How He Started to Speak English Like a Native Without Studying — Real-Life Conversation

Summary

In this Real Life English podcast, content manager Izzy M shares his remarkable journey to achieving a native-like English proficiency without formal education. Izzy discusses his early exposure to English through video games, movies, and music, and how his passion for American culture and curiosity about language sounds helped him develop his accent. He also talks about his teaching experiences and the importance of maintaining a connection with the language and culture to keep improving.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Izzy M, the content manager at Real Life English, achieved a native-like level in English without formal courses or textbooks.
• 🎮 Izzy started learning English by consuming English media such as video games, movies, and music, connecting with the content from a young age.
• 🎬 Izzy's method of learning involved watching movies and TV series with subtitles in his native language, then in English, and finally without subtitles.
• 🗣️ Izzy emphasized the importance of connecting with the culture and content of the language being learned, which played a significant role in his fluency.
• 🎶 Izzy's background as a musician helped him grasp the musicality of English, contributing to his native-like accent.
• 🏫 Izzy began teaching English at 19, using his own method that focused on speaking and vocabulary rather than strict grammar rules.
• 🌍 Izzy had the opportunity to work in the United States, which allowed him to refine his English and gain a deeper understanding of American culture.
• 🔄 Izzy maintained his English skills by continuing to engage with American culture and media, even after returning to Brazil.
• 📚 The script highlights the importance of having a clear 'why' for learning English, connecting it to personal goals and identity.
• 🌟 Real Life English's mission is to help people speak English confidently and naturally, connecting to the world and using English as a doorway to achieving their greatest life.

Q & A

How did Izzy start learning English?

Izzy started learning English by consuming English content, such as movies and video games, from a young age. He connected with English through his interests in strategy computer games like Age of Empires and later with music and TV series.

What was Izzy's method for improving his English without formal study?

Izzy improved his English by watching movies and TV series with subtitles in his native language, then in English, and eventually without subtitles. He also engaged in online communities related to his interests, which helped him practice the language.

How did Izzy's vision of living abroad influence his language learning?

Izzy's vision of living in the United States or Canada motivated him to actively learn English. He started watching more movies and TV series with the intention of learning the language, which helped him connect with the culture and improve his English.

What was the role of music in Izzy's language learning process?

As a musician, Izzy had an advantage in picking up the sounds and musicality of the English language. His passion for music, combined with his curiosity about the language and culture, helped him develop a native-like accent.

How did Izzy's teaching experience contribute to his English proficiency?

Izzy started teaching English at the age of 19, which helped him refine his language skills. He used his own method, focusing on speaking and vocabulary, and connected with his students' interests to make learning more meaningful.

What was the significance of Izzy's experience in the United States?

Izzy's experience in the United States allowed him to refine his English and connect more deeply with American culture. He worked in guest services at ski resorts, which gave him opportunities to practice his language skills in real-life situations.

How did Izzy maintain his English proficiency after returning from the United States?

Izzy maintained his English proficiency by continuing to engage with American culture through media and content. He also used the internet to stay connected with the language and culture, ensuring that he didn't lose his skills.

What is Izzy's advice for learners who want to achieve a native-like accent?

Izzy suggests that a combination of cultural connection, musicality, and curiosity can help learners achieve a native-like accent. Engaging with the language through music, media, and real-life interactions can significantly improve pronunciation and fluency.

How does Izzy view the role of English in connecting people?

Izzy sees English as a tool for communication that can help people understand each other both literally and figuratively. He believes that learning English can lead to a paradigm shift in how people perceive and interact with each other.

What is the mission of Real Life English, according to Izzy?

The mission of Real Life English is to help people speak English confidently and naturally, connecting them to the world. They aim to create a world beyond borders by fostering understanding and communication among people from different cultures.