Is the English Language Hard to Learn? 4 Tips for ESL Learners to Master the English Language

English is among the most challenging languages to learn. Due to its complex grammatical rules, myriad idioms, and the fact most rules in the English language have exceptions, it can be pretty confusing for non-native speakers to learn. 

On top of that, there are different dialects in the southern United States, the northern United States, Australia, and Britain. Even Canadians use slightly different words to describe the same things Americans do. 

So is English a hard language to learn? It can be. But with some help, anybody can learn to speak English as a second language (or third or fourth). Here are some tips to help you overcome your difficulties and start speaking English like a native in no time!

Is English A Hard Language To Learn?

Is English a complex language to learn? sure. Is it impossible? Not at all. Learning the language and all its nuances takes time, patience, and dedication.

You may even have an advantage if your native language is French or German, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, or another Germanic language that shares similar characteristics.

But regardless of your primary language or how much experience you have speaking English, these tips can help you master the complex parts.

1. Memorize The Exceptions To The Rules

English is a counter-intuitive language for non-native speakers in many ways. For example, a rule states, “I before e except after c.”

In reality, there are many exceptions to this rule. You will want to memorize the following words:

• Neighbor
• Freight
• Heifer
• Feisty
• Leisure
• Foreign
• ETC.

The truth is many rules act more as guidelines, so don’t be hard on yourself if you make a few mistakes. 

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

It’s essential to speak the language since the pronunciation of certain words can significantly affect their meaning: Even if you are simply talking to yourself, reading a book out loud or recording yourself and comparing your pronunciation to native speakers can be immensely helpful.

Read articles or books in English. Keep up with the news cycle—a lot is going on now in America! Listen to American, British, or Australian music.

Watch movies in English, even if you first have to read the subtitles.

3.  Don’t Be Afraid To Converse With A Native Speaker

It could be so nerve-racking to converse with someone in another language when you haven’t done it before that you can forget certain words even if you knew them. It’s okay to make mistakes, especially if you tell them you are still learning. Most people will likely correct you and try to help you: This might be embarrassing, but you can learn a lot, and—more often than not—they genuinely want to see you succeed!

4. Practice Confidence, Self-Acceptance, And Self-Forgiveness

Learning a new language is immensely difficult. It takes a lot of time to master the English language, and even native speakers are often confused about spelling and pronunciation sometimes.

It’s imperative to maintain a positive attitude, accept yourself unconditionally instead of defining yourself by how much progress you make, and forgive yourself for a few blunders here and there—we all fumble sometimes.

Learning English as a Second Language

English may be one of the trickier languages to learn, but anybody can learn to speak confidently given enough time and practice. 

The best way to learn a new language is to spend time with a native speaker. All LanguageBird courses are taught by instructors who are native speakers of the target language. Lessons are customized around each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and specific areas of interest. Contact us today to learn more about our courses for credit, private tutoring, or conversational lessons today!