Best website for learning English

Best website for learning English

Students frequently ask me which website they can visit to learn English.

Of course, there are so many out there. In my experience as a trainer, the best one is BBC Learning English. Their material is relevant and engaging.

This is a disclaimer: BBC is not paying me. I’m writing this post so that you could get the most out of the website.

Wait!

Before you google BBC Learning English, let me give you an overview.

The website has a lot to offer. Let’s start:

Vocabulary

The more words you know, the more precisely you can express yourself. When a person has a limited vocabulary, he tends to repeat words and phrases.

Whatever our English levels may be, we all need to expand our range of vocabulary.

It takes time to learn new words. My suggestion to you is this: go slow. Don’t just learn the meaning of words. Practice using them. Become familiar with them. Use them correctly.

I’ve noticed that students at times struggle with phrasal verbs. Do you freak out when you hear the phrase phrasal verbs? Help is at hand. Here’s the definition. If you are working, then you need phrasal verbs, for well, for work. And we all need phrasal verbs for technology.

Vocabulary is not limited to learning phrasal verbs. You also need to learn more words and phrases.

Visit this page to learn words from the news. I liked this episode on fake news.

If you have six minutes to spare, go to 6 minute English. I’ve just listened to the episode Call centres: Are you talking to AI?

English in a minute is a great way to improve your vocabulary. You can hit the nail on the head by learning new phrases within sixty seconds.

Remember, it’s not just about learning new phrases. It’s about using new phrases appropriately. I suggest you select phrases you like and try to use them during the week. Over time, you will be on fire!

Grammar

Are you comfortable with all the tenses that are there? You can confide in me. Be honest.

Tenses with Georgie is a good, fun way to revise tenses.

Prepositions can be confusing. Are you in a train or on a train? Mmm…. Not sure? Check out Prepositions with Georgie and find out.

If you like the idea of learning grammar by watching The Grammar Gameshow , go for it.

There is so much more when it comes to grammar. I know, it seems endless. Visit the main grammar page to find out more.

Pronunciation

Whatever your accent may be, that’s okay. What’s important is that you speak clearly and fluently.

The sounds of English are the building blocks of words. Are you keen to learn these sounds? Do you want to know the difference between voiced and voiceless consonants? You are at the right place.

Check out The Sounds of English on the pronunciation main page. I watched those short videos years ago, and I found them helpful. I hope you do too.

Tim’s Pronunciation Workshop is an effective way to learn about different aspects of pronunciation, such as elision and assimilation. Not familiar with those last two words? No worries. You’re probably doing some it already, in a natural way.

It’s more fun learning pronunciation than it is learning grammar. Do you agree?

Is there anything ‘more’ to do on the website?

On the right hand side of the menu bar, there is an option: More. Click on it with confidence. Don’t hesitate.

I have noticed that students often do not know their level. Do you know yours? Are you at the intermediate level? Upper-intermediate? Advanced?

Here’s the thing. Many students are generous when it comes to deciding which level they are at.

I’ve seen this happen lots of times: a person who is at the intermediate level believes that he is an upper-intermediate student! And the same goes for other levels as well. Many students are bumping themselves up a level.

I’m not a 100% convinced when it comes to online level tests. Having said that, try the level test at BBC learning English. See what you get.

If you enjoy listening to podcasts, try this out. You can listen while travelling.

Do you enjoy drama? I’ve just started listening to The Importance of Being Earnest.

There are many things to do in the ‘more’ section. Find out what works for you.

Before you go…

As you can tell, I’m pretty impressed with this website. It has a depth and breath that I’ve not seen anywhere else.

What do you do now? It’s up to you. If you want to improve your vocabulary, then click on the related links. The same goes for the other topics.

When learning English, be consistent. Consistency is the magic sauce that will help you improve your English.

Apart from BBC Learning English, here are two other websites I recommend.

Happy learning!

Is having the ‘right’ accent important?

This interview talks about pronunciation. Is it important to have an American or British accent? And how can we improve our pronunciation?

In this interview, we look at pronunciation. Many people want to speak with an American or British accent. But, is that really necessary when speaking English?

How important is English for success? 

Speaker in front of an audience.

There is no clear answer to this question. It depends on your profession. 

Imagine you are a painter from Hyderabad who is in Toronto for an art festival. You know a few words in English to get by. It’s okay. People are not concerned about your level of English. And why should they be? They have come to see your art. 

