When students return home after one of our intensive English language courses in England, they often ask us the same question:
‘How can I continue to learn English in my own country?’
Well, there are lots of ways - and in this series of blog posts we are going to explore them...
Tip 2: Force yourself to learn English
In our first article we talked about using things you enjoy to improve your English (link). Now we are going to talk about forcing yourself to use English, even when you don’t want to!
The Theory:
How do young children learn languages to a native level without any lessons or knowledge of grammar?
They are completely immersed in the language. They can’t escape it, it’s all around them, and if they need something, well they have to find a way of using it.
The Practice:
We don’t have a time machine to turn ourselves into young children - so how can we create an environment of immersion?
You can come on one of our immersion courses in England, or you can create an environment which forces you to use English from wherever you live:
Next month we’ll be talking about improving your listening from home, so keep checking our blog and don't forget to sign up to our newsletter:
‘How can I continue to learn English in my own country?’
Well, there are lots of ways - and in this series of blog posts we are going to explore them...
Tip 2: Force yourself to learn English
In our first article we talked about using things you enjoy to improve your English (link). Now we are going to talk about forcing yourself to use English, even when you don’t want to!
The Theory:
How do young children learn languages to a native level without any lessons or knowledge of grammar?
They are completely immersed in the language. They can’t escape it, it’s all around them, and if they need something, well they have to find a way of using it.
The Practice:
We don’t have a time machine to turn ourselves into young children - so how can we create an environment of immersion?
You can come on one of our immersion courses in England, or you can create an environment which forces you to use English from wherever you live:
- Technology - This is the easiest change to make. Your car's GPS system, your phone, computer, video games, web browser homepages - all of these things can be changed into English - just look at the 'settings' section of each device. I've been driving in England with Spanish GPS and while it can be confusing sometimes, I definitely won't ever forget what 'siga derecho' means - EVER! This is passive learning at its best. Stay with it, even when it is frustrating...
- Think of other things you need. Can you change them to use English? Instruction manuals for new furniture - try the English translations. Rent a flat with English housemates. Cooking? Use English recipes from sites such as this.
Next month we’ll be talking about improving your listening from home, so keep checking our blog and don't forget to sign up to our newsletter: