca for almost everywhere. If you are seeking a job, you will notice that a good command of English will make you more competitive among other candidates.
If you are applying for overseas education or want to study or work overseas, you need to know that your language level is pretty decent.
Therefore, it is no wonder you will find many people learning English who are non-native speakers.
Pursuing English study is not a new thing in the universe, however, with the emergence of technology, English learning has changed a lot.
This blog is for someone who is an absolute beginner at English learning.
Learning English can seem like a very difficult process for a beginner, especially if you don’t know where to start; particularly with the limited time that you have. It’s important to remember that being able to use English well doesn’t just come from learning grammar; you need to have a good level of comprehension and also be able to express yourself in English.
Though there are many websites and books that claim to be able to help you learn English faster, the fact is that it’s very hard to learn English, even if you are a native speaker of another language.
Here are 10 tips to help you improve your English if you are a beginner.
TIPS TO START LEARNING ENGLISH FROM ZERO
– MASTER BASICS FROM HOME FIRST
How does a child learn a language? He starts by imitating others and learning words from them. When you are a novice, more effort is required for staying motivated than just learning. During this stage, it is important that you start the process of learning by taking easy and smaller steps. Start by calling objects by their English names. Try learning and retaining more and more English words in a day. It doesn’t just have to be objects. You can start learning the vocabulary of feelings and expressions.
For example – If you’re feeling extremely happy at that moment. How will you express yourself?
You can say – I am happy. Or, you may say – I‘m on cloud’s nine. Google more, you will find 100 other ways of expressing happiness.
Start with the 100 most common words in English. This is how you begin the process of learning.
Now, the major roadblock here is – I can learn the vocabulary but I can I retain them.
The best way to retain the information is by practice. Practice saying it more than once to master it. Repeat and recall the words again and again. Phrasebooks or online learning tools are really helpful for the early phase.
- MAKE A LEARNING GOAL
At the beginning of learning English, your goal could be to read a new phrase or learn words for introducing yourself. And as you keep on checking one goal, switch to other. Targeted and achievable goals will help you get actual results with focus and motivation. If you’re unsure about what to do next, hop on a call with a mentor or a teacher to assess your performance to point out what you need to work on next.
Remind yourself WHY do you want to learn the language. To keep the momentum, going, write down 10 reasons why you are learning English and stick it to the front desk.
- FOLLOW DIFFERENT LEARNING METHODS.
Learning a language is often presented as a task with a one-size-fits-all approach. But it is not true at all. Your learning methods may be different from another. You may learn better when you hear people whereas your friend may learn better when he reads.
Initially, when you start learning a new language. Forget about fluency, focus more on enjoying the language and the people who speak the language and their culture.
Find all available learning resources and start experimenting :
- Textbooks: Read for pleasure. Pick up books that are really easy to understand. The first book that you have ever finished in English will be the biggest achievement that you’ll remember for a long time.
- All audio methods: like YouTube or podcasts.
- A language tutor like EngVarta experts.
- SPEAK THE LANGUAGE WITH ZERO ABILITY
You don’t know how to speak at all and still want to practice? Open a translating tool, type what you want to say, translate to the language you want to speak, try to say it to another person.
- LEARN VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT
Association is the key to retaining new words. A great way to build vocabulary is to make sure that the list you’re learning comes from situations or texts that you’ve experienced yourself so that the content is always relevant and connects to the background experiences.
- GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Do you know, sometimes even English learners who were in an English-speaking environment for years are not able to speak English. The reason is that they are so comfortable with their native language that it is almost impossible for them to step out of their comfort zone. They don’t want to take a chance of making mistakes or getting embarrassed. So, they prefer to be on the safer side. But if you really want to speak English fluently one day, you must be ready to accept your flaws. Learning a language is just like learning any other skill. Someday you’ll fall, someday you’ll rise. Another day you will speak your best or the other day you will keep mum.
Every opportunity will be a learning one for you unless you are really dedicated.
- THE NEED FOR A MENTOR
When you are on a way to achieving a really important goal, a good mentor is a blessing. Almost every person, needs guidance and direction to navigate the goal that we want to achieve. A personal mentor will not only help you academically but also help you to boost your morale. Be it be practicing English or finding a way to make your targets achievable, a mentor will be there to help you develop the skills of tackling problems that come while you learn English.
- ‘I AM NOT READY TO SPEAK YET’
The strategy of learning English only works if you speak that language. If you are able to spend 50% of your time in conversations. If you think you’re not ready to speak English yet, first you can focus on high listening comprehension. But don’t wait for too long to start your English speaking practice. Most people find it uncomfortable to speak English and avoid it. Don’t think you will wait until you’re ‘ready’
Going from zero to 100% will require preparation. Spending at least 30minutes in speaking English will help you learn English faster.
- ENGVARTA ENGLISH EXPERTS – English Learning App
There’s no doubt that the major roadblock in practicing English is time. But EngVarta makes it possible for you to spare 15 – 60 minutes of the day and start your English practice with personalized topics according to your goal. They are not just experts in English but the right mentor for you who will help you with the right guidance.
This one-on-one English practice will help you to learn the art of conversation and they will help you move out of your comfort zone.
START YOUR ENGLISH PRACTICE WITH LIVE EXPERTS TODAY!
Download the EngVarta app now. It is the best English learning app in India.