Similarly, a chef does not need to know English. Of course, it would be helpful. She could explain her dishes better. But, speaking English is not essential. Her food is her message. 

English for business

For jobs in the corporate sector, it is a different story.

In this globalized world, English has become the language of business. According to an article in the Harvard Business Review, companies such as Airbus, Daimler-Chrysler, SAP, and Samsung have adopted English as their common corporate language. 

Interestingly, a Japanese company Rakuten has pursued Englishnization, a language policy that embraces English. The policy requires employees to improve their level of English, or face consequences such as demotion. 

Why did Mr. Mikitani, the CEO of Rakuten, take such a drastic measure?

Mr. Mikitani believes that it was essential for his company’s growth and survival. Rakuten is Japan’s largest online marketplace, with a presence in many countries including the US, UK, Germany, China, Indonesia, and Brazil. To unify communication throughout the network, Englishnization was felt to be necessary. 

English in corporate India 

What is true for Rakuten is true for corporate India as well.

We live in a globalized, competitive world. One of the reasons why the IT sector has done so well in India is that software engineers in Bangalore speak English. 

If you work with an MNC or an Indian company, you have to communicate in English when talking to foreign clients. Even within India, there are clients/vendors in the south and the north-east of the country who may not be fluent in Hindi.

We can agree that English is important in the corporate workplace. But, how high does your level of English need to be? 

How well should my English be to succeed at work? 

To get an entry level job, companies are ideally looking for at least a B2-level speaker — a person who is at the upper-intermediate level. At this level, she communicates with ease and is able to  comprehend the main ideas of complex texts. She is able to write clearly on a wide range of topics, and express her opinions.

In my experience as a corporate trainer, many employees in corporate India are at the B1 level, which is the intermediate level. This means that they can understand information about familiar topics. B1-level speakers can manage their work. 

The key word being manage

There are speakers who speak fluently, but make grammatical errors along the way.

For example, a person may say, ‘I didn’t went to the warehouse.’ Of course, it should be ‘I didn’t go…’.

But does it really make a difference?

Communication is all about being understood. If the listener understands the message, communication has been achieved. 

In many situations, it is alright to make grammatical errors–as long as no confusion is generated.

Even incorrect pronunciation need not be an issue. If the listener understands a strong accent, then there is real communication. Thoughts are exchanged. Work gets done.  

Miscommunication leading to misunderstanding

Things get complicated when speaking to people from other countries. 

Let me give you an example. An irate client in Southeast Asia was talking to an engineer in India. The client complained that some machinery parts were not delivered on time.

The person in India replied, “I could understand your problem.”

This upset the client even more. 

“What does could mean? Does it mean that you don’t understand my problem?” asked the client.

The client escalated the issue.  

The Indian engineer did not understand why the client was so angry. Although the engineer was trying to be empathetic, he was misunderstood. 

As you can see, things get complicated when dealing with sensitive situations. A person may not have the vocabulary to express precisely what he wants to say. 

The need for better communication skills

When you rise up the corporate ladder, more will be expected of you when it comes to communication. For instance, you may have to attend a conference in Singapore, representing your company. At the event, you would want to network. The common language of communication would be English. If you speak the language fluently and clearly, people would find it easier to speak with you. You would be more successful in your networking.

When you become a CEO, you have to make speeches and presentations to wider audiences. The information and thoughts you convey will be more complex and nuanced. Also, you would have to read and absorb information about topics that are not in your domain of expertise. 

To accomplish all of this effectively, you would have to be an advanced-level user of the language, which means at the C1-level . Such a speaker uses language fluently in social, academic, and professional settings. 

Putting it all together 

Now that we have had a bird’s eye view of what is expected in the corporate sector, the picture becomes clearer.

When hiring a junior engineer, executive, or accountant, companies may search for B2-level candidates, but in reality, B1 would be just fine. 

Remember, domain knowledge counts for a lot. Being good at your job is a big advantage. When you know your work well and speak the jargon, you should be able to communicate well enough, even if you are at the B1 level.

Here is a telling quote from Rakuten CEO Mikitani who implemented Englishnization.

