If you are new to the US, Neuvo en US and Car Credit welcome you! It can be difficult to learn English as a second language. But once you’ve mastered it, every effort and minute spent studying the language will be worthwhile. Traveling will be more enjoyable if you are fluent in English. You also don’t have to wait for the latest best-selling book or Hollywood film to be translated into your native language before you can enjoy it.

Here are our top tips for learning English quickly

Learning a new language is a fun journey; make sure you practice the following things for a better experience:

• Take careful note of new vocabulary.

This is a tried-and-true tip for a reason: it works! We often enjoy learning a new word or phrase so much that forgetting it seems impossible. But the truth is that not everything sticks the first time. To combat this, get into the habit of carrying a little notebook with you or using a digital note making tool on your phone. Write down any new phrases or expressions you come across in a context, in a sentence, with its meaning noted. You will save time because you will not have to go back to that word and wonder, “What did that word/expression mean again?”

• Read everything you can get your hands on

Whether it’s classic literature, paperbacks, newspapers, websites, emails, your social media feed, or cereal boxes. Why? Because this content will be chock-full of both new and familiar vocabulary. This allows you to improve quickly because re-exposure to learned language provides you with recent examples in context, reinforcing those words in your mind. Learning new words and expressions, on the other hand, is critical to expanding your vocabulary arsenal, especially in a language like English with so many words!

• Listen to learn

While textbooks can help you learn English, you should not rely solely on them. Books are great for teaching grammar and vocabulary, but they aren’t always helpful when carrying on a conversation. If you want to learn to speak English, listen in addition to reading. By listening more, you’ll be able to pick up useful vocabulary and grammar without realizing it.

• Interact with people.

What is the purpose of a language if not to communicate? We’ve become experts at communicating without opening our mouths, thanks to all the digital platforms we use. However, when it comes down to it, speaking a language helps it stick in your head far better than reading or writing it. Consider how often you’ve heard someone say, “I understand, but I don’t speak English.” Many would-be English speakers have turned speaking the language into an impassable barrier that only serves to frighten them. Don’t be that way. Seek out native speakers for informal language exchanges, enroll in a course, or take online classes.

• Choose quality over quantity.

It’s all about quality over quantity when learning any language. Rather than learning dozens of new words in a short period, concentrate on learning a few words and repeating them dozens of times. This keeps you from becoming overwhelmed by information. Furthermore, this strategy allows you to embed the meaning of words and phrases into your mind. As a result, you will not easily forget them.

• Make use of your friends.

Do you have online friends who post in English? Don’t just scroll through your newsfeed; scan the items they share and commit to exploring one or two daily. They could be news or magazine articles, videos, talks, blog posts, songs, or anything else: as long as it’s in English and the topic is interesting to you, it’ll be helpful!

• Do what you like in English.

The most effective and quick way to master English is to engage with it regularly in a way that motivates you to return for more. Some people enjoy studying English more than anything else, and learning the language is enjoyable. But the majority of us have other interests as well.

Consider something you already enjoy doing and try to find ways to do it in English.

• Concentrate on more than just memorizing grammar rules.

Some people believe that grammar is the most critical aspect of language learning and that it deserves your full attention. Others believe that while grammar is important, it is only a tiny piece of the overall language puzzle.

The second group recognizes that grammar rules are ambiguous, frequently broken, and usually come with a list of exceptions and unique use cases. Furthermore, widely spoken languages such as English are constantly evolving.

The truth is most likely somewhere in the middle, but the point is:

You cannot simply memorize grammar rules and then speak flawless English.

• Listen and respond, not just listen and repeat.

If you want to improve your English, don’t use the textbook strategy of “repeating after the speaker.” Instead of mindlessly repeating the speaker’s words or phrases, you should respond to questions. For instance, if you’re listening to a podcast or watching a video, pause it every 20 to 30 seconds and write a summary of what was said.

• Don’t strive for perfection. Nobody is flawless.

The most challenging aspect of learning English is overcoming the fear that you will sound silly or that you will not be perfect. Everyone is much more articulate and intelligent in their native tongues. It can be embarrassing to step into another language where that comfort with words and phrases has vanished.

We fear that others will judge or dismiss us because we sound foolish. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, be corrected, and try again. This is true for any new language; mistakes and errors are inevitable.

Also, keep in mind that the purpose of language is communication. Keep trying to share your thoughts; it gets easier. Find a way that you enjoy and stick to it.

Nuevo en US is indebted to the generosity of Steve Cuculich, Tampa philanthropist and owner of Car Credit. We are grateful for his faithful support of Nuevo and his compassion for our neighbors who are new to the country.