Oscar Wilde said, “We all are in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”, and I solemnly believe, to reach the stars, the zenith, or I may say, that very pedestal in one’s life which brings it immense satisfaction and smiles, can only be achieved, if one never stops learning.

Persistent learning brings success closer, I have a number of reasons to support my argument. If one makes learning and constantly absorbing knowledge a habit, it increases that individual’s tendency to learn things faster in the future. Also, it ignites in oneself, a sense of extended self-esteem and accomplishment. Perpetual learning widens a person’s knowledge base and mental horizon, meanwhile opening it to fresh life experiences.  If a person keeps on imbibing new things from the surroundings, it results in making that very individual more productive, creative, vigilant, and stress-free.

“Learning can also be a way of connecting with others”, says Vanessa King, a positive psychology expert at ‘Action for Happiness’, alongside which I would like to add on the factual information that the language English connects more than a billion people around the world. Thus, to have decent proficiency in English, during this era, would doubtlessly prove to be of great help today, and also in the coming times.

IMPORTANCE OF SPOKEN ENGLISH TODAY:

According to studies, 67 countries have English as their official language, and 27 countries have it as their second official language. If we dive deeper into the stats, then it can be stated that, out of approximately 7.5 billion world population, 1.5 billion people speak English, and 360 million people solely have it as their first language. Henceforth, it can be vividly deemed that English is a ‘Global language”, which enables powerful worldwide connectivity and expands one’s knowledge and understanding of other cultures.

Also, a fair English ability opens doors to various foreign schools (through tests like TOEFL i.e. ‘test of English as a foreign language’, IELTS i.e. ‘international English language testing system’ etc ) and a plethora of career opportunities as English, is a primary language used in the corporate world. The fact that English is the most used language on the Internet, as well as varied forms of media, cannot be neglected as well.

Concluding this very subject with a fun fact- Learning a new language is said to make one’s brain stronger. Studies suggest that ‘bilingualism can help keep the brain stronger during old age and lead to improved memory, concentration, and other skills.’ (source- fluentU)

LEARNING SPOKEN ENGLISH FASTER:

English, a language comprising over 7,50,000 words alone, is quite an accessible language and clearly one with a wide- spectrum, at the present. Learning English is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it could surely become your piece of cake, if your attempt at learning the spoken version of it, is accompanied by tricks and efficient strategies, some of which are mentioned below:

READ MORE, READ OFTEN:

Get in a habit of reading whatever you get your hands on, or whatsoever your eyes catch hold of. Be it a newspaper, a novel, a journal, different websites, social media feeds, packaging of various food or drink items, etc. This particular pattern will help you enrich your fluency and enable you an effective vocabulary eventually. With this in mind, let’s jump off to our next strategy.

2) ALWAYS JOT DOWN NEW WORDS:

Penning down new words, whenever you seem to find any, will lead those new words and phrases to stick around in your mind. Later, this new lexicon can be put to use in daily conversations so that one gets hand in hand with it and doesn’t go about forgetting the freshly acquired words later. Along with words, learning new prefixes-suffixes, synonyms, and idioms will also facilitate in enhancing one’s vocabulary, and overall hold of English as a language, with the passing time.

3) PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT:

It is highly recommended to do real-time English conversations, whether the usage is during formal or informal situations. One can make talking to itself in front of the mirror, a productive custom as well. Studies say, practicing to write random stuff in the language will also prove to be constructive.

It is also proposed to set aside some time, each day, to work specifically on one’s grammar aspect of English, wherein the primary focus should be paid not on cramming language rules but comprehending the repetitive patterns. This deliberate action of trying to make English not only a language that one’s acquainted with, but a habit, will sanction an individual an improvised accent, eradicate incessant fumbling, and will definitely boost one’s self-confidence.

4) IMPLICIT  LANGUAGE LEARNING:

Absorb as much English content as you can, be it through Hollywood movies, American series, podcasts, news, songs, etc. Out of these, songs are considered to be the most fruitful alternative, because they settle in one’s head at great ease. This is the sole reason why kids are taught alphabets and numbers in a rhythmic song form.

Also, try to keep up with the native English accent. It will obviously be difficult to get used to it at first, but you will gradually get your hands on at least understanding the accent. Going for certified online courses can also be regarded as a decent option to go with.

5) THE TF METHOD:

‘The to-fluency method, (also known as the LRRC method) is a simple way to improve your speaking, grammar, and vocabulary.

Following are the steps to be followed therein,

1. a) Listen to the sentence.
2. b) Repeat the sentence and record yourself saying it.
3. c) Listen to your version and the original. Here is where you’ll notice the differences.
4. d) Make changes to the way you say it and get long term repetition.

A lot of people don’t like the sound of their voice and have to really concentrate in order for this method to work. You are not required to let go of your accent’s originality, just try to keep up with proper pronunciation.’ ( source- tofluency.com)

6) DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES:

“Doubt is natural, so is fear, and so struggles.” All I’m trying to put forward here is that you are allowed to commit flaws, take risks, make a fool out of yourself and also get yourself corrected every often. Do not let the fear of failing to pull you back. Life isn’t meant to be stagnant, it’s meant to grow, through us, with us, and that is only possible if you tirelessly keep working on your setbacks, in order to attain substantial self-reliance.

CONCLUSION:

“People talk all the time, it’s their specialty”, so why not get into learning and talking in a language that binds us at the utmost scope.

Today, Spoken English is vital, significant and the need of the hour, because ‘after all, no man, or woman is an island’, everyone needs to connect and everyone needs to talk.