“WE HAVE TO BE ONE TEAM. THAT IS WHY I WANT EVERYONE TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE IN ENGLISH. OF COURSE, I’M NOT SAYING IT HAS TO BE PERFECT ENGLISH. I, FOR ONE, MAKE MANY GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. BUT THAT’S FINE. I DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT. AS LONG AS WE CAN UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER, WE DON’T NEED “NATIVE” ENGLISH TO DO GREAT THINGS TOGETHER.”MICKEY MIKITANI, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, RAKUTEN GROUP.

There is a powerful message in what he said: When people are on the same page, and open to collaboration, a lot can be achieved. And you do not need to be a native speaker (that is at the C2 level). Grammatical errors do not impede communication.

I agree with what he says, but with some reservations.

If there are unexpected situations, you may not have the language to express yourself effectively. As we saw in that example of “I could understand….” 

Are you at the B1 level? If yes, I urge you to improve your English to reach the B2 level. The effort will be worth it. You will be better able to handle difficult situations. 

And if you are at the B2 level, put in the hard work to reach the C1 level. There is a big difference between a B2 and a C1 user of the language. Your peers will notice that difference, and so will your clients.    

Beware of the language plateau 

There is something that could prevent you from improving your language: the dreaded language plateau. 

When you begin learning a language, you do so enthusiastically, covering miles of territory. After you arrive at the intermediate stage, your enthusiasm wanes. You need to work much harder to see results. When this happens, you are at the intermediate plateau. (There is an advanced-level plateau as well.) Read this article by Preply to learn more about plateaus. 

To ensure you escape the plateau, find ways to rekindle your enthusiasm for the language. Watch English movies. Read novels. Listen to songs. Be persistent, even when learning does not look as rewarding as it once did.

Persistence will get you to the finish line

Next steps 

If you are keen to improve your language, you need to know your level of English. Many people overestimate their language skills. It would be better to get an objective assessment. A reality check never hurts, at least when it comes to language learning.

Once you are clear as to where you are, start improving your skills. These 3 free websites are useful. 

Why don’t you learn English from the world around you? You could become your own language coach!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments section below. 

FAQs

Why is English important for success? 

  • We live in a world where the largest economy is the U.S.A. – an English-speaking country.
  • Even many French, German, and Japanese companies use English for internal communication. 
  • To reach a global audience, one needs to know English. 

Why is English important for your future 

  • A lot of information is available in English, when compared with other languages. 55% of online domains are in English. 
  • Being proficient in English will help you better explain your ideas and thoughts in interviews, in meetings, and during presentations. 
  • English will help you with networking, especially when meeting people from other countries.

How to help my child succeed in international English exams

Rome was not built in a day. Neither is proficiency in any language. It takes time to learn a language. Think about your mother-tongue. How much time would a person need to learn it to be an advanced-level speaker?

International English exams such as IELTS, SAT, and TOEFL test a person’s language skills. 

But they do more than that. 

Not many people are aware of this: they indirectly test a person’s level of general knowledge.

For example, you may be expected to read and answer questions on a piece about Global History. If you have no clue about history, the task is challenging. Your mind does not have the framework to understand the topic.

What can you as a parent do? This post is for parents who have children in the 8th to the 12th class.

I start with a disclaimer. This post will not provide any short-cuts to getting higher scores.

Instead, you will learn how to strengthen the English language foundation of your child, so that when the time comes to appear for such exams, she will be better prepared. 

Are you interested to learn more? Then read on.

How to succeed in international English exams

Let’s go step by step. Here is step one:

How can parents help their children learn English? Take a level test.  

Before one starts on a journey, one needs to know where one is. At what level is your child? Is she at the intermediate level or higher or lower? It would be good to find out. 

If there is a language school near you, such as the British Council, then you could find out whether they conduct language assessment tests. The results will provide you with an objective measure of your child’s language skills.

You can also take a quick test online from Cambidge.  

In my experience as an English teacher, I have noticed that people tend to overestimate their English skills. Do not make the same mistake.

If you are able to visit a language school nearby, go there and find out. It will be worth it.

How can parents support English language learners: Learn the four skills and language

As a parent, the more aware you are of language learning, the better you can guide your child. So, let’s take a deep dive into language learning. 

There are four skills when it comes to language usage. The skills are: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Apart from the four skills we also have grammar and vocabulary. 

Let’s start with speaking.

