In India, it seems that we do not always have a love for learning. We ‘mug up’ before exams and then forget whatever we have ‘learnt’ after leaving the examination hall.

Learning a language is not the same as memorizing mathematical formula or historical dates.

It take time. It takes practice. If you are learning English, here are some of things I recommend that you DO NOT do.

3 things to avoid while learning English

1. Do not memorize lists to increase your vocabulary

This is a terrible, boring, counter-productive way to broaden the range of your vocabulary.

Words, like tigers, must be encountered in their natural habitat.

Words should be read in sentences which give overall meaning, within a broader context. That is, a word should relate to the sentence it is in. And that sentence should relate to the other sentences above and below it.

If you see a caged tiger, you cannot really appreciate its power and beauty. It’s the same with a word. You need to see the word in the real world on a real page, interacting with other words that are delivering authentic meaning.

When you memorize a list of words, you are operating in an artificial environment. The words are presented in an unnatural context. The example sentences are presented in a vacuum. Usually, they do not relate to each other. You may not be able to fully understand when and where to use the target words. And, you may end up using them incorrectly.

Remember, you need to come across a word many times (say, more than 10 times) before you can call it your own.

Similarly, be wary of all those vocabulary apps out there. They are not bad, but (like word lists) use them as supplementary learning tools.

If you want to be exposed to  unfamiliar words, absorb their meanings, and use them in a precise manner–go old school.

Read novels. Read newspapers. Read magazines. Read good writing, period.

Don’t forget vocabulary includes words, phrases, and idioms. 

2. Do not use highfalutin (or fancy) words, unless you really, really know what they mean. 

This point is related to the point above. Know your words. Focus on quality and not quantity. I have heard many people use words that they really do not know the meaning of.

Don’t be a show off.

Don’t be inauthentic.

Use the language you know. Not the language you think other people will be impressed to hear.

3. There is no need to acquire an accent

I find it amusing when someone has an American accent, and then says a particular word in a very Indian accent. There is no need to speak like someone from a sitcom based in LA or New York.

Your accent is fine.

What is important is that you pronounce words clearly, in a manner that people will understand. That means when pronouncing a word, you should stress on the correct syllable. It is all about clarity of speech, and not about having a twang in your voice.

To conclude: if you want to improve your language, start systematically improving your vocabulary. And be true to yourself and to others, while speaking and writing.

Best of luck!

Can a couch potato learn English? The answer may surprise you. 

Are you looking for free websites to learn English? These three websites are excellent.