5 Mistakes Made When Learning English As a Second Language

 For those speaking English as a second language (ESL), making the same mistakes can be frustrating and have negative effects on learning and speaking. Quite often it is down to having the wrong approach in the first place. Here are five approaches to learning and speaking English that could easily be changed.

Learning formal English. Conversational, everyday English is not formal and a lot of grammar and vocabulary text books teach formal English. In my experience, many language schools and teachers also teach the formal language. The problem is when one goes to a native English speaking country, one cannot understand or join in conversations because of not understanding the informal language. I have heard countless stories of English speakers going to England or America and not being able to understand real English conversations. Therefore it is important to listen to and speak everyday, conversational, informal English.

Translating from the mother language into English. ESL speakers need to be able to think in English. Translating is not reliable as mistakes can be made this way. Again, the traditional method of studying books from grammar and vocabulary teaches one to translate and consequently make mistakes. Learning chunks of vocabulary in sentences as phrases, expressions and idioms is a faster and more reliable way of learning and will soon have ESL speakers thinking in English.

Being too serious. This means not wanting to make any mistakes, feeling embarrassed and trying too hard. Communication is the reason for learning English and ESL speakers should not expect not too much too soon. Making mistakes is a normal and natural part of any learning process, so it should not stop one from speaking English. If one is making oneself understood, this means that English is being used to the best of ones ability. From this confidence and improvement will develop.

Focusing on grammar when speaking. One cannot think quickly enough when having a conversation and again it can be the cause of mistakes. Furthermore, thinking too much about what one is going to say means one is not actually listening to what is being said.

Depending on a teacher or language school. Lets face it, an English teacher, or language school will not be there when ESL speakers start using their English speaking skills. Some people think that by having a regular lesson is enough. It takes much more than this. Taking complete responsibility for the studying, practising and improving within the journey of learning English will bring speedier results.