Speaking skills  

There are two aspects to speaking: fluency and accuracy. I have noticed that there are people who speak fluently, but they make a lot of basic grammatical errors! This affects accuracy and will negatively affect one’s score, especially in tests such as IELTS. Here are a few videos from the British Council that would help, if you are thinking about IELTS.

Fluency and Coherence 

Grammar 

Pronunciation 

Lexical Resources

Even if your child is not preparing for IELTS, do watch these videos. They can improve her overall speaking skills.

Many students are fluent and have reasonably good grammar, but pronunciation is a problem.

How can you improve pronunciation? There are many ways to do this. 

The first is to listen. When you hear people talk, listen to how they pronounce words. The danger is that everyone you meet may be pronouncing a word incorrectly!

The internet can come to the rescue. If you are unsure of how a word is pronounced, visit the Cambridge Dictionary

Just type in the word and listen to the pronunciation. There would normally be two variations: UK and US. Choose the one that you are more comfortable with.

You can also have fun when learning pronunciation. Pick a song and sing along. Don’t worry if your voice is out of tune. It’s a fun way to spend time with your child. Both of you can sing your hearts out. 

On YouTube, there are many songs with the lyrics as well. Select a song that you think is appropriate. This exercise may sound silly, but it is a good way to get accustomed to accents and also improve one’s pronunciation without any stress. To get you started, play this song from the Beatles: Here comes the sun

You can also pay attention to how words are pronounced when watching movies, serials, and news programs. Become aware of how you pronounce words and compare the pronunciation with other peoples. Yes, to improve your child’s pronunciation, you have to work on yours as well.

To get an overview of pronunciation, read this post.

Let’s look at the next skill.

Listening skills

As a skill, listening may be more rewarding than speaking.

Many people are better speakers than listeners. They speak, speak, and speak, without listening to what the other person has to say. I urge you to be a better listener to improve your English language skills.

When listening to a person speak, or watching a movie, do not be passive. Be an active listener. Give your full attention. Analyze what the person is trying to say. For example, when watching a documentary on climate change, think about what the main point of the argument is. Think about the words used to convey a message. Think about the sequencing of ideas and the examples given. Think about the pronunciation and intonation.

Sounds exhausting?

It could be. However, you will find it a more enriching experience. And your general language skills will improve.

Once you start finding yourself to be a better listener, see how you can guide your child. Here is what you can do. Watch a video on science. And then ask general and specific questions.

Let’s look at this video on the planet Saturn.

I have come up with some questions based on the video:

General questions

1.  What is the video about?

2.  How did the rings of Saturn form?

Specific questions:

1.  What is the Roche Limit?

2.  What are the names of two of Saturn’s moons?

The first set of questions require listening for gist, while the second set of specific questions asks you to listen for detail.

To improve listening skills, this is what you can do.

1.  Play the video once, and ask two general questions. (You can make some more, if you like.)

2.  Then, ask the two specific questions. If she cannot answer them properly, play the video again.

Try this approach with other videos. You will find your child honing her listening skills. You can even ask your child to make questions to test you! This would further activate her listening skills. And she would enjoy it to see you fumble.

Listening is an overlooked skill. Do not underestimate it. It can be beneficial in not only improving one’s language skills, but also general knowledge. Both of which are tested on exam day.

Reading skills

Reading is a lot like listening. It is another under-rated skill. People read to pass exams. Many people do not read out of curiosity or for pleasure. In short, people read only when they need to.

Try to develop the reading habit in your child. This will reap benefits in many ways.

First, her vocabulary will improve. It is said that a word has to be encountered at least ten times before it can be used by a person naturally and appropriately. Do not encourage your child to memorize word lists. She may use them incorrectly and out of context. Vocabulary building takes time. It takes years. Reading is the best way to do it.

Reading also helps in improving one’s general knowledge. There is a wide range of topics that your child may encounter on an international English language test. Here is short list:

1.  Science

Possible topics: astronomy, geology, and chemistry

2.  Social sciences

Possible topics: economics, psychology, and political science

3.  The Environment

Possible topics: climate change, pollution, deforestation

4.  Film and entertainment

Possible topics: film genres, film and its impact on society, the role of theatre in social change

Do not get intimidated. As I wrote at the beginning of this post, Rome was not built in a day. There are more common topics that could appear on test day. However, these four should be enough for now. I do not want to overload you.

