How to Improve your English

S-312.262

Area : General

Topic : Skill

English is a very popular language for communication, particularly when people with different native languages talk to each other. It is also the most popular language used as the medium of instruction for most of the higher education courses across the globe. The same stands true for India, as well. Although, there has been a recent emphasis for learning in one’s own mother tongue, both people’s sentiment and the government’s actions are still mostly restricted to primary and secondary education. When it comes to higher education, it is still English which is used in vogue.

It is, however, not easy to attain mastery in any foreign language. For many of the Indians like us, who have completed primary and secondary education in regional languages, a sudden exposure to an environment of learning during the higher studies, where English is the only medium of instruction, not only brings concern but sometimes a bit of nervousness in our minds.

Not knowing English or not being able to communicate in English, should never be let grow in your mind as a stigma. Rather, it is highly advisable to get rid of this apprehension by learning and improving our skill in the language. After all, the real heroism lies in fighting back from an adverse situation and it is not at all difficult to do, considering the benefit one may get on learning a new language.

In today’s age of technology and information, English (or any other language) is not at all a difficult thing to learn. Learning from internet and online courses available there, you may graduate yourself to the working level of knowledge of the language very quickly. Whether you are in your teens or in your middle ages, it is my personal view that it is always an appropriate time to learn anything new. Further, one should not forget that the challenges one faces in such an attempt will only lead to opening up of new avenues, provide a new standard of approach and above all these an immense amount of confidence.

If you are in a service, or doing research or running your own business, English will be necessary for your daily communications. Right from sending mail to your client, to writing a good report or preparing a journal paper, the correct layout of the language is what eventually helps you in achieving your goals. Nevertheless, for teachers, it is of utmost importance to speak correct English during their lectures.

1. Learn the Basics: The most important areas of the language that one may concentrate during learning are the Grammar, Vocabulary and Use. Some basic knowledge about English Grammar is the foundation of the knowledge. One first needs to construct a sentence correctly. The main areas of focus in a sentence may be the verb, preposition and the tense. Also mind the correct gender and number and the form of the verb for these different cases.

If you know how to construct the sentences correctly and if you have some fair amount of vocabulary at your service, then you have almost done it. To gain the vocabulary and to understand the correct use of the same, as well, you have to read English literature.

2. Write Frequently: Moreover, if you write a paragraph every day in English, you learn to use what you have learnt in a very practical way, provided you get it corrected by someone who is proficient in the language. Today there are many AI based software that readily correct your writings, your CV and anything you write in English, mentioning the errors in it and also the scope of improvements therein. I personally use the software ‘Grammarly’ for this purpose. The best thing I like about it is that it is available Free. It is also nice that you can access its service freely from any of your devices once you register yourself with them. However, there are many similar other software to choose from.

3. Speak in English: Another effective way of improving English skills is talking in English with your friends and family. When one to whom you are talking is close to you, you can leave the brother whether you are speaking correctly or not. Rather, ask them to correct you if you are wrong and be open to accept any criticism. It eventually does good to you. While speaking, it is a good practice to think in English, rather than constructing sentences by translating them from our native language. However, this will grow with practice.

4. Read Classic Literature: This also can be aided by reading more books. It is always suggestive to read Classic literature, written in simple English. There is a display of classic literature for children and young adults on this site. You may go there to choose from your favourite author or topic. I started reading English novels and short stories with Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Believe me, it really did a miracle by eliminating all the fears I had about the language.

5. Take courses: Today, there are also many online courses and videos, which may be useful for the purpose. The most popular and accredited of them is the course by the British Council. It offers an online course named ‘My English’ for adults above the age of 18. The course duration is about 50 hours, completed in around 6 weeks. However, they charge around Rs. 5000 for the complete session. It also has a paid IELTS coaching section. Another well-known online learning platform hosted by EdX also has many courses to choose from. Interestingly, most of them are free. You may use this link to go to their place. edx.org/learn/English. However, we suggest you read our article on choosing online courses wisely, before you take your decision. You can also search Google to find many similar online classes, which are mostly free, that you may find suitable for you.

Finally, once you get over your initial uneasiness about the language, you will find learning and getting conversant in writing and speaking in English is not that hard a nut to crack that you thought earlier.