(Photo: YWAM Harpenden Archive)

Tips To Continue Learning English (Or Any Other Language)

We all go through difficulties and challenges in life. But wait a moment, is this a text about learning a new language or a motivational text?

Well, it’s a bit of both. Learning a new language is challenging and, like any other challenge in life, it can bring moments of difficulty.

But it’s a good challenge! And what I want to share with you here are not learning techniques, but lessons I’ve learned over the years studying a second language – in my case, English.

1. Find your passion!

Learning English or any other language shouldn’t be a burden. On the contrary, it can be a fun and enjoyable journey. But for this, it is important that you always keep in mind your motivation to learn. What made you want to learn it in the first place?

I remember that I started to be interested in the language around the age of 15 or 16 when our family got a DVD from an Australian band. I fell in love with the songs and the more I listened, the more I wanted to understand what they were singing.

The music is what ignited the passion! From then on, I saw that English – much more than just a school subject – would be a very useful tool in my future, bearing in mind that I already had the desire to travel to other countries and do missions.

What is your passion? What motivates you to learn? If you already have the answer, go for it!

2. Don’t let circumstances limit you

One of the factors that drove me to continue studying English was a scholarship I won from a language school. However, life is not always a bed of roses.

At times, opportunities for conversation and practice seemed very limited. Some people were shy and perhaps afraid to make mistakes (by the way, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They’re part of the learning process!).

What did I do? I went for other alternatives. Music, TV shows and even online chats. My point is, don’t let the limitations around you determine how far you can go. Use circumstances as fuel to persevere.

3. Celebrate the small victories

Finally, celebrate your small victories, as they may be larger than you think. The first time I needed to communicate with a native English speaker, for example, was a small big step for me.

At that moment, I realized that I could speak, understand and communicate in that language. There were still limitations, of course, but that was enough to give me a boost and keep learning.

For you, it may be the first time you’ve managed to understand your favorite song or being able to read this article without using Google Translator. Celebrate!

Use your passion, small victories and even the most difficult circumstances in your favor. Enjoy the process, laugh at your mistakes and most importantly: DON’T GIVE UP!

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romanos 5:3,4)

And if you want to learn or improve your English, do not miss the opportunity to attend the English and Cultural Orientation School (ECO). It will be three months of immersion in language and culture, from March to June 2021.

If you prefer, you can also join the ECO Online in January 2021. See you there!

Written by Esaú Moraes.