The acquisition of a language is not simple, whether it's your first language or a second one. Regardless of what a lot of non-native English speakers the world over like to think, learning English is not easy, either. Those who wrongly think that to learn to speak English isn't difficult will find out quickly how wrong they are.
To begin, at a basic, communicative level, speaking English is not as difficult as speaking other languages is. Because so many people worldwide speak English, a multitude of accents and pronunciations can be heard even among native speakers. And because it's somewhat easy just to pick up basic English, people commit the mistake of believing that speaking English is easy.
Next, English grammar and sentence structure contain many rules. Yet, so many of these have exceptions to them that it's not easy to learn and remember them all. Further, when and how most of the rules can be enforced are not consistent because there is a lot flexibility. Because of these issues, rote memorization of English is ineffective.
Next, the pronunciation is also inconsistently followed. Because of its fluidity, pronunciation can differ greatly within even nearby regions of native-speaking countries. But mastering English pronunciation is essential to successfully mastering the language. Because of the fluidity, however, mastering the pronunciation is hard. It takes practice and diligence. And then more of each.
A fourth difficulty is recognizing the correct structure, grammar, and vocabulary usage, even when what is correct doesn't necessarily sound right. An example is split infinitives. It is taught in English class not use split infinitives, yet split infinitives are common in spoken English. This is because they're often used for emphasis or because it's thought to sound better.
A fifth issue is knowing when to use colloquial English and when to use proper English. Because celebrities often use proper English wrongly, this isn't easy. Many who are learning pick this up and then try to imitate. On the other hand, many professionals or academics don't know how to use slang or speak colloquially.
A sixth issue with learning English is the language "experts" out there who advertise that they have the best way to learn English fast. This is untrue, regardless of what proof they have showing how effective their program is. Don't fall for these scammers. Learning to use English properly, as with learning most other languages, takes time, effort, practice, patience, and good teaching.
English is a wonderful language. Because most native speakers are used to hearing a variety of accents, even from native speakers, hearing non-native speakers isn't too difficult. Therefore, if you really want to learn English, just a minimal effort will enable you to communicate on even a basic level.
However, if you want to progress your skills, it's going to require what everything else requires in order to master something. A strong foundation of the basics, practicing pronunciation daily, learning new vocabulary every day, and always trying, unafraid of your mistakes. Just don't forget - learning English is not easy. But you can make it seem easy by working hard. - 31529
To begin, at a basic, communicative level, speaking English is not as difficult as speaking other languages is. Because so many people worldwide speak English, a multitude of accents and pronunciations can be heard even among native speakers. And because it's somewhat easy just to pick up basic English, people commit the mistake of believing that speaking English is easy.
Next, English grammar and sentence structure contain many rules. Yet, so many of these have exceptions to them that it's not easy to learn and remember them all. Further, when and how most of the rules can be enforced are not consistent because there is a lot flexibility. Because of these issues, rote memorization of English is ineffective.
Next, the pronunciation is also inconsistently followed. Because of its fluidity, pronunciation can differ greatly within even nearby regions of native-speaking countries. But mastering English pronunciation is essential to successfully mastering the language. Because of the fluidity, however, mastering the pronunciation is hard. It takes practice and diligence. And then more of each.
A fourth difficulty is recognizing the correct structure, grammar, and vocabulary usage, even when what is correct doesn't necessarily sound right. An example is split infinitives. It is taught in English class not use split infinitives, yet split infinitives are common in spoken English. This is because they're often used for emphasis or because it's thought to sound better.
A fifth issue is knowing when to use colloquial English and when to use proper English. Because celebrities often use proper English wrongly, this isn't easy. Many who are learning pick this up and then try to imitate. On the other hand, many professionals or academics don't know how to use slang or speak colloquially.
A sixth issue with learning English is the language "experts" out there who advertise that they have the best way to learn English fast. This is untrue, regardless of what proof they have showing how effective their program is. Don't fall for these scammers. Learning to use English properly, as with learning most other languages, takes time, effort, practice, patience, and good teaching.
English is a wonderful language. Because most native speakers are used to hearing a variety of accents, even from native speakers, hearing non-native speakers isn't too difficult. Therefore, if you really want to learn English, just a minimal effort will enable you to communicate on even a basic level.
However, if you want to progress your skills, it's going to require what everything else requires in order to master something. A strong foundation of the basics, practicing pronunciation daily, learning new vocabulary every day, and always trying, unafraid of your mistakes. Just don't forget - learning English is not easy. But you can make it seem easy by working hard. - 31529
