Many second language learners start learning their second language alone. This seems strange at first because most of us learn a new language because we want--or need--to communicate with other people who speak that language. There are exceptions, of course. Some people just want to learn for fun, and others learn because they want to understand books, TV shows, music, and/or movies that feature their target language.
Whatever reason you have for learning a second language, if you're not surrounded by people who speak it, you have to find ways to learn it on your own. In my latest engVid lesson, I give some suggestions to help you learn English on your own. You can find that video below. Make sure to do the quiz when you're finished watching.
Here are the suggestions that I give in the video:
-Use English learning apps. There are many free options available to get your English to at least an intermediate level. Just pick an app and stick with it.
-Watch YouTube videos and subscribe to channels that teach you the skills you need to learn the language.
-Engage with online communities. Even if you're just commenting on videos, articles, or social media posts, you are practicing.
-Speak out loud even if you're by yourself. Hearing yourself speak your target language is a powerful thing. You need to practice using your speaking muscles if you want to develop them. Read out loud. Have dialogues with yourself. Just speak!
-If they're available in your area, consider going to a language exchange event or joining a language exchange community.
-If you're at a good level of English and you're not sure what to do next, get an assessment, and if they're possible for you, get private classes.
-Use authentic materials to develop your vocabulary and proficiency. Move beyond resources that just teach basic grammar and vocabulary, but which challenge you to develop idiomatic language and common phrases.
There has never been a better time to learn a new language by yourself. The amount of resources available today is incredible. And many of these resources are 100% free!
What resources and strategies are you using to learn English these days? Have you tried some of the suggestions mentioned above? Let me know in the comments, and until next time, I wish you success in your studies.
English is a universal language and is spoken in most countries all over the world. With today's globalized economy, learning English is a good idea, and will help you stand out of the crowd. If you want to learn English, always contact Spoken English Institutes soon as possible.
Thank you for the tips on learning English by myself.
I would like to add an idea for self-study English: reading the breaking news, the latest news, and headlines on the TV or an article in a newspaper and retelling them in your own words, will greatly improve your speaking skills.