Have you set ‘improving my English language skills’ as one of your goals for this year? Well, look no further. Our language coach Solange gives you 4 tips on how to learn English fast. These tips will help you maximize your time when learning English.
Set achievable goals. Don’t try to learn everything at once. Think functionally and prioritize accordingly: do you spend most of your workday composing and replying to e-mails in English? Or do you participate in online meetings with international clients?
Prioritize learning specific English expressions, vocabulary and grammar that will help you perform these tasks. Learn and develop a skillset that will serve the type of work you do. Language should fit you, not the other way around!
Treat learning English like you would treat a high-intensity training. Go at it hard for a short period of time and the rest. But while you’re doing it, give it your all.
For instance, you might choose to listen to a podcast in English or read an article in the Guardian or New York Times. Great! But when doing so, you should practise what we call ‘active learning’: concentrate, set your phone aside and focus for 10-15 minutes — but no longer.
Remember that the human brain can concentrate for short intervals only. If you repeat your practice every other day, soon enough you’ll be amazed at the progress you’re making.
Remember that language skills are best acquired in practice. Do you always find yourself using the same expression over and over again? Don’t settle for your tried-and-true phrases and expressions! Look for synonyms and dare to diversify your language.
Consider adding phrasal verbs to your vocabulary and dazzle your co-workers in the next meeting! Here is a great resource to help you get started.
Get together with friends and have a trivia night in English; join an improv class; do yoga with an English instructor; watch your favorite Netflix shows.
Learning English, or any other language for that matter, is not just a chore or an assignment. It is daily life; it’s fun with family and friends; it’s a movie date night.
Make English part of your day in new, fun and unexpected ways and you will realize that learning it reaches far beyond the classroom.
Happy learning 😊!