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Forum Index > Languages | >> How can I improve my English and learn it properly? | | |
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vekta
Minister
13983 points
22/NA/,
Join Date: Feb 2008 | lrmbrielle said:
For example, I do remember that I read something like "blah blah spent his time off blah blah" in a movie magazine. When I asked to a person (an American) in my Skype list how he spent his time off, he asked: What is spend off?
The easiest way to improve your English, at least for you from what I got out of your original post, would be to talk to people who speak English( all dialects), read more academic English and classic literature. Perhaps even watch some old movies like Casablanca. If you are exposed to a wide variety of English you will begin to see how the language can be used and your understanding will grow. Play word games to.
"My advice to you, my violent friend, is to seek out gold and sit on it."
The XD-45 Song |  | | Edited: September 05, 2009 @ 13:20 |  |
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deefXckingjay
Mega Über-Meister+
3489 points
16/NA/Cliff-ville!, United Kingdom
Join Date: Apr 2009 | vekta said:
Ernest Hemingway
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Mark Twain
Langston Hughes
John Steinbeck
Maybe no on should read there work either. 
FYI American English is just a dialect from a different part of the world.
Or maybe we shouldn't listen to English dialects from Australian, Scotland, or Wales either.
To the OP, It's just a matter of how you want to use your words. Here is a very small example. Keep in mind this is very general:
American English - hood
British English - bonnet
American English - trunk
British English - boot
American English - truck
British English - lorry
I mean the general American person, not writers. Those writers (that I know of) were from a different era, therefore, didn't talk modern "American" English. And I don't see it as a dialect, because I see dialects as when words are pronounced differently, but the spelling stays the same.
And we really don't say bonnet.
Music is love, and love should be free. |  | |
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vekta
Minister
13983 points
22/NA/,
Join Date: Feb 2008 | deefXckingjay said:
I mean the general American person, not writers. Those writers (that I know of) were from a different era, therefore, didn't talk modern "American" English. And I don't see it as a dialect, because I see dialects as when words are pronounced differently, but the spelling stays the same.
And we really don't say bonnet.
You seem to be missing some of those words I typed in "general" American English.
What if I don't see your English as a dialect...what then? Am I wrong? Why?
Dialect: 1 a : a regional variety of language distinguished by features of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation from other regional varieties and constituting together with them a single language.
The use of different words referring to the same object or idea is a feature of vocabulary.
Fortunately I acknowledge your English as a distinct dialect.
"My advice to you, my violent friend, is to seek out gold and sit on it."
The XD-45 Song | | | |
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readsalot
Heart of a poet.
TFS Monkey
48646 points
54/F/Somewhere on Earth,
Join Date: Oct 2008 | Please don't be so hard on yourself, English is very hard.
The words you used, permeate, isn't an easy one. Most ten year olds would have a problem. Feel good about how well you're doing, American grammar can be atrocious(horrible)
Let me give you and example. My cousins visit from Spain once a year. Last time the oldest,Esme, had been studying English for ten years. She was sent to get better and still struggled. One word that is overused in America is, "stuff".
It can be a noun or a verb. One night we were rushing around and "stuff" was used a few too many times. "Put that stuff there." " How much stuff will fit." "Stuff it," as in be quiet. Esme started jumping up and down, going, "Wait,Wait,Wait, what do you mean by this word "stuff"?"
We laughed at each other, because she was right, many of our words are very confusing. I taught English for 25 yrs., pm me if you wish. I'm always happy to help.
By the way, don't learn grammar from TV, you'll really get confused. It's a good way to learn slang. Best of luck, I am very impressed. (good word to know). 
One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.
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lrmbrielle
General
321 points
23/F/, Canada
Join Date: Jul 2007 | Thank you all for responding  As a part of my job, I must know it better than I do now and though I don't seem to make numerous grammar mistakes while writing, I am a bit slow when it comes to 'hear' and speak with someone in person.
Word games is a good one vekta, thanks. 
treebee,
Yes, it is helpful but I think I need a lot more practice. Although I studied English very hard for 7 years, I think I am not as good as a 7-year-old English speaking child at hearing while listening 
myk1992 said:
Just speak try and speak it in every day life, the more you speak it the better at it you get.
I agree, I have just learned how to use the word "expose" in a sentence, right above from vekta's comment for example. And from Unbarbie's comment, "good luck in your endevour". I would most probably just say "good luck".
readsalot and fatman, yes English is literally hard. Some might think it is easy to learn.. it is in fact, but it is quite challenging when it comes to improve it.
Thanks for comments and help
H: Cancer RS: Virgo | | | | Edited: September 06, 2009 @ 14:26 | |
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Sep 05, 2009 @ 13:11:49
Your English is great! (written, anyway)I am impressed!
