How I learned English for Free at Home
Before we get into of learning English, let me just say that starting with the basics is crucial. Learning the English alphabet, simple grammar rules, and vocabulary is the foundation of any successful language journey. The good news is that with a bit of dedication and effort, you can make significant progress in your English language abilities without ever leaving your home.
1. Learn English with English Language Films and TV Shows
Who says learning English can’t be fun and entertaining? One of the best ways to improve your English language skills for free at home is by watching English-language films and TV shows! You might have even heard celebrities talking about how they learned a new language by watching films in interviews.
Start by watching English-language TV shows with your native language subtitles, and as you make progress, switch to English subtitles. Find your favorite genres and start watching TV shows in that genre. Just remember to avoid watching medical or legal TV shows since they may have specific terminology that could be difficult to understand.
The great thing about this method is that you’ll be learning while being entertained, so it won’t even feel like studying! Whenever you come across a new grammar rule or vocabulary word, simply pause the show and try to guess the meaning based on the context. Then, search for it on Google and learn it. As you keep practicing, you’ll need to pause the show less frequently.
To take it a step further, read English-language reviews of your favorite TV shows and try to join in the discussions. It’s a great way to practice your language skills and engage with others who share similar interests.
My Experience with English Subtitles
If you’re like me and not a huge fan of English-language TV shows, don’t worry! You can still use subtitles to help improve your language skills. For example, to learn Korean and improve my English at the same time, I watched many Korean TV shows with English subtitles. And guess what? It worked! After finishing my 200th Korean TV show, I no longer needed subtitles because I could easily understand the dialogues.
2. Learning English through Conversations in English-Language Games
Offline games can certainly help, but online games are even better! If you come across unfamiliar words while playing your favorite game, simply search for their meanings on Google.
Games like Among Us, where communication is essential to playing the game, are good for improving your language skills. If your favorite game doesn’t have a chat feature, head over to the game’s forum or on Discord and start chatting!
3. Learning English through Educational Articles
For example, if your favorite game is PUBG, try searching for articles with keywords like “PUBG Guide” on Google and read the results. Make sure to look up any unfamiliar words you come across.
By using this method, you’ll not only improve your skills in your favorite game but also improve your English language skills. And if you’re not a fan of gaming, reading articles in your field of interest is a great way to learn new vocabulary and practice your reading comprehension. For example, if you love plants and gardening, read articles on how to care for your favorite flowers.
4. Learn English through Music
No matter what country your favorite music is from, try searching for the lyrics on Google by adding the keyword “lyrics” along with the song and artist’s name. Even if the language of your favorite songs isn’t English, reading the lyrics can still help you learn that language. Just keep in mind that grammar might not always be correct in some songs.
5. Learning English through Novels
If you enjoy reading novels, then learning English through small books like bookworms by Oxford might be perfect for you! these small books are categorized based on their level, so you can easily find books that match your skill level. If you love re-reading your favorite novels, I suggest reading the English version of your favorite book. Some of these books even have audio versions that can help you improve your listening skills. Highlight any unfamiliar words and learn them as you go along.
6. Learning English with WordUp App and Extension
There are many popular language learning apps out there, but none have captured my attention like WordUp. According to their website, it’s the best way to learn English that you won’t find anywhere else. You can create your own vocabulary list and start learning words at different levels.
This app provides various tools for daily English practice at home. It offers different resources for each word, such as songs, short films, quotes from famous people, and a piece of news. Plus, it reads each word for you and can significantly improve your listening skills. The WordUp extension is great for reading articles and adding learned and unfamiliar words. You can sync the extension with the app for the ultimate at-home English learning experience.
7. Learn English with Speech to Text App
Many people struggle with their speaking and listening skills. This app is simple and easy to use. Just input any text, and it will read it out loud for you. You can also speak into the app and wait for it to transcribe your words. If Speech to Text can’t recognize certain words, you can listen to how it’s pronounced on the app and practice saying it.
8. Learning English with Grammar Books
Grammar is an essential part of language learning. I recommend using the book “English Grammar in Use” to improve your grammar skills. To practice grammar, it’s also helpful to write your own text. Describe your daily activities and copy it onto the Reverso Speller website to become aware of any grammar or spelling mistakes.
9. learn English with AI
The great thing about using AIs like Bard and Poe to learn English is that you receive immediate feedback on your writing and comprehension skills without paying anything. It’s like having a friendly English teacher by your side, helping you to improve your spelling, grammar, and vocabulary usage in real-time.
If you’re looking for an innovative and fun way to learn English with AI, you might want to check out the Praktika app. It uses video-chat with a robot to provide you with an immersive and interactive experience.
Final Thoughts
Remember, interest is the most critical factor in learning English. Planning and daily practice to improve your English language skills should not be forgotten. It’s important to learn any language in a way that you enjoy. For example, if you love math, install the English Khan Academy app. With this app, you can simultaneously improve your math and English skills.
