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One of the biggest obstacles when integrating into American society is learning the English language. The U.S. does not have an official language, but English is the most widely spoken language with 254 million native speakers. Most business is conducted in English. The language is everywhere.
If you’re having trouble learning English, you are not alone. At least 21.6% of the U.S. population does not speak English in their household. Furthermore, 8.6% are not proficient in English at all. At Golden Beacon USA, we pride ourselves on helping people learn English as a second language. So below we give you our tips and tricks for increasing your English proficiency! Read on for more!
English Language Classes
You are never too old to sit in a classroom (or an online one). English language courses are available everywhere. Some of them, such as those at The Immigrant Learning Center and USA Learns, are free for immigrants and refugees! Courses can focus on a variety of different areas, but most focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar and computer skills. For the elderly, there are specific senior conversation classes to help with speaking proficiency. You might also find courses in your city. Live in the metro Washington D.C. area? Check out our in-person ESL classes with our TESOL-certified teacher! We also offer online ESL classes for those who prefer online learning and/or do not live in the Washington, D.C. area. And if you need any help finding English classes in your city, let us know!
Watch a Movie
Or a TV show. Maybe even play a video game! Language is everywhere, especially in the entertainment world. Research shows that a second language learned from watching television helps to improve listening, reading, vocabulary, pronunciation and more.
For the full learning experience, enable subtitles for your native language, if possible. Listen to the program in English, not a dub of your native language. Rewatch your favorite shows or movies multiple times until you feel comfortable turning the subtitles off. Plus there’s ample opportunities for your children to increase their English proficiency too: children’s shows like Sesame Street are perfect for learning English.
The Internet Expands Groups
The internet is vast and sometimes feels infinite. Though you may feel comfortable texting and chatting in your native language, try switching to English for more practice. Join chat groups or online forums to immerse yourself further in the language. Read articles and post replies in English. Social media sites like Facebook offer various communities for like-minded individuals to converse and interact. If you feel confident about your reading ability, try voice chats in programs such as Skype, Discord, or Microsoft Teams. You can quickly connect online with people who share your culture or desire to learn English when it might be challenging to do so in real life.
Remember, our products and services, including both private and group ESL tutoring, are here to make your transition to your new country as easy as possible! Questions? Contact me today at laura@goldenbeaconusa.com or call or text (866) 403-7173. Remember, you are not alone!