Question:
how to speak english fluently?
?
2011-04-13 03:55:41 UTC
Well, I am great with English when it comes to blogging, essays, or any other write ups. The only problem is I am not great with speaking English. I can, but sometimes I stutter and make a TagLish sentence (tagalog, a Filipino dialect, and english mixed together). I want to learn how to speak english confidently and fluently because I have a new set of friends and they're all fluent when it comes to English. How long will it take for me to learn and can you give me any tips? Thanks!
Seven answers:
cantilena91
2011-04-13 20:39:01 UTC
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.



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!



Good luck!
anonymous
2014-08-27 01:04:22 UTC
Here are a few more tips which I would like to add over here. These are the tips which I learnt when I was studying at inlingua, New Delhi. These tips will further help you in improving your fluency and also your communication skills:



1. be obsessive. You must be passionate and enthusiastic for learning English 

2. Give in Massive Input: Follow a routine; watch/read news, listen to music, read a book, listen to radio etc.

3. Make an English speaking friend.

4. be positive and confident.
peaches
2011-04-13 04:06:19 UTC
You're lucky you have a set of English friends to practise with! Just keep practising, don't feel ashamed or embarrassed and it'll come in time. No one can say how long it will take. Try watching English films and TV without subtitles, watching English news, listening to English radio, so you get a feel for the rhythm and prosody of the language, i.e. where and when the stresses on the syllables lie, the intonation of phrases etc. Your ear will pick this up and you will begin to automatically emulate this, making you sound more fluid and less stumbling. Good luck, I'm sure it will come very quickly!
anonymous
2014-02-18 01:41:27 UTC
I have seen that the BEST way to learn English is by using the ASSIMILATION method. Ok How did you learn French? You learnt it by LISTENING and REPEATING. You didn't learn it by sitting in a classroom while someone did grammar on the board! You need to listen and practice saying the words out aloud.



You need to find a course that allows you to do this. I have been recommending a course for a few years by realeasyenglish that has helped many of my students to learn to SPEAK, which is what we want.



It costs $20.00, but it is an excellent investment.



Another service comes from skypesuperstarenglish.yolasite Here you can get a free English lesson, then afterwards you pay for your lessons, but it is one on one with a highly trained teacher. It is a little bit more expensive, but it will help you a lot with your English.
anonymous
2011-04-13 04:01:27 UTC
English is the hardest language to learn to speak fluently. It depends on how much you want to learn the language for how long it will take. Just keep practicing and eventually you will be fluent in English.
anonymous
2011-04-13 05:13:02 UTC
Feel Great you have friends to practice with...

Watch them talk...watch their mouth movement and you'll pick up by practice...

First of all buy a book....(A thin One would do)

sit at home

And read it loud....

Every single day....do it...

and i am sure you CAN
?
2011-04-13 03:58:36 UTC
Just Relax and try to pronounce our word slowly at first and you'll get used to it after a while :)


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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