Re: the best way to learn english?

Tearsofjoy — Mon, 19 Sep 2005 21:13:23 GMT

Hey guys,

I'm Indian, and have been told that i speak English better than my native language. Which is no credit, but it's very true all the same.

I read like crazy. Nowadays i am into Harry Potter Fan fiction, which has really helped me when it comes to colloquialisms(and bad language LOL). I've also read quite a few Victorian works, and i can definitely say that they have enriched my English beyind comprehension.

However, i'd say that the key to speaking good English is simply to speak it. Read, listen, and speak the language whenever you can. I know you have to make an effort to speak a language that doesn't come easily to you, but the effort has to be made.

Chatting with people on the Net helps when it comes to speaking or writing spontaneously. If you're part of this group, then you immediately get the additional advantage of speaking with other people who speak perfectly correct English. I can warn you, that doesn't often happen even - especially - among native speakers.

Certain twists of language are a bit difficult to smooth out. Say in French, the object comes after the verb. So a French person might end up writing "the bell ring", instead of "ring the bell." That kind of thing just has to be fixed with practice.

Another great aid, of course, is the dictionary. Even now, i find myself constantly referring to my fat companion, the Chambers dictionary. Even if you think you know a word, but are feeling a bit unsure about it, go check. It never does any harm. And reading the rest of the page helps too, even if you do get a bit bored while you're at it.

Board games like Scrabble and Boggle(which i personally find easier) help to boost vocabulary.

All in all, nothing really works as a substitute for practice. Even then, your first encounter with a native English speaker may well be a bit demoralising. Don't be disheartened, you'll get used to it.

Good luck, hope my tips helped in any way.

- Tearsofjoy.

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Re: the best way to learn english?