Learning a language is difficult. It doesn't matter if it's your native language or second one, it's hard. And to learn to speak English is difficult, too. Many people worldwide, however, have the misconception that learning English is easy. This is a mistake and those who study it a while eventually realize how difficult English really is.
For starters, it's easy to understand how people might think English is easy. It's because English is easy to pick up. It's everywhere. It's the native language of many countries. There are many accents and kinds of pronunciations. People in non-English-speaking countries study it. Because so many people use it, many others commit the error of thinking that English is easy.
Second, there are many rules in English. Both grammar and sentence must adhere to strict rules. But nearly every rule has exceptions. And these exceptions often have no discernible logic to them. So, English has lots of flexibility, as well. This leads to many inconsistencies in when and how the rules are enforced. And it makes rote memorization impossible as a method to learn English.
Third, English pronunciation is not consistent. In fact, it's so fluid that changes abound from region to region even in countries where English is the native tongue. Yet, learning English pronunciation is one of the most important aspects of mastering the language. There is no simple or easy way to master English pronunciation, either, regardless of what you've been told. It takes work. It takes practice. And then it takes more work and practice.
Another difficulty is recognizing the correct vocabulary, structure, and grammar, and when to use it, even if it doesn't really seem right. One example is using split infinitives. In school, we are taught not to use them, yet using split infinitives is normal in spoken English. They're usually used to emphasize a point. Some even argue it just sounds better that way.
A fifth difficulty is being able to distinguish when to use proper English and when to use colloquial English. This is not always easy because many celebrities use proper English inappropriately. Many learners pick up on this and try to emulate. Conversely, there are many academics or professionals who have no idea how to speak colloquially or use slang.
Sixth, there are many English "experts" out there who claim that they've developed the best method to mastering English fast. A language cannot be mastered fast, regardless of what proof they offer that theirs can. These people are shysters. As with learning any other language, English is not easily learned. To do so properly takes diligence, patience, practice, and good teaching.
English is a great language. Because most native speakers are used to listening to a variety of native accents throughout their life, listening to non-native speakers isn't so difficult. So if you want to learn how to speak English, just a modicum of effort will allow you to communicate on even a rudimentary level.
However, if you want to progress your skills, it's going to require what everything else requires in order to master something. A strong foundation of the basics, practicing pronunciation daily, learning new vocabulary every day, and always trying, unafraid of your mistakes. Just don't forget - learning English is not easy. But you can make it seem easy by working hard. - 30231
For starters, it's easy to understand how people might think English is easy. It's because English is easy to pick up. It's everywhere. It's the native language of many countries. There are many accents and kinds of pronunciations. People in non-English-speaking countries study it. Because so many people use it, many others commit the error of thinking that English is easy.
Second, there are many rules in English. Both grammar and sentence must adhere to strict rules. But nearly every rule has exceptions. And these exceptions often have no discernible logic to them. So, English has lots of flexibility, as well. This leads to many inconsistencies in when and how the rules are enforced. And it makes rote memorization impossible as a method to learn English.
Third, English pronunciation is not consistent. In fact, it's so fluid that changes abound from region to region even in countries where English is the native tongue. Yet, learning English pronunciation is one of the most important aspects of mastering the language. There is no simple or easy way to master English pronunciation, either, regardless of what you've been told. It takes work. It takes practice. And then it takes more work and practice.
Another difficulty is recognizing the correct vocabulary, structure, and grammar, and when to use it, even if it doesn't really seem right. One example is using split infinitives. In school, we are taught not to use them, yet using split infinitives is normal in spoken English. They're usually used to emphasize a point. Some even argue it just sounds better that way.
A fifth difficulty is being able to distinguish when to use proper English and when to use colloquial English. This is not always easy because many celebrities use proper English inappropriately. Many learners pick up on this and try to emulate. Conversely, there are many academics or professionals who have no idea how to speak colloquially or use slang.
Sixth, there are many English "experts" out there who claim that they've developed the best method to mastering English fast. A language cannot be mastered fast, regardless of what proof they offer that theirs can. These people are shysters. As with learning any other language, English is not easily learned. To do so properly takes diligence, patience, practice, and good teaching.
English is a great language. Because most native speakers are used to listening to a variety of native accents throughout their life, listening to non-native speakers isn't so difficult. So if you want to learn how to speak English, just a modicum of effort will allow you to communicate on even a rudimentary level.
However, if you want to progress your skills, it's going to require what everything else requires in order to master something. A strong foundation of the basics, practicing pronunciation daily, learning new vocabulary every day, and always trying, unafraid of your mistakes. Just don't forget - learning English is not easy. But you can make it seem easy by working hard. - 30231