To help your child succeed in international English exams, make sure that she reads the newspaper. Many students start reading the newspaper weeks before the exam day. How much can they learn? Reading newspapers should become a habit and not something one does ten days before the test.

Do not impose reading on her. You could start by asking her to read an article on a topic she likes. It could be about sport or history. Slowly expand the range to include other topics such as science and technology.

Your local English paper would have many good articles. You could also read these online news websites:

  1. The Guardian
  2. BBC 
  3. Aljazeera 

When on these websites, do not start with the current news. Read the sections on science & technology, sports, environment, and culture. Then start reading other sections.

If you feel that there may be inappropriate content for your child, decide what she should read.

When you have selected an article, this is what you can do:

  • Ask your child to read the headline and guess what the article is about. This will help her prepare her mind to better absorb the writing.  
  • Look at the photograph and discuss what it is trying to say. What is the focus of the photograph? Is there a message?
  • Let her read the article, and then ask her what new information she has learnt. Are there any words she is unsure of? Find out the meaning and pronunciation from an online dictionary. Did she like the article? Why or why not?  

To help your child succeed in international English exams, you will have to think like a teacher.

Asking these kinds of probing questions will make her more engaged with the article. Over time, she will become a better reader. Improved reading skills will be an advantage throughout life. 

Writing skills

We have now arrived at the last skill. In IELTS, many candidates find this the most difficult part of the test. Even if the test your child is planning to take does not have writing, I urge you to read on. Writing is a skill that is essential in adult life.

To write well, it would be a good idea to read well. When reading an article or opinion piece, pay attention to the organization of ideas. How is the topic introduced? What is the first main point? Is it supported with facts or examples?

A big problem when it comes to writing is coherence and cohesion. Coherence refers to the logical flow of ideas. And cohesion refers to the use of cohesive devices (such as however, therefore) that hold the sentences and paragraphs together.

Watch this video on coherence and cohesion. Even if your child is not planning to take IELTS, it would be useful.

It is important to plan well before actually writing. In fact, the better plan, the easier it is to write.

Phew! That was a lot of information. Sorry, we are not done yet. If you recall, in language learning, apart from the four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), there is what we call language.

Language includes grammar and vocabulary.

How to succeed in international English exams: Grammar 

Make sure that your child’s grammatical foundation is strong. If the foundation is weak, then errors will persist into adulthood. And of course, she will find it difficult to get a high score in any international English exam.

Grammar is vast. You could start with my post on articles (a, an, the). If you want to know more about the future time, click here.

Here are some online resources for grammar: BBC Learning English and British Council.

If your child finds grammar to be difficult, spend more time exploring those online websites.

Another way to learn grammar is through more exposure to the language. Make your child watch more English movies and read more books.

How can parents help their children learn English? Vocabulary

As we looked at before, the more one engages with the language, the more one improves one’s vocabulary. Make sure that your child is exposed to a variety of topics. This will improve her topic-specific vocabulary. For instance, if she watches a video about climate change, she will learn words that are used in that field. You could ask her to have a book where she writes down new words and phrases. 

Here are some channels I recommend: CNN 10 and National Geographic

Of course, she should also read newspapers, magazines, and non-fiction and fiction books. Make sure the reading material is broad, covering diverse topics ranging from technology to culture.

How can I help my child? One step at a time

As you can tell, you are in a marathon and not a sprint. 

To succeed in international English exams requires one to have a strong foundation in both language and general knowledge. A strong base in general knowledge will help your child to better cope with the variety of topics that will be present on test day.

The sooner you start the better. Take it one step at a time. And do not overwhelm your child or yourself!

If you are in India, I have written a book on common Indian errors in Business English, covering topics such as vocabulary, Indian English, and grammar. It would be helpful when focusing on common errors Indians make. Click here to find out more about it.  

Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments section below.   

FAQs

How can parents help their children learn English?

  • Make English a part of your child’s environment.
  • Watch cartoons, serials, and movies. Read comic books, magazines, and novels. 
  • The key to learning any language is complete immersion. 

How can parents support English language learners?

  • Find out your child’s language level. That is the first step in the journey. 
  • Focus on the four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 
  • Emphasize the skills of listening (watch documentaries, TV programs) and reading (read newspapers, magazines, and novels).

What is the best way to study for an English language exam?

