“7 quick ways to improve English as a foreigner” is a collaborative post.
Relocating to well-developed foreign countries is certainly everyone’s aspiration, but this dream comes with its own set of challenges. Although such countries offer unparalleled career opportunities, learning a new language, especially English can be troublesome.
According to a report by Statista, in 2021, Canada had the highest number of students, around 61,000, learning English as a foreign language. It was followed by the United Kingdom with nearly 60,000 students and the United States in third place with around 45,000 students.
Interestingly enough, according to Preply, 62% of UK adults consider English the most important language for non-native kids and teens to learn at school.
Now, we will discuss some effective strategies to learn and improve English as a foreign language. You’ll definitely love it all!
Challenges faced by foreigners in English-speaking countries
Moving to an English-speaking country can be a challenging experience for people who aren’t proficient in English. Here are a few factors that might discourage you if you can not speak English well:
- Educational challenges
- Access to services
- Social integration
- Legal and administrative hurdles
In order to establish meaningful connections with neighbours, colleagues, and community members, you may need to overcome language and cultural barriers. Therefore, participating in local events and activities might feel intimidating for newcomers with zero basic English language skills.
Besides, it is also difficult to understand and fulfil legal obligations, such as tax-related matters and immigration documentation if you are not proficient in English.
Moreover, parents who do not speak English well can find it difficult to understand the curriculum and communicate effectively with teachers. Same way, assisting children with their homework will also become challenging for parents. Not only the parents but children also encounter struggles in adapting to a new educational system. Besides, it is also difficult for them to form connections with classmates in an unfamiliar school environment.
The ability to navigate healthcare systems and understand medical advice can be difficult without a strong grasp of the English language. Accessing social services may also pose challenges. Moreover, legal and administrative processes, such as obtaining identification documents or understanding lease agreements, can become daunting tasks without adequate language proficiency.
Tips to improve English as a foreign language
Here are some ways that will surely help you improve your English as a foreign language in no time:
1. Listen
The more you listen to English language speakers, the better you will speak it. Listening helps you learn new words and how to respond in conversations. You can listen to short English clips, watch TV shows, or follow YouTube channels. So, pay attention to what people say, and repeat phrases you find interesting. Moreover, you can also use subtitles or transcripts if needed. Podcasts and audiobooks are reliable good sources for practising listening skills. Furthermore, having real conversations with people around you also plays a crucial role in improving your understanding and speaking abilities.
2. Imitate
The best way to improve your speaking skills is to observe people around you. Just like babies learn by copying adults, you can imitate native speakers. This helps you remember word patterns and improves accuracy without worrying too much about grammar rules. You can also listen to an audio clip, repeat what you hear, and record yourself. Compare your recording with the original, note any differences, and correct them. Make sure to repeat this process and you will see consistent improvement in your pronunciation and fluency.
3. Read
Reading always helps the best to improve language skills. Spend a few minutes every day reading short articles or notes in English. You can find these in everyday places like work memos, supermarket brochures, or elevator notices. Moreover, there are various online resources with texts and exercises designed to improve your reading skills. Same way, reading aloud is also a good practice to familiarise yourself with new words, improve pronunciation, and enhance overall fluency.
4. Play
Yes, playing word games can help improve your language skills. Word games are a fun way to boost vocabulary and critical thinking. Therefore, you can opt for word games such as the NYT Spelling Bee to develop cognitive thinking and language skills. These games significantly improve vocabulary, and keep you engaged in learning new words. However, sometimes it is difficult for basic learners to ace the difficult game levels. Therefore, tools like Word Chum Cheat and Spelling Bee Answers help overcome challenges and maintain zeal for learning. Starting word games not only enhances linguistic skills but also encourages better problem-solving abilities.
5. Reflect
After any language learning activity, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself questions about what you learned, how confident you felt, and if there were any unfamiliar words. Reflection helps you identify areas for improvement and track your progress. Write down your thoughts in a notebook to see how you’re getting better over time.
6. Prepare
To feel more confident in speaking English, prepare ahead for common situations. Create lists of useful phrases for scenarios like ordering food or asking for the bill at a restaurant. This way, you know what to say and can focus on practising those specific words. By doing this, you’ll be able to reduce anxiety and be prepared for different situations.
7. Speak
The most direct way to improve speaking skills is to speak. Engage in conversations with people around you, like colleagues or classmates. If possible, join an English language course for structured learning and practice. Online forums and discussion groups focused on language learning are also great for speaking practice. Speaking more will certainly make you more confident and proficient in English.
Final thoughts on improving English as a foreigner
To sum up, improving English speaking skills requires dedication and practice. By actively engaging in listening, imitating, reading, playing word games, reflecting, preparing, and speaking, progress is achievable. Therefore, with consistent effort, overcoming language barriers and thriving in a new environment becomes possible.
