For the past 2 years, I’ve been “learning” English. Well, in my case, learning English is not something I planned to do at first. I don’t even know I was “learning”. I just watched a bunch of youtube videos, and the next thing I know I can speak a little English. But now that I have a little bit knowledge of the English language, I want to actually learn it. Not just by watching random YouTube videos. I have watched and tried different ways to learn like for example flashcards, watch movies, read books, speaking to myself, etc. But I feel like I am not improving. When I speak to other people in English, I feel like I’m not as good as I think I would. So, now I’m frustrated, thinking about how to learn and ACTUALLY improve.
What are your thoughts about this?
For learning how to speak, there is no other way than to speak with other people in English (or any language that you are learning). Just be patient and over time you’ll improve. Don’t be too hard on yourself over this. Nothing wrong in not being a proficient speaker. But I don’t know how you can find people to talk to in English (if you live in a non-English speaking country).
Another thing you can look into is learning the grammar. I don’t know any resources for this, because I learnt this early on in school, but there are books for English grammar so you can try finding one for yourself. Knowing the basic components of the language will help you form sentences on the fly so you’ll speak better too.
Last thing is improving vocabulary for which reading English books is helpful.
(I am also ESL.)
Yes, I know that. But the problem is I can’t find a way to learn those skills. I mean like, I know there’s a lot of methods. Maybe I just can’t find the right one. Most of them make me bored, or just, not engaging. Do you have any tips for finding the right method?
No sorry. I don’t find learning language enjoyable at all. Had to learn English because of spending time in an English speaking country…
Okay. I was afraid you’re gonna say that but I get it.