discussion Good ways to learn english?

[pureslvt64]

Im not native and write how i can but really want to improve. Any hints, books, cources to master english? I can read and barely write.

 

[User_111574]

First of all, books help. Start with books in Basic English (800 vocabulary words). Then switch to simple literature with a rather sparse vocabulary (Agatha Christie, Isaac Asimov). Use a dictionary if necessary. You will soon find that you are able to understand unfamiliar words by context. In second place I would put movies - turn on the English soundtrack and English subtitles. It will help you understand the peculiarities of phonetics. And after these steps, having a sufficient basis, you can get in direct contact with native speakers.

 

[AntAras11]

First of all, books help. Start with books in Basic English (800 vocabulary words). Then switch to simple literature with a rather sparse vocabulary (Agatha Christie, Isaac Asimov). Use a dictionary if necessary. You will soon find that you are able to understand unfamiliar words by context. In second place I would put movies - turn on the English soundtrack and English subtitles. It will help you understand the peculiarities of phonetics. And after these steps, having a sufficient basis, you can get in direct contact with native speakers.

I wanted to write a more detailed comment but this guy said exactly what I would.

Books are better for vocabulary because you can easily stop and look up unknown words, but if you are not a reader anyway you are probably gonna be turned off.

Movies are better for understanding common syntax and learning common expressions. Definitely turn english subs on

 

[ArtoriasABW]

I'm not the kind that can just sit and learn from a book, so what I did was get some comics that I liked and started translating word for word with google translator, at some point I was able to read most of it, then I started watching movies and videos in english with subtitles also in english and with time I started to understand what they're saying, now I only watch and read stuff in english so I can keep improving.

 

[loodie]

This goes for any language but there are a few solid ways

1. Literally go to a place with English speakers and talk to them. This could be outside, or an app for ESL speakers like yourself where you can talk to others
2. Learn using apps like Duolingo which help gameify learning and make it fun. It's also free
3. Watch a movie but with English subtitles on. So as you listen to what they're saying, you'll also be reading in English. You'll get an understanding of how words are said which is something you'll struggle with when reading on your own
4. Reading. You can just read books that are in English that are meant for readers at various skill levels but if you're familiar with books then you can try finding classics that are bilingual. They're designed in such a way to help people learn where the book is in both your native tongue and English.

All of these things have been covered by others in this thread but I can't emphasize enough how important #1 is. You'll learn at much faster rate than anything else when speaking with others. Even if it's a struggle, you will be learning a lot. It's just important that it's the right setting where the second person will be correcting you if you're okay with that.

 

[incognito2009]

First of all, books help. Start with books in Basic English (800 vocabulary words). Then switch to simple literature with a rather sparse vocabulary (Agatha Christie, Isaac Asimov). Use a dictionary if necessary. You will soon find that you are able to understand unfamiliar words by context. In second place I would put movies - turn on the English soundtrack and English subtitles. It will help you understand the peculiarities of phonetics. And after these steps, having a sufficient basis, you can get in direct contact with native speakers.

Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are good place to start. Being focused towards YA/kids helps a lot in that regard.

 

[thegroan]

For sure there are a lot of YouTube videos based on your native language that could help. Also, you could find a pen pal or an English-speaking exchange student willing to learn your language, so you could learn off each other. This activity was somewhat organised and called "Tandem" in some countries I've been to.

 

[User_29852]

In addition to the previous advices, if you listen to songs in English, you can search for the lyrics online then try to translate them

 

[Animal_OG]

Im not native and write how i can but really want to improve. Any hints, books, cources to master english? I can read and barely write.

The method I've been using is by input. It's the same as perceiving the world as a newborn.
If you expose your brain to a shit ton of information (in a certain language), it starts picking up everything... From vocabulary to grammar and intonation, even accents.
When the language starts sounding familiar, try shadowing, repeating everything you hear, get your mouth accustomed to making those weird sounds.
And finally, when you are kinda getting it, then start with the books and formal lessons... Same as we all did when we were little.

It's bonkers how the brain can actually do it all over again.

 

[pureslvt64]

Damn i still dont understand how this site works and i skipped all your advices till now. Thanks really appreciate it

 

[goemonn7]

Watching some movies/tv shows in english is a good way to start.

 

[jjx]

I quite like the Duolingo app, would recommend.

 

[Ryuji]

I am also not a native, what I recommend is to do the whole Duolingo course, and get in contact with the language as much as you can from books to movies, YouTubers and etc, the Duolingo helps a lot because it has a lot of pre-made texts and audio for you, so it helps when you are starting until around the middle of the road I would say, other than that it's just the constant contact you with the language so you improve.

PS: It takes a while for you to get to a point where you don't even need to think like in your normal language, but you can get there.

 

[Coloneill]

Im not native and write how i can but really want to improve. Any hints, books, cources to master english? I can read and barely write.

There is only one way to learn any language well. Use the language. Talk to native speakers.

 

[User_120092]

Duolingo.

 

[User_120092]

Whatever the way, do it before writing an AVN that you want to market to English speakers.

 

[User_40809]

Games, music, movies. And Duolingo.

 

[ZZBB24]

I suggest you watch English speaking shows to learn idioms, slang and other non-formal mannerism. Thats the biggest blindspot for learning a language, Duolingo isn't going to teach you how to curse at someone properly.

 

[Flame125]

Learn an English sentence that you usually use in your language everyday. Once you get the hang of it, start learning grammar so that you know what word to be sorted in a sentence.

 

[bv220040]

duolingo if your fine with the constant threat of death