Learning a new language is as exciting as it is daunting. The possibilities of knowing a second or even third language are endless. From traveling the world, studying abroad, making that big career move to an international office, or the bragging perks that come with simply being able to converse in another language, learning a new language opens the world up to you. With the benefits of learning English in sight, the first hurdle is where the best place to learn English is.
Benefits of learning English
English can be complicated. It has strange spellings, confusing pronunciations, words that sound the same but have different meanings, idioms, phrases and so much more. When do you use ‘here’ or ‘hear’? And what does it mean to “be in a pickle”? Chips and fries are the same things – depending on where in the world you are. So many rules, right? But there are benefits to knowing and understanding them all.
- Professional growth
Some of the biggest businesses have offices scattered around the globe. If one of your goals is to work for one of these multinationals, learning English could be the key that opens the door to this opportunity. English as a second, or third language gives you a competitive edge against your fellow employees – an attractive skill on your resume.
- Boosts confidence
If moving abroad isn’t one of your career goals, but your company does business with international clients, knowing how to speak English gives you a confidence boost in Teams or Zoom meetings. You can confidently express your position, ask questions, and understand tasks and objectives. You can speak to anyone, at any level and again, put yourself in the running for promotions and other opportunities.
- Build interpersonal relationships
Relationships are the core of society. Social media has provided multiple platforms for friendships to bloom across continents and in other cases, language differences are no longer barriers when it comes to love. English has brought people closer together than ever before. You open yourself up to meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, learning histories, and bridging gaps that people couldn’t navigate before.
These are just some of the great benefits of learning English.
Best places to learn English
- Books and newspapers
In the same way, we are taught how to read in school, you can buy books or borrow beginner-level books from the local library to use and teach yourself how to speak English. You can work your way through a book series or try to read the newspaper and translate where you don’t understand on your phone.
- Travel or move to another country
Traveling to English-speaking countries is another way to learn how to speak the language. In this environment, you encounter native speakers and with and through conversations, you can pick up new words and phrases, learn pronunciation and use it as a place to practice and perfect your speaking and listening skills – from direct sources.
- Music and television
Music, television, and film are some of the tried routes people have used to learn English. The total immersion in a TV show or watching the news has helped many pick up common phrases and work their way up to longer-length shows as their understanding of the language grew. This route is great if you just want to get by. But, if your goals are bigger, you need to do a bit more.
You should note that how you learn and where you learn can help you get to the advanced level a bit faster than other methods. Enter the English Vertical from Alison.
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Alison’s English Vertical
The English Vertical classes, which range from Beginning to Advanced courses, are appropriate for all learning levels. This means that we have something for you to learn, no matter what level you’re at.
- For the beginner
When you’re just starting out as a beginner, you will be eased into learning the basic vocabulary and grammar rules.
In Alison’s English Vertical beginner courses, you will learn common expressions and become proficient with a variety of parts, including verbs, nouns, tenses, adjectives, and adverbs. You’ll be able to read and write simple texts, hold simple conversations, and comprehend simple texts.
- Intermediate
Between the fundamental and advanced English classes come the intermediate courses. This chapter will expand on your understanding of fundamental English while preparing you for more complex subjects. You can improve your English skill by taking intermediate classes. Your ability to converse with other English speakers will improve, enabling you to conduct more in-depth and prolonged conversations. Also, you’ll be able to read and comprehend larger texts as well as create complete paragraphs to convey your ideas.
- Advanced level
The most challenging topics are covered in advanced-level English courses, but you will also gain a deeper knowledge of topics you have already learned. You will be able to watch movies, listen to music, and read books in English when you reach the advanced level. Also, you’ll be able to speak to them naturally and without any hesitancy. You will be introduced to the most sophisticated applications and structures of earlier-level topics as well as their in-depth exploration.
Alison’s English Vertical is a great place to learn English. Each course builds on the lessons learned and it covers the rules, grammar, vocabulary, and structure of speaking English. Once you’ve completed all courses across the English Vertical, you can proceed to the specialised courses available.
Alison also offers a free and easy online English Test that will show you which level to start with, from beginner to advanced. You can also find more courses in language and literature in Alison’s English Hub.
Tips to remember when learning English
Listening to a catchy pop tune and watching a film or television series can give you basic phrases to start off with but like learning any new skill, it will take time to master. Learning English is work.
- Your progress will be determined by the amount of time you put into learning
- Master pronunciation from the beginning. It’s easier to get it right at the start than fix pronunciation issues later.
- Have a goal and keep it set. Your goal will push you to keep putting in the hours of study necessary.
Making sure that every minute you spend learning the language is used effectively is the quickest method to do so.
