Hey everyone and welcome back to the Understandable English Podcast.
I'm Oliver and today we are going to be talking about 5 ways to help improve learning English.
Or simply 5 ways that I think are great for learning English.
Before we get started, of course, I want to say that there are many ways to learn a foreign language and for each person, their case or their best ways will be different.
Not everyone learns the same way.
For example, some people prefer to practice, whereas others prefer to learn a lot of theory with textbooks and courses, and there is no right way.
What works for some people doesn't work for others, and that is perfectly okay.
But today I am going to suggest some things that work very well for me when I study foreign languages.
And I have seen it work in the past when I was teaching English to students.
These are simple ways and that is the key to use different ways to learn a language different, simple and easy ways that you can make into a routine.
So let's start with the first point, and that is to make friends with English media.
And what do I mean by that?
I mean to start using English media.
So often we just use materials that are designed for language learning.
So, for example, a course, a textbook, maybe specific English videos that are designed for learning English.
And these are all great and they will help you to learn English.
But when it comes to the real thing.
So foreigners and native English speakers speaking English the way they usually do, it might not fully help you.
And that's why you need to start utilizing, so to start watching or listening or reading to real English media, so native English media.
That isn't designed for learners, it's for everyone.
I've talked about this before, but this can be movies, TV shows music, all of those natural sources of language.
And don't worry, at first you definitely don't need to understand everything.
And you might even not understand most of what you listen to.
And that is fine.
But do start to listen to some English.
This podcast is a great start, but there are other great ways, such as listening to YouTube videos or like even movies designed for teenagers or children's shows, for example, if your English level is lower.
When I was learning Russian, particularly at the beginner levels, I started to watch children's shows in Russian.
And although it sounds a bit stupid, the language level was suitable for me at that time.
And I would understand most of what was going on, which was great.
And using natural native English media helps you to get used to different accents.
So to understand different accents, different native expressions we call these colloquial expressions and even just the structure and rhythm of natural language.
It's also great because you can choose what you enjoy.
You don't have to follow a specific course or series.
You can watch and listen to what you want.
So I think this is a great first point.
The second way is one that I have talked about entirely in a separate episode of the podcast.
And if you haven't listened, you should check it out.
And that is read, read, read.
So reading.
I think reading is really underrated.
Everyone focuses on grammar or speaking and listening as a way of developing language skills.
But to me, reading has always been a successful way of improving your vocabulary.
So gaining new words because you read those words and understand them from context.
So from the sentences you can see how those words are used and it just makes more sense than learning a list of words or flip cards without context.
And of course, there are so many ways that you can read, from books to blogs or even news articles.
There's a lot of ways to practice your reading.
Even from social media, you can read English comments or posts and get practice that way.
So point three is another one that I have talked about quite a bit, and that is a language exchange partnership, or simply speaking with native speakers.
This is a crucial, so an important next step.
It is great to practice speaking even if it is with non-native speakers.
But eventually you of course want to practice with native English speakers.
Whether that's a friend, a teacher or even just visiting native English speaking countries.
It is fantastic for developing not only your accent and pronunciation, but just learning and copying to speak more naturally like a native.
And the perfect opportunity is if you can find a native English speaker that is learning your language too.
And then you can help each other.
You can practice conversation skills, give each other feedback and corrections and also learn about each other's cultures.
It's a great win-win scenario.
So another point, so point four, is to use apps and games that are available.
So today we have our phones with us everywhere.
Whether we are traveling to work or going on holiday, we usually have our phone with us, even when we go to the bathroom.
So that's why I think it is important to use apps, useful apps.
And I'm not talking about specifically Duolingo, for example, or an app like that, but even a simple flip card app for practicing the vocabulary that you have learned from reading, for example.
And The great thing about having these apps is when you have a moment you're a little bit bored and you might open Instagram or something else.
Use a language learning app instead.
Try to replace some of those moments.
And you can also, of course, use your phone to listen to podcasts like this podcast or watch a YouTube video.
And those are great ways to practice.
Okay.
So point five, and honestly one of the most important points, and that is to set realistic goals and also recognize, so understand, your progress.
The biggest thing with language learning is motivation.
You need to have clear reasons for learning a language and stay motivated to continue to learn.
But the reality is motivation comes and goes.
And that's why realistic habits and goals are more important than motivation.
I want to make a separate episode on this at some stage about how to stay motivated with language learning.
But in short, to summarize, I think that motivation will come and go.
And that's why, while you're learning now, it's important to build healthy language learning habits that are going to help you to continue to improve day by day with your English journey.
So there you have it.
That is five easy ways or five of the best ways, in my opinion, to learn English.
But always remember that when learning English, it isn't a race.
Consistency is key.
So continuing to learn each and every day and Every little bit of practice really helps.
I know that you will do great.
Keep on listening and keep on learning.
I will see you in the next episode of the podcast.
Have a lovely day.
Goodbye.
