How I Learned English (My Story, Best Tips, and Resources)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal journey of learning English largely through self-effort, with some help from family. Starting at a young age, they highlight the importance of daily practice, expanding vocabulary, and mastering grammar. They recount experiences with English books, a Peace Corps volunteer teacher, and participating in competitions, all of which enhanced their language skills. The speaker emphasizes the value of constant vocabulary enrichment, writing by hand, and seeking out advanced language resources. Ultimately, the story is an inspiring testament to persistence in language learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 15 minutes of practice every day is more effective than two hours once a week. Consistent repetition is key to language learning.
• 😀 Language learning is a habit, and constant exposure is necessary for internalizing new information.
• 😀 Enrich your vocabulary constantly. Language teachers can help with grammar and pronunciation, but expanding vocabulary is your responsibility.
• 😀 Speaking English comes easier for chatty people who love to express themselves. Don't be afraid to speak as much as you can.
• 😀 Grammar is the backbone of any language. Understanding grammar rules is crucial to forming coherent sentences.
• 😀 Writing by hand helps retain information better. Don't just fill in blanks, write the exercises down to truly internalize them.
• 😀 Be a 'word collector.' Learning and using advanced vocabulary can help you express yourself more precisely and eloquently.
• 😀 It’s important to engage with English books, even if it's just for the pleasure of reading or smelling them! This deepens your connection with the language.
• 😀 Language learning can be a lifelong pursuit, and even after mastering a language, there's always something new to discover and enjoy.
• 😀 Applying yourself to language learning through both structured lessons and informal practices (like reading, writing, and speaking) accelerates progress.

Q & A

How did the speaker start learning English at a young age?

The speaker started learning English in the third grade by copying two sentences from her English textbook every day during summer, with encouragement or incentives from her mother.

What was the first key lesson the speaker learned about language learning?

The first lesson is that consistency matters more than long, infrequent sessions: 15 minutes every day is more effective than two hours once a week, as language learning requires constant repetition.

How did the speaker expand her English vocabulary initially?

Her mother bought a children's book with English words and Ukrainian transcriptions. Each day, her mother or grandmother would read a chapter and test her memory, helping her gradually grow her vocabulary.

What role did grammar play in the speaker’s English learning journey?

Grammar was the backbone of her learning. She studied grammar rules intensively using a self-paced book, writing and restructuring all the rules herself, which helped her understand English more deeply and use words effectively.

How did the speaker practice speaking English before meeting native speakers?

She began speaking English naturally because she was chatty and eager to communicate, which made it easier for her to speak without formal prompting.

What lesson did the speaker learn from participating in English competitions?

She learned the importance of a rich vocabulary and precise expression. Observing older competitors, she realized advanced vocabulary allows conveying nuanced meaning and started collecting words, expressions, and quotes to use in her own writing.

Why did the speaker emphasize writing exercises by hand?

Writing by hand helped her retain information more effectively. Copying entire exercises and notes strengthened her understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.

What were some of the advanced resources that helped her improve English in high school?

She used advanced textbooks like the 'Upstream' series (C1 level), which included vocabulary exercises, writing practice, and reading materials. She also attended a free English course offered by a top high school and competed in national English competitions.

How did life events in 2014 impact her English learning?

The Russian occupation of Crimea forced her family to flee, leaving behind most of her English materials. However, because she already had a strong C1 level, she continued learning by reading extensively in English.

What overall advice does the speaker give to self-learners of English?

She advises consistent practice, enriching vocabulary, studying grammar carefully, writing by hand, and engaging with English actively through reading, speaking, and competitions. She emphasizes effort, persistence, and making learning enjoyable.

Why did the speaker find collecting words and quotes helpful?

Collecting words and quotes helped her express nuanced ideas in essays, expanded her vocabulary consciously, and allowed her to recall and apply advanced expressions effectively.

What personal motivation helped the speaker continue learning English?

Early recognition from teachers, the excitement of interacting with native speakers, the pleasure of reading and exploring books, and the personal satisfaction of mastering complex language skills all motivated her to continue.