Not being fluent in English is something that creates an invisible barrier for millions of people in this country. Although there may be others who speak your language and items available in your native tongue, learning English is something that can open many doors and help you better navigate society.
Whether you are an adult who wants to learn English or would like to help someone else, there are many ways you can begin to learn the language. Here are some resources to help you and your family become fluent in
English.
Free or Low-Cost Online Options
Learning a new language doesn’t have to be costly. Here are several free or low-cost online options for learning English:
- USA Learns — This is a website funded by the Sacramento County Office of Education that has been offering free English learning courses for over 15 years. The site offers beginner and intermediate-level English instruction to adults using images, videos, and audio files in its lessons.
- English Language Learners In-Home — The English Language Learners Program is a non-profit based in Nevada that offers free online English language sessions with a tutor via Zoom, Google Classroom, or FaceTime.
- Easy World of English — This is a free resource for lessons on English grammar, pronunciation, reading, and vocabulary.
- Future Learn — Future Learn offers some free and many paid English speaking, listening, writing, and reading lessons.
- Cambridge English Center —This free website designed for children offers skills exercises and tests for reading, writing, speaking, and listening to English.
- American English — This is a website managed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. that includes a massive selection of resources for speaking, writing, reading, and listening to the English language.
If online learning doesn’t work for you, that’s ok. Reach out to your local public library to learn about workshops on English vocabulary, grammar, and more for adults.
English-Learning Apps or Programs
If you’re willing to spend a little money for a fun and interactive learning experience, here are some English language apps that promise positive results:
- Mango Languages — This is an online language learning database you can use to learn English for roughly $8/month. It is available for speakers of 19 different languages.
- Duolingo — This website and app offers users a game-like approach to learning any language, including English. Users enjoy it because they can learn in small bits at a time.
- Babbel — This is a subscription-based app that is aimed getting users to a conversational level of English (or another language) as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Memrise — Is an immersive language app that offers English lessons featuring videos of native speakers so you can begin speaking like them quickly.
- EnglishMediaLab — This is an interactive learning website created for all levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners.
Tips or Exercises for Learning English
Some people aren’t interested in formal English language training. If you or your family member are in this category, don’t give up hope! There are many different ways to learn a language. Here are a few tips and exercises that can help:
- Watch English T.V. and movies — Who doesn’t love watching their favorite T.V. shows or new movies? There are two ways to improve your English skills doing this. The first is to watch them in your native language and turn on English subtitles. The other is to watch them only in English with no subtitles.
- Have conversations in English — Whether you are trying to learn the language or you want to help a family member, commit to having regular conversations in English. This practice will make the language feel more natural and comfortable over time.
- Have regular game night — Playing board games or other interactive games is something you can do to learn a language and make it fun. Consider having a regular game night that focuses on English.
- Listen to podcasts — Spend some time listening to podcasts devoted to teaching English, such as All Ears English and Luke’s English Podcast.
- Watch online videos — Many online videos can help with English language skills. One example is English Addict with Mr Duncan. Some people also pick up a lot of English language skills watching different TED Talks.
- Change your computer or cell phone coverage — If you change your computer or cell phone’s language to English, this will be an incentive to learn the language quickly.
Speak With a Bilingual San Diego Attorney Who Cares
Many people mistakenly believe that they must be fluent in English to access the U.S. justice system. This isn’t the case, particularly if you’ve been injured or discriminated against. If you think you have a case, find out how we can help.
Gomez Trial Lawyers takes pride in fighting for the rights of clients throughout the San Diego area. Please call 866-TRIAL LAW (866-874-2552) or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
FAQs
Can I improve my English fluency at home?
You can improve your English fluency at home using some simple tricks, such as listening to English broadcasts and music, changing your phone’s language to English, and keeping a regular journal in English.
How can I help someone become more fluent in English?
If you want to help someone else become more fluent in English, commit to having regular conversations with them in the language. You can also play simple games together in English,
Are U.S. citizens required to speak English?
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you are not required to speak English. In some cases, English fluency may not even be required to obtain American citizenship. However, that doesn’t mean learning the English language wouldn’t be useful.
Do I still have rights if I’m involved in an accident but am not fluent in English?
Anyone involved in an accident in the United States, regardless of whether or not they speak English, has the same rights. Specifically, you have the right to seek compensation if you were hurt due to another party’s negligence.