"Don't worry. After 1 year of bridging course (intensive English language training), he'll be fine." This was the response from one who has "been there and done that". After being here for more than 2 years, she is a confident young lady and very comfortable in English.
What are some of the keys to mastering the English language, or any language for that matter?
- relax - sounds crazy? Well, if you're so stressed trying to "get it", your brain cells freeze up and you can't think straight. So, I could be saying something as simple as "What is your name?" and your mind is unable to process the question. Relax and enjoy the sounds and human interaction.
- lots of listening - the radio is a great asset to learning a language. Find the correct station that speaks properly. I've found news stations most beneficial. They speak correctly and I catch up on the news in the meantime. My Mandarin skills improved by leaps and bounds just by listening to the morning news channel for about 30 minutes a day.
- speak out - if you never open your mouth, you will never know if you're right or wrong. Ignore the laughter and the taunts. Those people's language ability is probably just as bad, if not worse, than yours. Keep on trying. Some kind souls will come and help you along. No pain, no gain.
- join a community - there's so many ways to find a community where you are now - Meetup groups, online forum, discussion board, Facebook, ... the list is endless. Find like-minded people who will help you along.
- find a foreign friend, if possible - forget being shy. It doesn't help you learn. Go ask someone if he or she will be your conversation partner. You will learn very quickly.
Learning a language takes sheer hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable. Have fun in the process. Learn to laugh at yourself.
Happy learning!
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