My Secret to Speaking Fluent English

Summary

Natee from Thailand shares his journey to fluency in English without leaving home. He emphasizes the importance of building 'unconscious knowledge' through extensive listening and input-driven speaking practice, rather than studying grammar. Natee advises focusing on enjoyable English content and imitating native speakers to internalize the language's complexity naturally, akin to learning one's first language.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Unconscious knowledge in English is crucial for fluency, as it allows for automatic, effortless speech.
• 🚴‍♂️ Unconscious learning is like learning to ride a bike or play an instrument—it's automatic and doesn't require conscious thought.
• 🧠 Conscious knowledge, gained through studying grammar, is not as useful for speaking fluently because it requires active thinking.
• 🎧 Regular listening to English content is essential for becoming familiar with the language and improving speaking skills.
• 🎬 Consuming content you enjoy, such as movies, podcasts, and YouTube videos, helps maintain motivation and makes learning enjoyable.
• 📚 Avoid focusing on grammar lessons, as they can lead to overthinking while speaking English.
• 🗣️ Input-driven speaking practice, such as imitation techniques, helps improve pronunciation, rhythm, and vocabulary.
• 📢 Practicing with native speaker material allows for better exposure to correct grammar and vocabulary.
• 💡 Expressing content in your own words during practice helps develop improvisation skills and fluency.
• 🕒 Consistency in listening and speaking practice, even for short periods each day, leads to significant improvement over time.

Q & A

What is the main secret Natee shares for speaking English fluently?

The main secret Natee shares is building a high level of unconscious knowledge in English, which is the ability to perform tasks automatically without conscious thought.

What is the difference between unconscious knowledge and conscious knowledge in the context of language learning?

Unconscious knowledge allows you to use language automatically without thinking about grammar rules, while conscious knowledge requires you to think about grammar and syntax when speaking.

Why is it difficult to acquire unconscious knowledge in English through traditional study methods?

Traditional study methods like reading grammar books or watching grammar lessons on YouTube tend to develop conscious knowledge, which is not automatic and requires thought and attention when using.

How does unconscious learning differ from conscious learning in terms of awareness during the learning process?

Unconscious learning occurs without the learner being aware that they are learning, whereas conscious learning involves deliberate study and focus on the learning material.

Why is listening to English crucial for improving spoken English skills, even if the goal is not to improve listening comprehension?

Listening to English regularly helps to familiarize oneself with the language's complexity, making it easier to improve speaking skills without getting confused by the language's intricacies.

What is the role of reading in language learning according to Natee's script?

Reading in English can be beneficial, especially when combined with listening, as it helps familiarize oneself with the language's written form and can also reinforce listening skills through subtitles.

What type of content should one focus on when listening to improve English skills?

One should focus on content that they enjoy and are interested in, as this makes the learning process more engaging and less like a chore.

How can one practice speaking English without a conversation partner?

One can practice speaking English by talking to themselves about various topics, but Natee suggests input-driven speaking practice, such as imitating native speakers, for more effective learning.

What is the Imitation technique that Natee recommends for practicing spoken English?

The Imitation technique involves repeating after a native English speaker, word for word, while trying to copy not only the words but also the rhythm, pronunciation, and emotion in the voice.

How can one make the Imitation technique more challenging as their speaking proficiency improves?

As proficiency improves, one can increase the challenge by memorizing and repeating longer segments of speech, or by expressing the meaning of what they hear in their own words if they can't remember the exact phrasing.

What is the significance of practicing with input in the Imitation technique?

Practicing with input ensures constant exposure to proper English, helping learners to acquire new vocabulary and proper grammar, which aids in speaking and sounding more native.