Mistake two: Learning grammar first
Children do not learn grammar first. They start learning words to communicate, then short series of
words together to communicate more. And it grows from there.
Whenever you learn English from now on, focus on communicating and forming full sentences. As
long sentences as possible. Then if you have to, you can quickly learn something about grammar here
and there, just so you understand how to make those sentences accurately.
But do not make grammar the main focus of a learning session. Just ask your speaking partner to
explain some grammar sometimes, in between making long sentences and talking, talking, talking.
Make communication the focus of your learning. Not the grammar.
Once again, this grammatical focus of most classes comes from the way formal education was
developed 200 years ago, when they didn’t understand much about the human mind and how it learns
best.
For some reason this is still how students are taught today, hundreds of years later. In classes, lined up
in rows, with grammar-based lessons. Lots of repeating and work, work, work. No fun.
Always remember that language-learning is a largely creative art. You live and breathe it. You have to
be happy and relaxed and enjoying the process.
Mistake Three: Speaking with non-native speakers
Many students feel like they have to prepare for a long time before they are ready to speak English
with native speakers. But the truth is the best way you learn is by speaking with native speakers, even
from the very beginning.
If you were learning to play tennis, you wouldn’t spend all your time practicing serving alone, and
learning the theory, and stretching and warming up. You would spend a little bit of time doing that,
and then most of the time actually playing tennis. Even at the start when you are not great at it, you
will still start playing straight away.
And ideally you would start playing tennis with a good tennis player. But your tennis partner would
understand that you are a beginner and slow down. They would help you to gradually get better and
better.
Of course, learning English is the same.
Don’t waste your time speaking English with non-native speakers. It’s certainly better than speaking
with no one, but just be aware that with a non-native speaker you are repeating each other ’s mistakes
and may not even be aware of it. Use the advice later in this book to find a native speaker today. But
find the right person to help you.
You can first find a native-speaker who understands the way that you are learning and who helps you
to progress in a very easy, relaxing, fun way. The next chapter will teach you how.
Key Tips
11. Get out of the classroom!
12. Focus on grammar last, not first
13. Start speaking with native English speakers as soon as possible
Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |