Don’t Panic!
Sadly, for most people, unused language skills fade.
I first learned this from Manuel, a French architect, who lived and worked in Japan, but who was speaking fluent English at a creative residence in the UK.
Manuel explained that he was forgetting his native French. He no longer used it and the vocabulary of his native language had faded away.
If one can forget the language we first learned to read and speak in, clearly, any second language is on much shakier ground.
This blog is to help to back to English learning – whenever you stopped.
It’s full of good news.
Yes, languages fade, but it needn’t be hard work (or a horrible ordeal) to save them!
Find out how!
The Good News
If you’ve ever sat through high school English classes, you’ve likely done the hard/boring bit already.
Those verb lists you memorised?
They are still in there somewhere!
Vocabulary?
Easier to pick up a second time!
Grammar a bit wobbly?
Are you really going to let that stop you from talking?
Pronounciation
Hardest to learn, this skill is the last to fade.
Youwill be as good as you ever were at pronouncing English.
Stop The Slide |
A Visual Way to Think About Language Learning
“When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.”
Joe Namath
Make English Learning Feel FUN
If your English is fading, it’s time to convert high school knowledge into lived language experiences.
That’s the FUN bit.
Unless you have a specific or urgent language goal for work/studying etc., you don’t need to choose English ‘classes’.
Make time for ‘play time’ English (magazines, travel, cooking, singing, books, films, chatting, phone apps, radio shows, music) all of which can help revive your English – including your desire to use, learn and experiment in English.
Once that little flame is burning brighter (or your snowman has stopped melting), refine your English skills with traditional classes or English coaching.
Take care to choose your best option from all the wonderful, independent online English teachers and coaches.
And try to do this before you suddenly ‘need’ better English, but don’t panic if you don’t.
Need help finding that special online English teacher? We’ve got a matching service!
Remember: You Don’t Have to Feel Miserable
The English you learn when you are relaxed and happy stays with you during stressful, pressure-filled work situations.
Many people (and language schools) still nurture the belief that if it’s fun, it is frivolous or bad for you.
You don’t need to hate the experience for it to be ‘good for you’ or effective.
In fact, it’s even better when you love the experience!
An English challenge to fit your holiday
– wherever you are going!
Language Learning Tips
Your language skills will last longer if you’ve relaxed into the language, filled words with your voice and been yourself in the language.
The more varied the contexts: the broader and stronger your skills will be.
At our language school, we also believe in the power of trips into the beautiful, natural Scottish environment for opening your heart to English.
“Fun is one of the most important – and underrated – ingredients in any successful venture. If you’re not having fun, then it’s probably time to call it quits and try something else.”
Richard Branson
English Immersion Holidays
If this sounds like a great excuse for a holiday, we can help!
Join us for an English immersion holiday in Scotland!
Unlock your English
If travelling is out of your reach, just pick something joyful and manageable to do in English – and just do it!
It helps to share accountability.
Tell a friend, or share a pledge on social media. You might find an accountability buddy!
And that’s our best tips for when your language skills fade.
Good luck – and enjoy rediscovering them!
