There are about 378 million native English speakers and 743 million non- native English speakers across the world. English is a global language without any doubt. You can see English billboards, English literature, English songs, different English accents, books written in English and most importantly Google – the search engine which is the information powerhouse quite literally, is dominated by English.
As we move ahead, English is becoming the medium of language and has played a significant role in breaking language barriers. So in this day and age, being fluent in English opens the door for countless opportunities for an individual.
And I understand why you are reading this article.
You want to understand, comprehend, speak, write and read in English as a native speaker. You want to be natural in it. You want to think in English.
You want to reach a level of fluency, wherein you don’t have to translate the language from your mother tongue, where you can read and understand complex materials and where you can speak fluently without the use of filler words.
Now that we have understood the problem and the outcome you would want to achieve, let’s get into the solutions for it.
So, here are 9 simple and proven ways to learn fluent English.
#1 READ
I am assuming that you can read and understand basic English and now you want to advance your levels. So Reading is the most important part of learning English, and any language for that matter.
Start by reading short stories and small blogs in the areas that you are interested in. Follow that by reading novels, non-fictions or long form articles which will help in improving your comprehension levels, vocabulary and the way to express different phrases in the most efficient way.
#2 CONSUMING AS MUCH CONTENT AS POSSIBLE
You are what you consume. This quote also applies in learning a language. Language learning is a process and Consuming content is one aspect of language learning that most people get wrong. Everything is content, the article that I am writing, youtube videos, instagram posts and what not. However, in this pool of content, you have to choose wisely.
Videos are one of the best kinds of content. Watching TedX talks or any speech for that matter not only helps you to catch the language but also the body language that is being used. Watch English Interview videos and talks and discussions which will not only help you in your English fluency but will also make you a better communicator.
Another kind of content is the podcasts. Listen to various podcasts which will help you with your listening skills as well as understanding different accents.
#3 HAVE FUN !
And if you are thinking, oh that is too much work, then don’t worry! Apart from the above mentioned types of content, there are movies that you can watch in English, or series and you can listen to songs as well. So from now onwards you don’t have to feel guilty of watching movies and shows. Have fun while also learning.
#4 WORD POWER MADE EASY – VOCABULARY
Vocabulary plays an important role in determining your level of speaking. The words that you use reflect your intellectual prowess. One of the best resources from which you can start learning vocabulary in a very systematic and fun way is the book “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis. This is a very simple book and easy to understand which will break all your stereotypes on learning vocabulary. So give it a try and see for yourself the change in your vocabulary.
#5 JOURNALING
When you journal, you write your day, your emotions, descriptions, etc. There is nothing much better than journaling for improving your English writing skills. You will notice that you tend to repeat some words very often. You can find synonyms for those words and start using them instead of the previous one. In this way, you will observe your writing improve day by day.
#6 RECORD YOUR VOICE AND LISTEN
While we speak we tend to make a lot of grammatical mistakes and use a lot of filler words in between. Recording yourself while speaking and listening to it later will help you catch your mistakes and nuances in your speech which will improve your speaking skills gradually.
#7 TAKE FEEDBACKS
Feedbacks are like that important subject in your exam which you conveniently ignore because you either think it is too easy or too difficult to study. However it is very important to take feedback from time to time. You can ask your teacher, your friend, your siblings, your parents or online friends for that matter.
#8 LET GO OF YOU FEAR
We fear judgment and we are embarrassed about the way we speak. However, one must understand that in order to learn a language fluently, you will have to practise. And to practice you need to speak. You can do that only if you let go of all your fears and just do it!
#9 Practice, Practice and Practice!
And last but not the least – Practice. There is no substitute for Practice. Practice Reading, writing, listening and speaking. And you will be fluent in English in a matter of time.
All the Best