Is it possible to learn English quickly? How can you make sure you remember what you are learning? We posed these questions to Australian English teacher Virginia Lang, and she shared different strategies you can use to learn English quickly.
The pace at which a student is able to learn depends on their experience, how much time they have and their language goals. Nevertheless, Virginia Lang from Kaplan International in Melbourne has this advice for language learners who want to learn quickly:
"It is definitely possible to learn English quickly. I think the secret is immersing yourself in the English language as much as possible."
Connect language learning with your hobbies
Finding motivation is important for sustaining your language learning:
"What's most important about learning a language is having a motivation and being engaged and interested in the topic."
For example, if you enjoy cooking, are there ways to learn English while cooking?
There are a number of language-related activities around cooking, including reading recipes and watching cooking videos. These are both reading and listening activities where students can practise following instructions — while making something delicious!
Meet people and maintain friendships
Meeting people face-to-face helps language learners in a number of ways:
Secondly, talking to people means confronting your fears and developing the confidence to speak in public.
If you are studying overseas, it's also important to try to make friends with local and international students and work to maintain those friendships.
"Keep in touch — whether it be writing or speaking — because you've already got that relationship."
Develop your contextual skills when speaking
Speaking is daunting for a number of language learners because they feel that they cannot think of the words they want to express themselves.
However, Virginia notes, even native English speakers struggle to think of the right, or exact, word all the time.
"You're not always going to have the right word at the right time. You've got to develop your contextual skills and ability to improvise," says Virginia.
"You've got to think of other words that will describe what you're trying to explain — just to keep the conversation going."
Work on your weaknesses
Virginia says that it is important to know and recognise the areas that you need to practise and improve on. This includes spending time on your weaknesses, even though this may make you feel uncomfortable.
"When you're learning English, it's important to be competent in all of your English skills — if you really do want to become fluent."
Volunteer your time
Volunteer, or perhaps get a job, where you have to speak English. Where possible, try to combine it with something that you are passionate about as well.
"It forces you to practise your skills."
"You're going to improve really quickly," advises Virginia.
Interacting with people in English also makes time spent learning English more meaningful.
"If you're interested in it and you can see that it's useful, you're more likely to retain that knowledge."
Keep trying, because it is worth it
Learning a new language as an adult is not easy.
"You're completely proficient in one language and then you have to go back to being a child, essentially, in another language, but with an adult mind."
Virginia recognises that learners can't always express their thoughts and opinions in the same way as their native tongue. This can perhaps feel frustrating and strange but "you'll get there eventually," says Virginia.
"It is difficult, but it is rewarding."
Learn English Hacks is a Facebook Live series featuring Australian teachers where they discuss challenges learners face and how to overcome them. For daily English language lessons and tips, like our Learn English Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, or subscribe to our YouTube channel.