English study

Talk with real live humans
What is a language for if not to communicate? Sure, we humans have become experts at communicating without opening our mouths – thanks Whatsapp! – but when push comes to shove, it’s true that speaking a language helps it stick in your head far better than only reading or writing it. Just think of how many times you’ve heard people say that they “understand, but can’t speak English.” A lot of would-be English speakers have turned talking into a huge insurmountable barrier that only serves to psyche them out. Don’t be like that. Seek out native speakers for an informal language exchange, enroll in a course, or take classes online.

Actively take note of new vocabulary
This tip is a classic one for good reason: it works! When learning, we often enjoy a new word of phrase so much that forgetting it seems impossible. But trust us, not everything sticks the first time. To fight this, get into the habit of carrying around a funky notebook or using a tool like Evernote. Whenever you hear or read a new word or expression, write it down in context: that is, in a sentence and with its meaning noted. This saves you time as you won’t return to that word and ask yourself: “What did that word/expression mean again?”

Why is English so hard?
The most difficulty arises when people learn English when they don't have the advantage of sharing many borrowed words or grammatical patterns with English. This will include speakers of Arabic, Urdu and Bengali – three of the most common languages spoken by Muslim immigrants in Britain

What is the hardest language?

As mentioned before, Mandarin is unanimously considered the toughest language to master in the world! Spoken by over a billion people in the world, the language can be extremely difficult for people whose native languages use the Latin writing system.

The English language is widely regarded as one of the most difficult to master. Because of its unpredictable spelling and challenging to learn grammar, it is challenging for both learners and native speakers.

How long does it take to learn English fast?
"If someone is really highly motivated, they can learn really quickly. It's common for children under the age of 11 to be very immersed and be fluent in about six months." Adults may be better at reading and writing to begin with.

William Shakespeare invented over 1000 English words.
You are almost certainly familiar with the name of the great English poet and playwright William Shakespeare, who lived and worked in the 16th century. The author of Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and many other great plays and beautiful sonnets has had an enormous influence on English literature.

The English language is a great classic novel or a gripping thriller that is impossible to tear yourself away from. But it's also a grammar book that you sometimes want to throw against the wall!

Do you know what a “love-hate relationship” is? Love turning into hate! This is how many describe their relationship with the English language.

How to start learning English: a step-by-step guide
Learn the rules of reading English
Clarify how words are pronounced
Start building vocabulary
Learn grammar
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