Can you learn English on your own?

Mastery of English has become essential in today's world: to succeed in higher education, to progress both professionally and personally, to access content on social networks... Many online platforms, free or paid , guarantee rapid results for independent learning. But is it really possible to learn English on your own?

A challenge: independent learning of English

Ranked ^34th out of 111 countries in terms of proficiency in English, France has some catching up to do, particularly in the fundamental learning which constitutes the basis: speaking. Learning to speak English on your own takes time, patience and language skills. It's better to understand how the language works if you want to tame it, one-on-one...

Motivation and self-discipline

And for this you will have to be motivated and organized. Establish a precise weekly schedule. The more you work, the more you progress. Every day you learn new rules, listen to different accents and practice your articulation to pronounce better. The key is knowing where to start: the present, the future, the articles, the suffixes…? You will need to define your priorities.

Understand cultural subtleties and context

Reading the press, listening to the media, watching series or films in the original version constitute good automatisms and learning reflexes to progress alone. If you understand perfectly with or without (English) subtitles, congratulations! Always take note of expressions, idioms and new vocabulary words. The useful context (the images, the general situation, the lexical field): it’s up to you to make this new lexicon your own .

The expressions are full of cultural references. An example: “Bite the bullet” is an English expression that could be translated word for word as “bite the bullet”. You must have sufficient cultural background to understand its full meaning. Because without context, it's difficult to imagine exactly what we're talking about.

With the subtext, everything becomes clearer: the expression takes its origins on the battlefield where a wounded man, without anesthesia, had to bite a bullet to control his suffering... Hence the finer translation: "squeeze teeth" or "take the bull by the horns"

There are many ways to learn English, and the best method depends on your personal preferences, learning style, and goals.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

1. Language courses : Sign up for English courses at a school or training center. Online courses are also a convenient option.
2. Practice regularly : Regular practice is essential for learning a new language. Try speaking, listening, reading and writing in English every day, even if it's just for a few minutes.
3. Watching films and series in English : Watching films and series in English can help you improve your listening comprehension and vocabulary.
4. Read books and articles in English : Start with simple books and articles, then progress to more complex texts as your understanding improves.
5. Use apps and online tools : There are many apps and online tools designed to help you learn English, such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise.
6. Practice with native speakers : Find language partners or join conversation groups to practice your English with native speakers.
7. Listen to music in English : Listening to music in English can help you improve your listening comprehension and pronunciation.
8. Challenge yourself : Set achievable learning goals and challenge yourself to achieve them. This could be like watching an English movie without subtitles or having a conversation entirely in English for 10 minutes every day.
9. Be patient and persistent : Learning a new language can take time, so be patient with yourself and persevere even when you encounter difficulties.
10. Immerse yourself in the language : If possible, travel to an English-speaking country or participate in language immersion programs for a more intense learning experience.

Conclusion

Learning English on your own for fun or to improve your skills is possible but difficult. As with all learning, academic support, a coach, a teacher, a bilingual or native English-speaking expert allows you to take a step back from your way of learning, to challenge yourself and to provide you with a general culture that goes beyond the academic framework. .

Remember, the key to success is constant practice and perseverance. Good luck in your English learning!