How I became fluent in English WITHOUT living in another country

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal journey to becoming fluent in English without leaving their home country. They recount how learning English began at a young age, the struggles they faced, and the strategies they used to improve, including immersion through media, consistency in daily practice, and shadowing techniques. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the process and not relying solely on native-speaking teachers or traveling abroad. The speaker encourages viewers that fluency is achievable at home with dedication and the right mindset.

Takeaways

• 😀 Veronica learned English from a young age but struggled with motivation until she realized its importance for her future goals.
• 😀 At 15-16, Veronica became determined to learn English for university entrance exams and to pursue her dreams of traveling and meeting English-speaking people.
• 😀 Consistent practice and making learning fun were key to Veronica's language success, including watching TV shows like 'Desperate Housewives' in English.
• 😀 Immersion at home is possible—Veronica achieved fluency without leaving Russia by surrounding herself with English-language media and practicing daily.
• 😀 Veronica’s motivation for learning English was tied to practical goals like education, career opportunities, and personal development, not just moving abroad.
• 😀 To improve her accent, Veronica used self-study methods like books, YouTube videos, and shadowing techniques, despite being a college student without funds for formal lessons.
• 😀 Tracking progress through journaling and recording herself helped Veronica stay motivated and see tangible improvement in her English skills.
• 😀 Although she was initially scared of speaking with native speakers, Veronica advises others to start practicing with them earlier for faster language progress.
• 😀 Veronica emphasizes that even if you can't afford native-speaking teachers, you can still become fluent by practicing consistently and using other resources.
• 😀 Traveling abroad or immersing yourself in an English-speaking environment can help speed up the language-learning process, but it’s not the only path to fluency.
• 😀 Making language learning enjoyable and not feeling pressured to stick to boring textbooks is crucial to maintaining long-term motivation and success.

Q & A

What is the main message of the video?

The main message of the video is that it's possible to become fluent in English without leaving your home country. The speaker shares their personal journey and the strategies they used to improve their English skills.

What motivated the speaker to learn English?

The speaker was motivated to learn English because they wanted to attend a university in Moscow, where English was a required exam. Later, they also saw English as a way to achieve personal goals, like traveling the world and getting a good job.

How did the speaker improve their English accent?

The speaker improved their accent by watching YouTube videos, using books for self-study, and practicing accent reduction exercises, including shadowing techniques. They dedicated time to understanding and correcting their pronunciation.

Did the speaker face any challenges while learning English?

Yes, the speaker faced challenges such as feeling demotivated at times, struggling with grammar, and feeling scared to speak with native speakers. However, their motivation and progress kept them going.

What role did immersion play in the speaker’s learning process?

Immersion was a key strategy for the speaker. They immersed themselves in English by watching TV shows like *Desperate Housewives* in English, which helped improve their listening skills and vocabulary. Immersion made the learning process more enjoyable and effective.

Why does the speaker emphasize consistency in language learning?

The speaker emphasizes consistency because daily practice is essential for making progress. They mention that they practiced almost every day during their teenage years, which helped them achieve fluency. Consistency builds momentum and helps retain what you've learned.

How did the speaker stay motivated during the learning process?

The speaker stayed motivated by setting clear goals, tracking their progress, and making learning fun. They were driven by their desire to attend university and later by their passion for speaking with native speakers and improving their accent.

Why does the speaker recommend speaking with native speakers?

The speaker recommends speaking with native speakers because it helps improve fluency, pronunciation, and grammar. They note that while they were initially afraid, talking with native speakers has been one of the most valuable strategies for improving their English.

Can someone achieve fluency in English without traveling abroad?

Yes, the speaker firmly believes that it's possible to become fluent in English without leaving your home country. They stress that with the right resources, consistent practice, and dedication, fluency can be achieved at home.

What does the speaker suggest for learners who can’t afford native-speaking teachers?

For learners who can't afford native-speaking teachers, the speaker suggests using free resources like YouTube, online articles, and self-study methods. They emphasize that even without native speakers, learners can still make significant progress by immersing themselves in the language and practicing regularly.