Do you want to learn how to speak English fluently? Are you scared it will be too difficult? You are not alone. Many people hesitate to study English, even though they really want to learn it because they believe it will be too hard. Here’s what you need to understand upfront – learning English is possible no matter your age. Everyone can learn to speak English fluently. The problem is that people often don’t know the right ways to learn English.
Learn English Because It is Good for Your Brain and Your Wallet
Let’s begin why discussing why it is important to learn English. First, science has proven that learning a second language is good for you. Studies have proven learning a second language has cognitive benefits. For example, The Atlantic explains, “It’s been found that people who learn a second language, even in adulthood, can better avoid cognitive decline in old age.”
In addition to being good for your brain, learning English is good for your wallet. Those who speak English fluently earn more money than those who do not speak English. Forbes reports, “Hourly wages are on average 34% higher for workers who speak fluent English and 13% higher for workers who speak a little English relative to workers who speak no English.”
As you can see, there are clear benefits to learning English. Now, let’s look at the right ways to learn to speak English fluently.
Learn English by Closing the Textbook
Many people assume the right way to learn a new language is through a textbook. While textbook language learning was once used frequently, this is a thing of the past. True language teachers now see that it is more beneficial for students to learn English through practice. Learning to speak English fluently requires being the ability to listen and speak, which you cannot do with just a textbook. For example, students enrolled in inlingua’s English course Washington DC learn by speaking and using the language rather than simply memorizing vocabulary from a textbook.
Learn English by Utilizing Online Resources
Language learners today should take advantage of the wealth of online language learning resources. Students can find everything from language learning blogs to games to apps. All of these online tools are helpful in learning English; however, they should not be your only form of language learning. Too many people think they can master a new language online when it is much easier and more effective to study in-person such as by attending one of the language schools in Washington DC.
Learn English by Taking a Class
We cannot emphasize the importance of taking a class to learn English. Those students who choose to enroll in the Washington language school, inlingua, will benefit from having a guided English program and language trainers who help students master the English language. By combining speaking, listening, reading, writing, inlingua students finish the program with the ability to speak English fluently and pass language exams such as the TOEFL or the IELTS.
Learn English Through Immersion
Some things are learned best through immersion. And learning English is one of them. Those who choose to study English in Washington DC will be fully immersed in the English language and culture. Everything from the road signs to listening to others speak in English at a restaurant provide students will true language learning opportunities. As they are required to use English, they will learn the language faster. Plus, studying abroad to learn English is fun!
Learn English With Friends
It is always easier to learn something when you learn with your friends. Learning English is no exception. You can learn English by practicing it with your friends – or you can make new English-speaking friends. Many language learners find it is helpful to participate in language exchanges where you are paired with a native English speaker to video chat or message. Similarly, those who study abroad will have the opportunity to study English with their classmates as well as develop friendships with native speakers. Most likely, you will feel more comfortable practicing English and receiving correction from friends than strangers.
Learn English by Doing What You Love
Next, rather than forcing yourself to study English by memorizing grammar rules, look for ways to learn English doing what you love. For example, you can learn English by watching television, listening to music, enjoying podcasts, or playing sports. If you find ways to incorporate language learning into your hobbies and favorite past times, you will look forward to studying instead of dreading it. Make learning English fun!
Learn English by Practicing It Every Day
Here’s some truth. You will not learn English by memorizing a few English words every now and then. If you open the textbook or attend class for an hour, but then do not use English for the rest of the day, it is not going to stick. Instead, it is critical to practice it every day throughout the day. The more you practice English, the easier it will be to become fluent in English. While English courses in Washington DC will help you, you have to do your homework. Speak in English when you go shopping, write in English in your journal, listen to English when you turn on music, and read English subtitles while you watch your favorite television show.
Learn English by Making Mistakes
Finally, expect to make mistakes as you try to learn English. But this is a good thing! Taking risks and trying to speak in English is important for you. You will mispronounce a word. You will say the words in the wrong order. That’s okay. If you never take a risk by closing the textbook book or shutting off the computer and trying to speak English in the real world, then you will not learn the right and wrong ways to speak it. If you choose to enroll in inlingua, your language trainers will gently correct you. Your mistakes will be worth it in the end.
Want to see how much English you already know? Test your English!
