English has definitely been a business international language for years. People worldwide use this language to make multi-million deals, build a professional career in a prospective and leading company, and of course, communicate with no barriers in any country around the globe.
But is this possible to learn English on your own? Below you find the more used tips for language learning at home.
Before even learning English, shall we be clear if this language is worth learning at all? Statista platform published research on the most spoken languages and their native speakers worldwide in 2021. Obviously, English is in the first position.
|
Language |
Native speakers in millions |
|
English |
1 500 |
|
Chinese (Mandarin) |
1 100 |
|
Hindi |
602.2 |
|
Spanish |
548.3 |
|
French |
274.1 |
|
Arabic (standard) |
274 |
|
Bengali |
272.2 |
The ability to learn a language is a unique skill for humanity, which differentiates us from animals. Scientists have also researched the real effects on the brain while learning a new language.
It’s well-known that the human brain is a complicated and unique mechanism that has various parts specialized in different targets. So while a person is learning a foreign language, the brain parts called the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex are responsible for learning and memory.
The practical Swedish study that was made in 2012 actually demonstrates the real effect on a person’s brain before and after language learning. The experiment involved a soldier who took part in an accelerated language learning course. As a result, after three months of training, brain scans showed an increase in areas that are responsible for language and memory.
Let us start with the definition of “grey matter”. This terminology refers to the brain part that is filled with nerve cells and fibers that specializes in information tracking and processing.
If you look at the brain scans of bilingual people, it will be obvious that their gray matter is denser in the left hemisphere of the brain. It is the left side that is responsible for memory. Therefore, the denser the gray matter, the higher the indicators of the health of the entire brain.
Another reason to learn English as your second language is definitely memory improvement.
Scientists at the Universities of York and Granada conducted a study with bilingual children. As a result, it turned out that children with language skills are able to cope with different types of tasks faster than children who speak the same language.
As mentioned above, when learning languages, your gray matter becomes denser, and your hippocampus increases in size. According to scientific research, the brain where these parts are developed is able to control executive functions much better. To put it simply, knowing more than one language will allow you to fully focus on one task and not be distracted by anything. Your brain will be able to filter tasks and how to complete them.
There are many theories, therefore, by which age-related diseases can be avoided. One such theory is the study of languages. When a person learns languages, the connections in the white matter of the brain are also strengthened, which allows the brain to function much longer, according to the study.
Here is a study in which people over 65 learn languages so that they can analyze the state of the brain in older people. The first signs were more than positive, such as improved cognitive function.
English is one of those languages that may provide you with more opportunities in career, studying, self-improvement, business-building, etc. So here is the full list of the main reasons to learn English from scratch.
After all these reasons, hopefully, it’s become more clear why this language is definitely worth learning. So let us start with the top tips and lifehacks, which would definitely help you to learn English from scratch.
1. Build your vocabulary
If you do not know what to start with the English-learning process, the first step you should make is to expand your vocabulary. Each new word that you learn brings you to a fluent level of English speaking.
Watch your favorite movies and TV shows in English and write down all the unknown words you hear. If you do not know how to remember the word, start with the description o the word, so you could really understand the sense.
Rewrite each word 10 times and try to create your own sentences to put them into practice. It is also essentially important to pronounce the new words to fix the result.
This daily task may take 30 minutes every day, which is enough to train your brain and language-speaking skill.
2. Speak English
Fake it until you make it. Even if you don't have enough vocabulary to talk about complex topics, keep trying to explain your thoughts out loud in English. Moreover, practical exercises are more effective than theoretical ones. it is not enough just to know how this or that word is converted, it is important to pronounce them and weave them into sentences.
3. Use online translators to help with pronunciation
How to learn English from scratch if you don't have any native speakers in your close circle of friends, you still have the opportunity to listen to the pronunciation of each new word. Mostly, every online translator is equipped with such a function as voice acting. Here are some of the good online translators you can use:
4. Active listening
Of course, in order for the brain to quickly adapt to a new language, it is important to listen to the correct pronunciation. Through hearing, it will be easier for you to get used to the peculiarities of the language, new sounds, and letter combinations.
5. Read out loud
Another common way to learn English from scratch is to read books aloud. Perhaps you should start with books with an interesting plot and a non-formal writing style. Students often read books like:
6. Practice with friends
English in practice can really speed up the process of learning and make it softer in adoption. Chat with fools in English for a couple of minutes a day. You can also go to the cinema and watch films in English.
7. Use an online dictionary for synonyms
Like any other language, English has dozens of different words with the same meaning. In order to quickly approach the level of a fluent speaker, expand your vocabulary with different synonyms.
For example, instead of using the word “clever”, you can use synonyms: “smart”, “intelligent”, “bright”, and “knowledgeable”.
8. Watch movies, YouTube videos, and TV shows in English
Watching movies and other visual products transforms the process of learning English into a more painless and effortless one. Here are some of the YouTube channels you can watch to learn English by watching:
9. Go on a trip to an English-speaking country
Live communication always plays a significant role in the process of learning English. When traveling to countries where the main language is English, you not only learn the language in practice but also overcome the language barrier, have fun and get an unforgettable experience.
10. Set goals
Any learning process can feel long and tedious if you don't have major goals. You can also make a list of intermediate goals in order to track your progress and results.
Another effective and popular way to learn English from scratch on your own is by downloading an application. Here is the top-rating list of the best apps for English learning. Statista resource also provided some of the statistic highlights for the most popular apps on the market.
In 2021, the total number of paid subscribers on Duolingo was 2.5 million. Considering the number of iOS users with a free subscription to the app, the number is even higher – 20.57 million.
In 2022, the number of iOS subscribers on Babbel is over 3.96 million. This app also offers tons of different options and features in the in-app store, which revenue was over $4 million in 2022.
Memrise is a growing and promising app in the education niche. Users download this platform to learn English because of the high convenience. There is also an in-app store, which revenue was $715.9 in February 2022.
The question of how to learn English from scratch no longer carries with it a painful and unpleasant experience.
Definitely, in 2022, education has ceased to be something inaccessible. Anyone can start learning a language from anywhere in the world. There are more sources of information than just books and people. There are many apps, websites, online courses, interactive movies, blogs, and many other ways.
