5 ways to learn English as an additional language
Do you want to become more fluent in English?
Studying English as an additional language will enhance your communication skills and will open more doors for you in terms of employment, travel, and educational opportunities.
You may find it challenging to speak English, especially if you grew up in a non-English speaking country and used a dialect other than English growing up.
If you and your family members grew up in a multilingual home, you may have some very basic knowledge and understanding of the English language.
And now, it’s time to strengthen that skill!
Mastering English is a rewarding challenge, and this week, we’re looking at some great ways to incorporate English into your daily life, as well as how our English as an Additional Language (EAL) can help boost your skill and confidence.
Explore government funding for EAL courses in Melbourne
Become a better English speaker with Academia.
Academia offers a range of English courses in Melbourne that fit your career, educational, and lifestyle goals.
If you are a domestic student, explore government funded courses in Victoria for a range of TAFE-equivalent courses, including EAL, which you may be eligible to study for free.
Learn more about our government funded courses online.
What is the fastest way to learn English?
Whether English is your second, third, or fourth language, if you’re looking for ways to enhance your communication skills, you really need to immerse yourself in the language in any which way!
Here are some great ways to incorporate English into your everyday life.
1. Listen to music and audiobooks in English
Incorporating audiobooks, podcasts, and music into your daily lifestyle is easy: pop on a podcast while commuting, listen to an audio before bedtime, and hit play on a new favourite playlist when you’re out for a walk.
Repeating lyrics and audiobooks can help you expand your vocabulary, while songs in particular can also help you understand slang terminology.
This is a fun and easy way to make English part of your daily routine!
2. Play games in English
Combine learning with recreational activities and play some of your favourite childhood games, but with a twist: in English!
Classic word games like Scrabble or Boggle can help you exercise your English vocabulary and enable you to find interesting words that help strengthen your vocabulary.
We also love games with an element of personalisation, like “Two Truths and A Lie”. In this game, the contender tells their audience three facts about them, one of which is not true. The goal is to ask questions about each fact, and try to determine which is a lie.
This type of game helps blend something you know well – in this case, you! – with something new (the English language).
This is a good way to strengthen your comprehension and speaking skills.
Not only is this a fun way to learn, but it will be a fantastic opportunity to bond with your fellow classmates.
3. Learn English with movies and TV
English language media is easy to find these days thanks to streaming services and online platforms like YouTube.
Speech shadowing can be a fun activity that allows you to learn English while watching movies and TV shows.
You can mimic memorable lines and phrases by copying the intonation, pronunciation, and sound of a character you are watching and listening to.
This is also a good way to practice general and casual conversation.
What is the best way to learn English at home?
You can choose your favourite English movie, repeat the dialogue, and copy the speaker’s accent, expression, and emotion.
Doing this is one of the most effective ways of learning English while you’re at home.
A really great way to introduce the language is to watch with English subtitles, and also watch shows you already know, so you can still generally follow along with the plot.
4. Practise through listening during conversations
Do you want to get the most out of learning English? Then make friends while improving your use of the language through listening to others and starting conversations with them.
Attend house parties or invite friends over for a coffee so you can practice conversing with them, whether they are fluent in English or on the same level as you.
Doing this means you’ll widen your network and meet new people, while at the same time, practising your listening and speaking skills regularly.
An active listener pays attention to what other people are saying, not only by listening, but through eye contact, gestures, and engagement, such as facial expressions or nodding.
Show you’re engaged and really listen to understand not only the words being said, but the emphasis, mood, and emotion that’s being expressed, too.
5. Enrol in an EAL course
If you’re a non-English speaker at home, the best way to learn English is by undertaking an EAL course.
What is the best technique to learn English?
If you want to be a fluent English speaker and learn the language, then one of the best things you can do is to enrol in an EAL course.
English as an Additional Language is part of our collection of government funded courses for eligible Victorian students.
During your EAL course, you will learn how to:
- Engage and participate in social conversations
- Give and receive instructions to and from others
- Create oral presentations
- Read and write formal texts such as essays, reports, and summaries
- Get a better understanding of the Australian culture and way of life
EAL focuses on building your English on a foundational level, which is helpful if you lack the English basics and skills to be a fluent and confident speaker.
Enrol in Academia’s English courses in Melbourne!
Become a fluent English speaker and improve your listening, reading, and writing skills by enrolling in our English courses in Melbourne!
Talk to any of our friendly staff for any enquiries and check out our government-funded courses in Victoria
Contact us today; we’d be happy to chat! Call our Melbourne campus on (03) 9671 4755 or fill in this form, and we will be in touch!
