Learning English
English has often been described as one of the most difficult languages to learn. Non-native potential English speakers often balk at the onerous grammar, the confusing syntax, and the strange amalgamation of French, Germanic, and Latin influences on the English vocabulary. Even native speakers can have trouble with some of the more perplexing segments of the English language, like the inconsistent grammatical rules. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen native speakers mess up “their,” “they’re,” and “there.” Strangely enough, those who are just learning English often get these and other tricky linguistic rules right, whereas the native speakers are more prone to mistakes. But learning English isn’t just about learning grammar and syntax and vocabulary; it’s also about learning conversational English and all the rules that go along with it. After all, being able to speak English naturally and engage in normal everyday conversations is an enormous part of learning English. American life is built around conversation, and you need to be able to join in on it!
Okay, that probably sounds nice, but you might be wondering just how you’re going to go about learning English conversation-style. The best way has always been, and probably always will be, the act of participation. Thrust yourself into the public sphere. Engage passersby in casual conversation. Some Americans get a bad rap for being gruff and unfriendly, but I think you’ll find almost everyone is willing to stop and chat for a bit. Go to a grocery store and engage in some playful banter with the checkout person. Chat with your waiter at a restaurant. The more you do it, the more natural you’ll find yourself speaking as time goes on.
Above all, learning English is about experiencing life. But for those of you who don’t have access to regular English speakers but still want to learn conversation, there are methods to circumvent your limitations. Try online educational programs devoted to teaching ESL students regular American sayings, idioms, and colloquialisms. It’s a decidedly formal approach to what most regard as an informal, casual discipline, but learning English has to have structure. And then, once you have taken the classes, you can head out into the world and try out the stuff you just learned!