How to learn English: top-7 advices from Victoria Moroz

One of the most popular and paradoxical questions that an interpreter hears from the general public is HOW TO LEARN ENGLISH

I went through all the stages of accepting the inevitable when I was getting endless questions about how to learn English.

• I denied that claiming that I had never taught any English in my life.
• I was angry and screaming (and I must apologize to some people for my violent reaction), I forwarded Wikipedia articles on “Interpreting” and “Teaching a Foreign Language”.
• I resorted to common sense and bargained that I studied English a long time ago with completely different goals and in a different format, so I really DO NOT KNOW how to learn it.

It didn’t help. Once a month, I get the question of how to learn English because, after all, who do you ask if not a specialist like me! And my lame backlashes that I am a specialist in another field of knowledge do not count at all.

So I accepted it to the extent that here’s my article on it.

I wrote the article for myself so that now I can send it in response to the questioners instead of extended dialogues and reasoning, for which there is always not enough time. And certainly, I never have any avid desire to speak on this subject.

The article will be about how to organize the learning process, not how to teach, because I really DO NOT KNOW it. Take my word for it, will you, please?

Organization of the process and regularity are the keys to success!

1. Most importantly, find an answer to the question why you need the language. And the second question is whether you are sure that you will use it and practice it. If you do not plan to do this on a regular basis, it is better not to start. Otherwise, learning English will turn into a weird lifelong hobby with pretty mediocre results. In the first few lessons, make sure that the teacher remembers your goal and monitors whether you are pursuing it, at least somehow, even slowly.

2. If you feel that the teacher is not reaching your goal, then feel free to change the teacher and try another one. Change a few of them, until you are comfortable and as efficient as possible.

3. In fact, it doesn’t matter which school you choose, the main thing is that it is close to your work or home and that you always get there.

4. Regularity. Two or three classes a week, active participation rather than sticking into the phone.

5. At least 10-15 minutes of English in any form and format, but every day. Anything will work: song analysis, watching series in English, albeit with Ukrainian subtitles at first, attempt to read adapted books.

6. If you are already at a higher level, interested in business English or a specific topic, choose a TV series on this topic. The offer of TV series is now huge. You can also add news at this level. It is also possible (even a must!) to find a conversation club. At least once a week, you could talk to the native speakers if there are no other practicing opportunities. But the conversational club must have a native speaker. When Ukrainians get together to chat in English – it is a different cup of tea. Language exchange is also possible in major cities. Find a bored native speaker and practice with each other in exchange, as you wish.

7. If you can afford it or you need to learn English fast, take a 3-4 week course abroad. I’d even borrow money for that, to be honest. Might sound expensive. But highly effective. In addition to language skills, living in another country using another language will open up completely new perspectives and expand your horizons. This kind of experience can never be substituted. Canada, USA, Malta, UK for the richest and most enthusiastic go-getters. Make sure there are no other Ukrainian speakers in the group and insist on this requirement in your emails with the school. The less of your native language you have around you during this time, the more effective it is going to get.

I guess that’s it. Best of luck! And once again, please, be reminded that the main thing is regular pattern and practice because it makes perfect.