Discoveries when learning a new language
One of the things I love about my job is sharing my language learning experiences, as I know that learning a language is not always fantastic.
So, hereâs three things I discovered while learning Spanish (Iâm still learning), that just might make your English language journey a little easier.
1. Be brave
Easy for me to say because Iâm not a shy person.
When I was in South America, I ran around speaking a mixture of English and Spanish (Spanglish).
I once said âsoy humbreâ (I am hunger) and I never forgot it.
I was translating from my native language of English to Spanish (a natural thing to do), as I thought I was saying âI am hungryâ, when in Spanish I was saying âI am hungerâ.
The correct Spanish phrase is âtengo humbreâ (I have hunger).
I was laughed at by my Bolivian friends and I never forgot my mistake.
I also thought it was amazing how different the two languages looked at the same expression.
So donât be afraid to try and fall, you will learn faster and have more experiences because of it (maybe even make some friends, like I did).
After all, learning is an adventure!
2. Put away the translator
As Iâve said earlier, translating is a natural thing to do. When learning a new language, of course you will use the structure and style of your native language, itâs all you know.
This is helpful to a point. After the pre-intermediate level, I recommend you put away the translator. Why?
Because, as I discovered living with a family in Ecuador, that to progress with a new language you need to start thinking in that language, not yours. Learn to look with new eyes.
Some things just canât be translated. Once you can communicate in English, use an English thesaurus to help you find new words.
Here youâll find lots of synonyms (similar words to others you already know) and idioms.
The sooner you let go of your native language ideas, the faster youâll progress with English.
Once I started doing that in Ecuador, I realised just how fascinating language and culture really is!
3. Read, everyday
Probably the biggest piece of advice I give to my students is to read.
âHow do I improve my writing teacher?â Read.
âHow do I improve my speaking teacher?â Of course speaking and listening helps, but so does reading.
âHow do I improve my grammar, teacherâ? Again, I say read.
When you read, youâre becoming familiar with the structures, patterns and vocabulary of a native speaker.
I can tell when a native speaker reads a lot, because they speak and write, really, really well. Much better than people who donât read.
One thing about reading is, itâs hard. So my advice is to read one level below your current USE level, or general English level.
If you are an intermediate level student, go to Langportsâ Library and borrow a pre-intermediate book. You will still learn a lot and it will be easier.
Also choose a topic you like â fantasy, romance, adventure â then read, everyday. After a few months, youâll be amazed how much youâve improved!
I remember buying a childrenâs book when I was studying Spanish in Mexico, called La Chistera Maravillosa â âthe marvellous jokeâ.
I read this every day and it was very hard at first. But after a few times, I began to notice the patterns, the words and I began to see and use them in my everyday life.
I improved, but only after time. Reading takes at least three months of consistent effort to improve. However, once you start improving, youâll see your English take off like a rocket!
Hopefully some of my experiences will help you on your English language adventure. Or you can choose IELTS institute kurali to improve your English language.


















