Ways to improve the English Language?

English is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England and is now a global language. English has developed over the course of more than 1,400 years. Through the worldwide influence of the British Empire, modern English spread around the world from the 17th to mid-20th centuries. Through all types of printed and electronic media, and spurred by the emergence of the United States as a global superpower, English has become the leading language of international discourse.

English is the third most spoken native language in the world, after Standard Chinese and Spanish. It is most widely learnt language in the World. English has become a Global language. English is the official language for more than 80 countries. English is everywhere; it is the default academic language. English has become a tourist language. International publications, International business, sports, trade deals broadcast/telecast make use of the English language.

English is the chief language of international diplomacy. English is the language of air traffic. All pilots, air traffic controllers must know English. In many countries, there is at least one English newspaper. Wherever you go, you can read the news. English is the official language of more than 80 countries.

All the competitive exams are in English. English plays an important role in framing the career. All you need to do is, train yourself to speak English as comfortably and perfectly as you speak your mother tongue.

How do you train yourself?

By inculcating certain practices in your daily lifestyle. These will get you closer to sounding like a native English speaker and equip you with a global accent.

Below are some of the tips for improving the English.

1. Reading:

Reading newspaper, English novel and Magazines etc.. Anything reading in English helps the person to improve English in a better way. Read aloud in English for 15-20 minutes every day. 
Research has shown it takes about three months of daily practice to develop strong mouth muscles for speaking a new language.

2. Observe the mouth movements of those who speak English well and try to imitate them.

When you are watching television, observe the mouth movements of the speakers. Repeat what they are saying while imitating the intonation and rhythm of their speech.

3. Until you learn the correct intonation and rhythm of English, slow your speech down.

If you speak too quickly, and with the wrong intonation and rhythm, native speakers will have a hard time understanding you. Don't worry about your listener getting impatient with your slow speech -- it is more important that everything you say is understood. 
 
    4.  Listen to the 'music' of English.
Listen to the English songs with the subtitles and try to sing along; this will help to improve the vocabulary.

5. Use the dictionary.

While reading any book, novel, newspaper try to use the dictionary. Make the list of the new words and seek for the meaning and try to use them while speaking.
  
    6. Record your own voice and listen for pronunciation mistakes.

Many people hate to hear the sound of their voice and avoid listening to themselves speak. However, this is a very important exercise because doing it will help you become conscious of the mistakes you are making.

7. Start Speaking:

Start speaking in English with the people; try to communicate in English very often. No matter how slow you speak.

The way of speaking can be change but it won't happen overnight. People often expect instant results and give up too soon. However, it is practise speaking in English and can change the way that sounds by contributing some effort into it.

Quick tips

Various versions of the English language exist. Begin by identifying the category you fall into and start by improving the clarity of your speech.

~ Focus on removing the mother tongue influence and the 'Indianisms' that creep into your English conversations.

~ Watch the English news on television channels like Star World, CNN, BBC and English movies on Star Movies and HBO.

~ Listen to and sing English songs. We'd recommend Westlife, Robbie Williams, Abba, Skeeter Davis and Connie Francis among others.

~ Call to the customer care to listen and speak in English.

Books to help you improve your English

• Essential English Grammar by Murphy (Cambridge)
• Spoken English by R K Bansal and J B Harrison 
• Pronounce It Perfectly In English (book and three audio cassettes) by Jean Yates, Barrons Educational Series
• English Pronunciation For International Students by Paulette Wainless Dale, Lillian Poms

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