By Pooja Chhabra
Language comes naturally to us, especially when talking about speaking skills. Think about the time when you acquired your first language or a toddler acquiring their first language. One always starts with babbling, moving on to one letter, then two-letter word speech and so the journey continues. It’s the sensitive period of language development (7 months- 6 years), the early exposure to language helps to build a strong and better structure. While in critical period language (above 6 years) learning requires more effort. We move from the aspect of acquiring to learning. Though, we still acquire certain words with repeated exposure towards them. For instance, the words or phrases you come across regularly. Even if you are not a fan of that language, it will reflect in your speaking involuntarily.
Here are some suggestive ways you can opt for before enrolling yourself in a new language learning course to build the basics.
PICK A HOBBY
Hobbies are a wonderful way to learn and explore. The best part is your hobby could be basic or technical, it’s still going to teach you a lot. For Instance, Your hobby is baking, whether you are a newbie or specialist, we all need a certain path to walk on. So start learning from experts in language as well as in their field. A Simple step to do is go to YouTube or their blog and follow them. I follow Chef Shivesh to pursue my hobby and to learn baking-related vocabulary.
READ A PARAGRAPH
We all know reading is an equally essential skill as speaking. Reading won’t turn you into a bookworm instead it will keep you updated. Reading requires your concentration, enhances your knowledge, and helps in your fluency. We live in a digital world where you can ace your smartphone by reading and following instructions only. There are many ways you can involve reading as part of your regular life. Start with the field you are interested in be it Films, Books, News, Politics, Science, and others. For News and Articles, you can follow Google News if you are an ios user you can follow Apple News too, If you are interested in staying up to date download inshorts. You can download Wattpad if your heart lies in stories. We still admire traditional methods when it comes to reading: newspapers and books are still there and will remain.
WATCH MOVIES/SERIES WITH SUBTITLES
Speaking is a ¼ skill when it comes to language learning in the modern world. What next to do? It’s Listening. When we combine entertainment and listening skill there is no better combination. Audio Visual method of teaching language skills started long back to understand pronunciation and articulation. You can dive into watching new series, shows, and films depending upon your interest. There are plenty of options available. Go for English TV Channels or customised experience as per your needs you can explore OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Videos, Disney+Hotstar.
FOLLOW A SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE
Scrolling throughout the day is never tiresome. Why not try some scrolling through informational pages? Now, social media can do wonders and maybe it can help you in making your learning journey wonderful. Search for the type of information you need and pick the best from plenty of options. You can follow Zeals Academy English vocabulary, Interview skills, and new blogs.
TRY FREE APPS
There are plenty of apps to enhance your speaking skills. You can pick your level, your first language, and even learn through translating your first language sentence. You can practice conversations and pronunciations through English Speaking Practice, Duolingo will help you translate and learn up to 23 languages. While you can also try apps like Lingbe, Beelinguapp, and Hello Talk.
CREATE A WORD WALL
Retaining information plays a crucial role when it comes to learning. The best way to retain it is by creating a corner or wall and putting out the new words, phrases, information in that corner. So, every time you enter the room the corner will grab your attention, and scanning the same things for a long time will automatically register them in your mind. Thus, your Language learning journey will turn out well.
CONVERSE WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Last but not least brings us back to technology we should be thankful for. Smartphones are now having Artificial Intelligence in them. This can help you in giving instructions and taking instructions too.
One such conversation is:
Me: Google, Book me a cab.
Google: What’s your destination?
Me: I want to go to Mandi House.
Google: Okay, a taxi to Mandi House.
The best part is AI is smart, they are not going to ask you the same question in every conversation. So, we have variety too.
