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.