Problems in Learning English

Learning a language poses difficulties even to those who use it as their native language. This is also true in the case of English. Below are some of the problems that learners of English face:

· Poor Vocabulary. Acquiring an extensive vocabulary is one of the most important task for anyone wishing to learn a new language. Any language practically has thousands of words, such that it is impossible for even a native speaker to know all the words in that language. Many reliable sources state that it will require around 800 words for a person to converse in English. Given the number of words we already know, this is an achievable number. In fact, you may just be surprised at how many words you know. Another problem that language learners contend with in relation to this is that when they do make the effort to learn new words that will add to their vocabulary, they do not make an effort to use these often enough and so over time they just tend to forget about it. They do not seem to realize that a person will need to become familiar with a word to be able to use it comfortably. The only way to become familiar with a word is to use it often such that it inevitably gets incorporated to the person's vocabulary of commonly used words and terms.

· Poor English Speaking Skills. Many of English language learners often cite their inability to say words in spoken English and to be understood back as the primary reason why they get frustrated in learning the language. Besides not knowing how to use the correct accent, it can also be a problem for people who want to speak in English if they do not have a decent vocabulary or grammar to engage in a decent conversation. Many learners subscribe to the mistaken assumption that learning grammar in the classroom or listing words to expand one's vocabulary will be enough to learn English. However, this will only translate into real knowledge of a language if you are able to apply the words and grammar in both spoken and written English.

ESL Learning: Basic Tips for Beginners to Learn English

Learning a new language is never easy, but you sure can make it fun if you want to. There are many difficult things that one will encounter while learning English as their second language. However, the benefits are well worth it. The opportunities for employment and study for one who knows how to speak, read and write in English since it is the language used in developed countries. Next to Mandarin, English is also the most widely spoken language. A non-native English speaker will expand his or her world by knowing English. Below are simple tips that English language learners will find useful:

· Think like a baby. Babies learn language slowly and gradually. First, they are exposed to the language by listening to it. Then, they learn how to say simple words and phrases in the language. Finally, they learn how to read and write in the language.
· Read and listen to English everyday. Start with interesting reading materials such as magazines, cookbooks, comic strips or newspapers. Listen to a radio broadcast in English, watch English channels on TV, see English movies, and take advantage of online lessons in English. These are available in both audio and video formats with a text version available for some websites. Read advertisements, signs and labels as well that you see on the street or on commercials.
· Befriend someone who is either a native English speaker or is proficient in English as their second language. Converse with them frequently so you can have a firsthand experience of how they use grammar in their sentences, pronounce the words and use the peculiarities of the language to communicate. They are also a good resource that you can ask for a quick explanation about the meaning of a word or how to pronounce.
· When you have started to master the basics of English words, start reading longer printed materials such as short stories, poetry books or novels.
· Start a vocabulary notebook where you can write new words that you learn everyday. Find the meaning of these words on a dictionary and use it in a simple sentence. Then, practise using it in actual conversations or correspondence.

How English Helped Me in a Great Way

The English language can help you in many different ways. This is how important it is. It has helped me in a great way. It can help you in great ways, too. My knowledge of English has helped me achieve a very difficult feat. This is landing a job I really love doing even though it was improbable to do so.

When I first applied at university, I was undecided what course to take because I wanted to be an English or Science teacher while my parents and high school teachers wanted me to become an accountant. Having no definite decision yet and not being firm on my interest in becoming a teacher, I applied for an accounting bachelors course and was given admission. I also applied for scholarship from my country's government and was awarded the scholarship. I was not very interested in my course; in fact, I was more interested in reading materials in the English language and watching television programs using English language. I also loved writing in English. Fortunately, I was still able to complete my course as a scholar and have a degree as a passport to land a job.

After graduation, I worked in many accounting jobs. I easily quit jobs and looked for other jobs because I was not happy. Then, I started looking for other types of jobs in which I might be interested in and might be happy. I came across writing jobs and it revived my love for the English language, so I applied for the writing jobs. I was accepted as a bankruptcy news writer because of my accounting education and work background. I was happy with what I was doing as my job. This enabled me to crossover from accounting to writing or from auditing to editing.