What is Answerbag?

Ask questions and share your knowledge with the world here on Answerbag. Get the best answers where there are no duplicate questions and questions are always open - our community of over 1,142,000 will find your answer!

Join For Free!
 

Process of Learning English

Monday, August 03, 2009
Related Tags: phonemes | grammar | syntax | language | audiotapes
 

Instructions

Basic Vocabulary and Grammar

  • Step 1:
    The foundations of any language, especially English, lie in vocabulary and grammar. Grammar consists of syntax and phonemes. Syntax is the rule system of language that determines how words combine to form sentences, and phonemes are the spoken sounds associated with a language's written symbols. Because English has many exceptions to its spelling and grammar rules, it's important to learn these as soon as possible. Although most letters and syllables in English are associated with their own phonemes, different words can use different phonemes for the same letter, as in the words "father" and "ash." The English language has 42 phonemes. English flashcards can be an invaluable aid when you're learning vocabulary, but learning proper pronunciation requires a live speaker or audio.

Listening and Speaking

  • Step 1:
    Before you begin reading texts in English or listening to audiotapes, be sure you understand the basic rules of syntax (for example, the subject-verb-object sentence structure). Become used to hearing, reading and comprehending English just as well as speaking or writing it. Learn to instantly translate the words in your mind--when you're conversing in any language, you don't have time to stop and think about what was said. Listen to audiotapes or sound files online to increase your listening fluency and commit a set amount of time per day to observing how native speakers use English in conversation. Don't just use textbooks; they teach you the correct use of the language but usually not the idioms and quirks of speech that feature in conversation.

Immersion

  • Step 1:
    Once you have a solid grasp of conversational English from audiotapes or another source, immerse yourself in the language by surrounding yourself with native English speakers and speaking to them in English. Focus especially on speaking with proper grammar. Ask for the correct expression, syntax or pronunciation. Correcting your mistakes early on is the best way to ensure your success in learning English.

Resources


Process of Learning English Provided by eHow.com
Related Content
How to Learn Foreign Languages
Knowing only one language is serviceable. Knowing two languages can expand your horizons. However, the process of acquiring a new language can be intimidating. Too many people give up either...
How to Learn German from Audio Tapes
To learn German or any language using audiotapes can be challenging, but it is possible through dedication and repetition. You can continue the learning process through online help and additional...
Farsi Pimsleur Teaching Method
Farsi (also known as Persian) is the language primarily spoken in Iran and Afghanistan. The Pimsleur Language Learning System is a method of language teaching for individuals who are interested in...
Effectiveness of Rosetta Stone
Globally, Rosetta Stone is one of the most popular language learning programs. The Rosetta Stone company currently offers language packages for 31 different languages, from Chinese to Irish to...