Question:
I want to be fluent in English !!?
anonymous
2013-07-11 02:33:22 UTC
Hello, I am a 21 year old college student.
I moved to the U.S 6 years ago.
These days, I felt as if I can only speak basic English.
I can engage in conversation with others in English.
like about movies that I watched, what I did last night, etc.
But when I need to do a formal speech or presentation at school,
I cant speak fluently.
Every information is in my head, but I cant organize and talk about them in English.
I can read and write in english and understand what other english speakers say.
However, when they speak fast or use sentence structures or words that I am not familiar, I become lost again.
I do have english speaking friends.
I do not have that much difficulty sharing my feelings or thoughts with them.
Talking to english speaking friends did help me to learn some words/slangs
But that is all...
I feel like my english ability is limited to a certain extent.
I dont think English is directly related to my brain like my first language is.
I often take some time to organize words in my head to make sense and continue my conversation.
I am so stressed !
I want to speak English fluently without thinking.
what can I do. give me some suggestions please !
Five answers:
cantilena91
2013-07-11 11:42:13 UTC
This is what you can do in order to improve your language skills (especially if English is not your native language):



Actually, broadening/improving one's language skills is a very broad concept, it should be done in more than one ways at the same time which is highly recommended. One can NOT become better ONLY in one area, say, speaking, one MUST improve skills in ALL dimensions of the language!



Learning language well requires being as active as possible and making the learning as FUN for oneself as possible. Taking lessons is always important, but equally important are these:



1) Listen/watch: Keep listening to internet radio stations like BBC, watch TV shows in English (use only subtitles, NOT voice dubbing in case you are not a native English speaker!), etc.



2) Write/communicate: Try to find discussion forums from the web about things that you find interesting and FUN (music/various artists, hobbies, etc.) and start communicating there with other people using only English. Start using instant messaging systems in case you find some new friends or start emailing them. Please do NOT be afraid of making mistakes or hesitating, because even native speakers do make mistakes and do hesitate at times! The more you enjoy communicating, the better!



3) Buy yourself a proper dictionary, and each time when you see a strange word that you do not understand, look it up. Putting words into their CONTEXT is one of the best ways to broaden one's vocabulary and grammar knowledge, the more you read and write the better. Memorising is NOT the best way to go with learning vocabulary, grammar or any other language areas! For idioms, you should buy an all-English dictionary which explains the words in English and shows you examples of how to use the words in their REAL context.



The main point in ANY language learning is to make it as fun as possible for yourself. Try to find topics that INTEREST you, read online newspapers (Times, Guardian, Independent...), listen to BBC/NBC and other radio stations online, if you find a discussion forum for e.g. your favourite hobby or your idols in music do participate there, etc. The key word here is CONTEXT, which means that it is easier to learn new words and their usage as well as grammar when you use/see them in their real CONTEXT. The more you see and hear the new words in their context and the more you use them in your speech & writing, the easier it becomes to remember their meanings and correct spelling. Do NOT be afraid of making mistakes though, because even native speakers do make mistakes and do hesitate at times!



I'm sorry there is NO EASY WAY out with this, one really must develop language skills in ALL these language "levels" or dimensions in order to reach better language skills!!



Last but not least: NEVER EVER use ANY online translators, they are nothing but utter rubbish!! English is practically EVERYWHERE in the online world these days, you just have to use your imagination to find it! Learning pace is always personal, it takes the time it takes so there is no reason to hurry it up too much. If you do, you will not learn so well. Also, please learn the basics of the standard English first before advancing to finer details like dialects/accents. A word of warning though: Do stay well away from overrated, overpriced and overhyped language "gimmicks" such as Rosetta Stone, they really are NOT worth for checking out! Also, never mind about your accent, as the main goal for you is that others understand you and you being able to understand other speakers.



Good luck!
?
2013-07-11 09:45:40 UTC
All you can do is engage and get involved with the language, it sounds like you need to learn the foundations of the language to better phrase your English. You could possibly does this by hiring a tutor for lets say an hour per week and they could give you tips and advice on how to improve your English. Over time you will pick up the language, living in an English speaking country I think it would be impossible for you never to pick it up. Don't worry, no matter what you do you will improve. But there are things you could do to speed up the process.
Vanya
2013-07-12 17:00:15 UTC
Surround yourself with fluent English-speaking friends, all the time, everytime.

Oh look, I just made a slogan

Seriously, though.

That and watch English movies, read English books, drink tea, write English poems, the like.

You'll be fluent in no time!!
HCKA
2013-07-11 10:42:34 UTC
Associate native English speakers...you automatically acquire their way.
Jesi
2013-07-11 09:41:34 UTC
Wait... Not everybody speaks English?


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