The English language can be confusing even for people who learned it as their first language. It includes numerous exceptions to what seems to be an ongoing list of rules. This can make it challenging for people who are looking to become fluent in it as their second language.
We earlier provided some guidelines on how to be fluent and confident as an English speaker and how to deal with stuttering while learning English. Now we’ll take a look at the most common troubles students who are trying to learn English in the places that is a second language should be on the lookout for. Read on for more detailed information.
What are the Hardships of Learning English as a Second Language?
Learning a new language is one of the most difficult things your brain can do. Not only do you have to mentally move linguistically complex structures between the two languages, but you also need to learn how to think in a foreign language.
For this reason, learning English takes a lot of hard work and devotion, and is best done as a part of a specialized course that has been optimized to crack the challenges students face effectively.
Here are the biggest challenges English learners face:
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Grammar
We all know that English Grammar is complex, making it hard to remember, master, and use logically. Assuring you use the correct grammar can be tough, specifically when you are in conversation with someone and they are speaking at an alarmingly fast pace. Learning grammar is like knowing to drive, you can learn all of the theory, rules, and regulations, but you won’t be good at it unless you practice it and it starts to become second nature to you. Grammar is incredibly essential, incorrect use of grammar can confuse the person you are speaking to and even alter the meaning of what you are communicating, what’s more, is native English speakers are hyper-aware of grammar and will catch almost instantly a grammatical mistake is made, even if this is the least of mistakes, English speakers are extremely proud of the language and look negatively on it being used incorrectly.
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Imperfect English Vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the essential elements of learning any language, including English. Any language, including both Arabic and English, has hundreds and thousands of words and it is unimaginable to know all of them at a given time. Even the native speakers do not know all the words and phrases of their mother tongue. There are way too many words for any person to know, however, you do not need to learn every single one of them. That being said, you still ought to have a strong vocabulary to speak fluently in English.
If you want to be a refined speaker, then you need to know 5,000 to 10,000 words and if you want to become fluent, then you must know more than 10,000 words perfectly. Now, the list is way too long to express, but a good way to begin is by reading through the list and recognizing the words you already know. However, apart from understanding all the words, another one the problems in learning English that people front is forgetting the words soon after learning them. So, how can you overcome that is a tough question.
How to Enhance Your English Vocabulary?
You can begin with some simple techniques and games to learn and play, respectively, to work on your vocabulary. We suggest making a list or flashcards of thirty words that you want to learn and keep reading it. Do not fail to write down the meanings of those words along with them so you can recognize how to use a certain word in a certain situation. Split the list of words into five parts and learn five words every day.
Now, this is where the trick comes in, on the second day try to remember the first day’s five words and write them down. Continue the pattern of writing down the last day’s words for five days. On the sixth day, try remembering all the words and writing them down. When you are done, check your list and see how nicely you have done.
If you use this technique, you will see an advancement in your English vocabulary and you will never forget the words you study with this trick.
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Confusing Spelling
There are hundreds and thousands of words in English that have entirely distinct spellings but sound the same when pronounced. You can hold a ‘pair’ of shoes or eat a ‘pear’ for lunch. These words sound the same but have broadly diverse meanings and spellings. Moving on, you will also detect that individual letters in words can sound distinct. For example, the letter “f” can be spelled in various ways. You can spell it like a “gh” in words such as “rough, or tough,” or you can spell it like a “ph” in words like “phonics,” or you can use it like a double “f” in words like “puff.” Whew! That’s a lot. This has to be on the top of the list of concerns fronted by learners speaking English.
You can enhance these problems by reading books and watching movies and detecting how some letters have distinct spellings and pronunciations.
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Slang and colloquialism
With the English language including such an extensive vocabulary and complex grammar, there is enough to teach students wanting to learn English, but rarely are students disclosed to the slang words used by English speakers in everyday conversation. Sentences can be mostly filled with slang words, so holding a conversation can be hard for anyone who doesn’t comprehend what they mean.
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Pronunciation
English does not obey the rules of phonetics because it is not a phonetic language. So, frequently you do not say a word the way it is spelled. For example, in “I am going to read a book today,” and “I read an interesting story yesterday,” the word ‘read’ is spelled with the same letters but both words are pronounced differently.
There is a vast array of words like ‘read’ that can confound beginners. Words like ‘read’ are called heteronyms (words that spell the same but have distinct sounds when pronounced). Another instance of heteronyms is the word ‘tear’. Therefore, someone can either say “I have a tear in my almost new dress because of the nail”, or they can say, “I have a tear in my eye”.
How to Enhance Pronunciation?
Try watching movies in English because that is one of the most effortless ways to deal with the issues faced by students in speaking English. Hearing words spoken out loud acts as a mirror effect and enhances your speaking skills. It is super significant to keep practicing. So, no matter whatever burden life throws at you, do not give up.
You can also try reading books. But reading them out loud is necessary. Make sure that you pronounce the words right and read them gradually so you can pay attention to them correctly. The fact is that you pronounce the words out loud while practicing talking English. This also works as a great solution for people who do not have any native English speakers to talk to. So, reading can work as a solution for many problems in learning English.
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Deviations in English
The deviations in the different forms of English can often be difficult to understand. For example, the distinction between using formal and informal language or the differences between spoken and written language. This shows to students writing words phonetically, i.e. how they would say it rather than how it’s spelled, and using informal language, maybe even slang that they have gathered up, informal situations which may perhaps be viewed negatively.
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Feeling Ashamed
Learning a new language can feel overwhelming, so the shame that comes with it is natural. So, if you feel embarrassed when practicing around people, particularly when the people around you are fluent, remember that it is natural. You feel out of place because you are incapable to represent yourself properly.
To deal with the shame, practice as much as you can. Try speaking in English alone or in a relaxing space where you can speak out loud or you can read to yourself out loud. Just always keep in mind that English is not your first language and you are still understanding, which is very impressive so you do not need to be ashamed.
The best way to overwhelm all the problems in learning English is to practice as much as you can while fully engaging yourself in an atmosphere that is full of like-minded English speakers. Even though many Arabic speakers are learning English problems, some things make learning easier. For example, in English, nouns do not have a gender. You are only required to learn three basic tenses. These factors simplify a lot of things.
Just always keep in mind that you will not learn English fluently overnight. The most essential thing is not to give up, no matter what. Learning English can be the most delightful and thrilling experience of your life if you overcome the problems in learning English.
Speaking English is always a big dream for many. Our ENTRI team will help you to fulfill that dream and make you speak fluent English through the course “English Padikkyam with Inverted coconut” guided by Aparna Mulberry. Join the course and enjoy the world of spoken English.