  • Make a long-term plan to improve your English. Do not start preparing two weeks before the test.
  • Understand the expectations of the test. This is key. 
  • Answer past question papers.

Is IELTS hard to pass?

  • If your English is at the upper-intermediate or advanced level, it is not difficult. But, you will still need to know the expectations of the test. Otherwise, you may not reach your full potential, even if you are an advanced-level speaker. 
  • If your English level is at the intermediate level or below, then it is difficult. Start by improving your general English skills.

What can I do to pass the English exam?

  • Improve your general English level.
  • Find out the expectations of the test.
  • Practice answering common test questions. When possible, go to the official website/YouTube channel of the test authority to get authentic practice material.

How can I help my child with English language?

  • Make your child familiar and comfortable with the language. Watch English programmes on YouTube or TV. 
  • As a parent, you should be aware of what language learning means. Focus on the four skills: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Remember that listening and reading are undervalued skills. 
  • Focus on grammar, but do not try to cover all grammar points in a short period of time. It takes time for a learner to understand, absorb, and practice. Go slow and steady.

3 don’ts when learning English

stop

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.

Be a couch potato and learn English

Couch Potato

Source: vectorstock.com

The best way to a learn a language is to immerse yourself in it.

Be surrounded by it, every waking hour. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to stay in a foreign country. The next best thing could be watching TV.

Television (and now Youtube, Amazon, Netflix) gives us a window into other language worlds and cultures. Surprisingly in India, people do not seem to be taking advantage of this medium as much as they should.

Specifically, when it comes to learning English, learners see it as a distinct subject which is utilized in specific situations (e.g. while taking an exam, or making a presentation at work). This way of thinking limits the way one learns the language. Learning English is understood as learning grammatical rules and lists of words. This creates a narrow (and often fragile) language base.

Being a couch potato could be a part of the solution. (Ah… I see that smile on your face!) There are stories from around the world which highlight the link between TV watching and language learning. Two sisters in Isreal learned Spanish by watching an Argentinian telenovela with Hebrew subtitles. Read about them on CNN. In the short article, the sisters say that they learned English the same way.

And, you can learn English (or any other language) that way too.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Choose a series that you enjoy. If you like the theme, chances are that you will be more willing to sit through it.
  2. Where possible, have subtitles. Even if the subtitles are in the same language, that is okay. In this way you are using two language learning skills – listening and reading. The two skills reinforce each other.
  3. Watch the programme again and again. A baseball player from Venezuela watched each episode of the serial Friends at least five times. And his level of English has improved dramatically.
  4. If there is some vocabulary you do not understand, reach out to your cellphone. Google the word and find out its meaning. Go ahead and do it. Don’t postpone it, as you may forget the word. This is a natural way to build your vocabulary, because you are encountering the word in its natural context.
  5. If there is a grammatical structure which is unfamiliar, try and find out more about it. Google. Don’t be lazy.
  6. You can have a varied diet as well. Watch a cartoon channel, a news channel, and a nature documentary channel. In this way, you expose yourself to different kinds of vocabulary. This will help you when you have to converse on different themes.
  7. Be consistent. (Remember point 3 in this list.)

Be an active, curious couch potato. Although your body may be immobile, your mind is all action!

For more on learning English, you can visit these 3 free websites.

Why do you make the same language errors, again and again?

Fossil

Why do people keep repeating the same grammatical and vocabulary errors, even after they have been corrected?

For example, language learners learn that one should say ‘equipment’ and not ‘equipments’. The reason behind it is that ‘equipment’ is an uncountable noun, and so one shouldn’t add an ‘s’ to it. The phrase three equipments is grammatically incorrect. When I say this in a session, people nod their heads in complete agreement. But, when they leave the room, and have a conversation, they are more likely to ask: Where are the equipments?

Why are they repeating this error? The clue is in the photo of this post. The photo is of a fossil. The language errors that we make are fossilized in our minds. This means that even if the trainer corrects you in a session, afterwards, when you speak with friends or colleagues, you are likely to return to making the same error.

Can you de-fossilize your language? Yes, you can. But you have to work at it.  Pay attention to how you speak and write. And mentally note down the errors which you know you are making. (I monitor my speech, almost, all the time.)

Over time, when you speak and write, you will use the grammar point or word, accurately and effortlessly.