13 Effective Tips for Accelerated English Learning

When I was in third grade, I was given a choice to either study Arabic or Persian. I had no idea how much effort it would take me to learn either of the languages, so I chose Persian since my grandpa often traveled to Iran for business. It felt closer to my heart.

Everything changed as soon as I stepped into the classroom, and I was introduced to the alphabet and words. Soon, while my classmates were fighting boredom, I was effortlessly speaking Persian with my teacher. Three years later, the school canceled this language program, and the 11-year-old me didn't realize the knowledge would stick without practice.

Now, almost two decades later, I can only count to 100, remember a few nursery rhymes, and recognize several letters and words in Persian.

It's unfortunate to think that knowledge can fade away so easily without practice. But this taught me a valuable lesson. I have to surround myself with a new language if I want to learn it. So, as soon as I started learning German, I started experimenting with tips and tricks to reprogram my brain.

In this article, I will share my research, 13 English learning tips, and the steps to help you learn English faster.

Surround Yourself With English

Immersing yourself in English is one of the most effective ways to reprogram your brain for language learning. Think about it! How did you learn your native language? Did you have to go to classes, or did it surround you every single day?

My advice is to recreate the same environment that you grew up in, but with another language, to learn English faster.

Here's what you can do:

• Change your device language: Set your smartphone, tablet, and computer interfaces to English. This simple step exposes you to new vocabulary every time you use your devices;
• Watch English content with subtitles: Start with English subtitles, then gradually switch to English audio with English subtitles, and finally, English audio without subtitles. This progression helps train your ear and improve comprehension;
• Listen to English podcasts: I understand the need to learn new things from podcasts in your native language, but this is a necessary change to learn English faster and more efficiently. Choose podcasts on topics that interest you, starting with those designed for English learners and progressing to native-level content;
• Label items in your home: Have you seen English learning tips like this in movies? Labeling items is a common strategy to learn English faster. Put sticky notes with English words on objects around your house to help you build vocabulary in context;
• Read English materials daily: I'm re-learning how to play piano, and even though it's tempting to jump right into playing the soundtrack of “Howl's Moving Castle” by Studio Ghibli, I'm forced to play “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to practice with simple melodies and notes. Similarly, start with simple texts like children's books or news articles for English learners, then gradually increase the difficulty;
• Connect with native speakers: You can learn English online by connecting with native speakers on forums or trying language learning apps like Speechling, where you can talk to a native speaker and practice speaking English.

Surrounding yourself with English can help you recreate the environment where children learn how to speak their native languages. It's going to be a bit challenging, but you'll learn English faster than with simply homework and classes.

Learning English by Writing Your Way to Fluency

I'm a writer and can endlessly talk to you about the benefits of writing, but it won't help you learn English faster. What will help you is writing your way to fluency.

Writing-related English learning tips are my favorite since they helped me improve my English a lot.

Here's how you can learn English faster by writing your way to fluency:

• Keep a daily journal in English: Journaling itself is a unique, therapeutic method of letting go of your stress and decompressing in general. Keeping a daily journal in English can help you learn English faster. Write about your day, thoughts, and experiences. Start with simple sentences and gradually increase complexity as you improve;
• Join online communities: Find a forum where you feel at home and engage with community members. Write posts in English, interact with other posters' content, and search for English learning tips as well. Speechling has a community like this with members looking to learn English online;
• Write summaries: This might sound like homework, but don't worry; you can write summaries of English texts that you find interesting. Rewriting and rephrasing what you just learned will help you learn English faster and better;
• Practice creative writing: Don't worry if you don't have stories to tell. I'm sure you have imagination and will be great with creative writing. Try writing short stories or poems in English. This encourages you to experiment with vocabulary and sentence structures.

I have a customized section in my notes where I write my thoughts and emotions at the end of the day. This greatly helps me practice my language learning and emotional regulation (a perk).

Carry Out Your Daily Activities in English

Narrating your actions as if you have an active audience can help you learn English faster. I didn't find this strategy in the English learning tips book; I noticed this on my own. As a person with ADHD, I have to trick myself into performing some daily tasks. I do this by narrating everything: cooking a meal? I have an audience waiting for a fresh recipe; researching for the article? I have an audience wanting to learn how to do research, and so on.

This approach can help you with speaking English, practicing new words and phrases, and building confidence in a new language.

Here's how you can learn English faster by narrating your actions:

• Morning routine narration: I walk my invisible audience through my skincare routine almost every single morning and night. Try this method to learn English faster. As you get ready for the day, describe each action out loud in English. For example, "I'm brushing my teeth with mint toothpaste. Now, I'm combing my hair and getting dressed for work;"
• Cooking commentary: I already mentioned my routine of narrating my cooking. While preparing meals, explain the steps in English. "I'm chopping onions for the sauce. Next, I'll sauté them in olive oil until golden brown." Try explaining why you're adding certain ingredients like a real chef;
• Workout walkthrough: During exercise, describe your movements and sensations. "I'm doing ten push-ups. My arms are getting tired, but I feel stronger with each rep." Explanations can also help here with the role play and your studies as well;
• Commute commentary: While traveling to work or school, describe your journey. "I'm waiting for the bus at the corner of Main Street. It's a sunny day, and I see many people hurrying to work."

Start with one action and add them as you feel comfortable. I also recommend watching "Get ready with me" videos to learn commonly used words during these processes.

You're Ready to Learn English Online and Offline

The brain's ability to rewire itself when learning a new language is truly remarkable. Embrace this process not just as a means to learn English faster but as an opportunity to enhance your cognitive abilities. Language learning has been shown to improve memory and problem-solving skills and even delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline.

Remember, consistency is key. Don't repeat my mistakes, and incorporate these techniques into your daily life. And keep in mind that you're not just learning a language; you're giving your brain a workout that will benefit you in countless ways.

Stay positive, be patient with yourself, and celebrate small victories along the way. Your journey to English fluency is also a journey to a more flexible, resilient, and healthy brain. Enjoy the process and watch as your skills and confidence grow day by day!