What are the most common challenges of the English language?

Many people in Australia struggle to communicate when English is their second, third, or even fourth language.

People who know English as an additional language may have grown up in a non-English speaking household or migrated to Australia themselves as an adult.

Not all people who speak English as an additional language have the same experiences.

Today, we’re discussing the general challenges of speaking English in Australia when it‘s not your first language, and importantly, some of the most effective ways to overcome these barriers.

Skills First Funding

Did you know that eligible students living and studying in Melbourne can enrol in a range of Government funded courses in Victoria, including English as an Additional Language (EAL)? Find out more about Academia’s Government funded courses.

What are the challenges of the English language?

Once you start learning any other language, you soon realise that it’s not just the translation of words and the letters that are different.

The English language is objectively complex, and it takes time, practice, and real-life experience to be able to fully grasp what words, phrases, and tones get expressed in different scenarios.

Syntax

Syntax describes the order of adjectives, nouns, prepositions, and more in sentences. Understanding syntax in a language helps learners to communicate coherently.

You might think you know English perfectly from translating every single word individually and memorising them.

Still, the syntax may throw you off entirely and the only way you can understand it is by perpetual practice.

Once you understand the syntax of English on the surface level, you need to incorporate it into your subconscious in order to fluently have a conversation.

For example, “gakko ni ikimasu” means “I go to school” in Japanese. But word-for-word, it translates closer to “School I go to”.

This is because in English, for a sentence with a single clause, we end with a noun, but this isn’t the case in many Asian languages, including Japanese.

Spelling and writing skills

If you live in Australia and are learning English, it’s likely you will be communicating in different tones with different audiences, in a variety of mediums.

You might use casual conversation (and even slang terminology) when chatting with friends online or via text messages, which at school or university, you will use more refined and formal language when preparing essays, documents, and presentations.

No matter who you’re talking to, spelling and writing skills are a key component of learning English.

Colloquial and contemporary language

So you know how to spell, write, speak, and understand English, that’s all you need, right?

If you want to know how to be the best in the English language, you need to get to know the country, city and even the neighbourhood you live in to fully understand the language.

Accents, sarcasm, mannerisms, tone, and annunciation can differ from country to country, and here in Australia, we are awfully fond of slang terms, it’s almost like our own little language!

How can learning English help you?

People who want to speak English face the challenge of not being able to communicate in scenarios that call for English speakers.

Travel

Want to travel all over the world? Learning English is a smart move!

Often referred to as the language of travel (as well as the language of business; more on that below), English is the most widely spoken language in the world, and a truly useful skill when travelling abroad.

Education

Do you want to study in Australia or another English-speaking country?

You might want to first complete an English course in Melbourne in order to develop your skills and successfully pursue further education at an Australian university.

Work

Like we said above, English is also regarded as the language of business.

If you want to live and work overseas, learning English is crucial for many people. Finding work can be made much easier with a stronger grasp of the English language, as it’s the most dominant language in the business world.

Want to learn English? Succeed with Academia today!

Academia offers four different courses in Melbourne for those wanting to study English at various levels, to reach certain goals.

English for General Purposes

This course is the most basic English course that helps you with pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.

Whether you are a beginner or advanced, gain the confidence to speak English in your day-to-day life with Academia.

English for Academic Purposes

This course, also known as EAP, is perfect for those who have a goal of pursuing further education at an Australian university or college.

The EAP course focuses on more formal English, including writing essays and making presentations.

English for IELTS Preparation

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international method of assessing people’s English skills. Passing this test can be essential for gaining long term visas. This course will help you learn English in order to successfully pass the IELTS test.

English as an Additional Language

This course has two tiers for lower and intermediate learners. This course is great if you’re wanting to develop your English skills as best you can for everyday communication, as well as vocational courses and work.