Language barrier is one of the biggest challenges for immigrants coming to live in the USA.
Here are some tips for the language learners on improving their English Language Proficiency:
1. Practice speaking whenever you can. Ask for people to correct your mistakes. It’s a valuable tool to get more fluent in any language. We learn from our mistakes.
2. Keeping a hand-written vocabulary journal is a helpful tip. Set a goal to memorize 10-20 words or phrases a day. Write them down & learn by heart. Make sentences with the new words to sustain your achievements.
3. The main goal in learning a foreign language is to turn your passive vocabulary ( words you understand, but don’t use) into your active vocabulary ( words & phrases you use on a daily basis).
4. Don’t be intimidated by having an accent. Your accent is a proof of you knowing at least 2 languages. As long as your message has been successfully conveyed, you are doing great!
5. Feel confident. You got this! You might not notice it, but simply living in the English-speaking country contributes to your language betterment.
Believe it or not but one CAN improve their language knowledge without leaving their house. Usually immigrants have to work hard to make a living, which complicates ESL classes attendance.
Here are some free online resources on learning English as a Second Language:
1. BBC Learning English is a great resource. It has courses for all proficiency levels, helps with grammar, pronunciation, entertains with quizzes and provides news in English. Their App is available for download as well.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/
2. Duolingo is a popular language learning hub for speakers of multiple languages. It resembles a game: you get points for correct answers, leveling up. Simply register an account and enjoy learning that feels like playing!
https://www.duolingo.com
3. ESL Bits is a website featuring video and audio resources, stories and interviews. If you are more of the visual and audible learner, it can be a great choice. Suitable for Intermediate and Advance Level learners.
4. Many Things is a bubble of learning joy! Activities are built on “listen and repeat” model which is super effective in mastering any foreign language, including English.
They also have a YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/InterestingThingsESL/playlists?view=1&sort=dd&shelf_id=2
5. Learn English with Speeches YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnEnglishwithSpeeches
6. Learn English with TV Series YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnEnglishWithTVSeries
7. LyricsTraining: learn English singing along with your favorite songs!
https://lyricstraining.com/
8. Cake - Learn English App
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cake-learn-english/id1350420987
9. Drops- resource for learning foreign languages ( English included)
Website: https://languagedrops.com/
App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drops-language-learning-app/id939540371
10. HiNative & HelloTalk
HelloTalk: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hellotalk-language-learning/id557130558
HiNative: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hinative-language-learning/id923920480
11. LingoDeer App
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lingodeer-language-learning/id1261193709