Introduction
When I was in elementary school, I started learning English. In your country, English at the elementary level may be available, but that was not the case in my homeland. Afghanistan, a war-torn country, has always faced challenges in providing education to children.
Despite the difficulties, I embarked on my journey of learning English at a young age.
My Early Days of Learning English
When I first started learning the English alphabet, I asked my teacher:
“What is English?”
He explained that it was a language, but as a child, I couldn’t fully grasp what that meant.
Over time, I developed a deep passion for the language. I actively sought out more learning opportunities, enrolling in various courses to improve my skills.
Azrakhsh Educational Center: A Turning Point
One of the most impactful courses I took was at Azrakhsh Educational Center, a well-known English learning institute at the time. The course lasted for a year, requiring:
- 6 days a week
- 2 hours per day
- Approximately 700 hours of study in a year
I was dedicated to mastering the language and consistently ranked first in my classes.
Moving to Turkey: Learning in an English Environment
In 2013, I moved to Turkey to pursue my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Fortunately, the language of instruction was English, which gave me further exposure and practice.
However, I believe my English truly improved when I started reading books.
The Power of Reading in Learning English
Reading completely changed my life. I firmly believe that:
“You truly learn a language when you start thinking in that language.”
Why Reading Matters
- Reading enhances your ability to think in English, rather than just translating from your native language.
- It helps in understanding complex concepts and developing critical thinking skills in English.
- It expands vocabulary and improves comprehension naturally.
Why Learning English is Important
Mastering English opened doors for me that would have been inaccessible otherwise.
- Access to Knowledge: English provides access to vast amounts of information, books, research, and resources that may not be available in your native language.
- Global Opportunities: Whether in education, business, or travel, knowing English creates countless opportunities.
How to Learn English: A Practical Framework
1. Find Your Purpose
To successfully learn a language, you need a strong motivation behind it. Ask yourself:
- Do you want to travel the world?
- Do you plan to move to an English-speaking country?
- Do you want to become a teacher or improve your career prospects?
Having a clear goal will keep you motivated.
2. Leverage the Power of the Internet
The internet is one of the most powerful tools for learning English. You can use it to:
- Watch English videos and movies with subtitles.
- Listen to podcasts in English.
- Find online friends to practice speaking with.
3. Use Online Learning Platforms
There are numerous platforms to help you improve your English skills. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Busuu
- Duolingo
- Babbel
(I’ll share their links in the description section of this video.)
4. Practice Speaking English Regularly
To truly master English, speaking practice is crucial. Here are some ways to practice:
- Record videos of yourself speaking about your favorite topics and post them on social media.
- Join language exchange communities where you can talk to both native and non-native speakers.
- Don’t fear making mistakes! Every mistake is a step toward improvement.
Final Thoughts
These are some of my personal experiences and tips on learning English.
“It may be difficult in the beginning, but over time, everything becomes easier.”
If you’re serious about learning English, take action today. Start reading, practicing, and using the internet as a tool for growth.
