Learning: English
Studying English was incredibly boring until I started doing this…
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① I stopped “studying English”
Instead, I started enjoying things I already liked in English. I watched films, listened to music and followed creators I actually wanted to watch.
If you love cooking, watch someone make your favourite food. If you love games, find someone playing a game you know. You’ll have a reason to keep watching, even when you don’t understand every sentence.
② I turned English songs into vocabulary practice
When I liked an English song, I looked up the lyrics. I checked unfamiliar phrases and sang along, repeating the song until I could understand more of it.
Start with the part you keep replaying anyway. Find out what it means and listen for how the words sound together. If you find an expression you could use in conversation, try making your own sentence with it too.
③ I started talking to people from other countries
Having someone to talk to gave me a reason to keep learning. A basic introduction was enough to get started.
You can begin with: “Hi, my name is…” “It’s nice to meet you.” “I’m learning English, so I might need a little time to reply.” Find a conversation group on Meetup or a Discord community around something you enjoy. Sharing an interest gives you something to ask about after the introductions.
④ I practised speaking English every day
Once I started having conversations, I wanted to learn more things I could actually say. Everyday expressions, questions about someone’s hobbies and ways to talk about my own interests became more useful to me. The app I enjoyed most for this practice was YokoTalk.
After a conversation, remember one thing you wanted to say but couldn’t. Look it up and practise it. Next time that topic comes up, you’ll have something new to try.
⑤ I copied how native speakers spoke
I copied their pronunciation, tone, pauses and reactions. YouTube videos, TikToks and livestreams gave me plenty of examples to listen to.
Choose one short sentence and replay it. Say it aloud, paying attention to where the speaker pauses and which word they stress. Then try using the expression in a sentence about your own life.
These things made me enjoy practising English more. Which one would you try?