Why don’t we understand when they speak to us in English?

There are many reasons why we have a hard time understanding English when we hear it. One of the main ones is pronunciation. English speakers pronounce words differently than we do when we haven’t had much practice yet. We also often lack vocabulary. And with grammar, of course, we have to feel relatively comfortable in order to understand what they are saying to us.

Tips to improve your understanding of spoken English:

• Listen to English everywhere:
  • Surround yourself with English: Listen to music, podcasts, news and series in English.
  • Vary your accents: Expose yourself to different accents to get used to the diversity of the language.
  • Use subtitles: At first, you can use subtitles in your language to help you understand better. Over time, try watching without them.

• Practice pronunciation:
  • Repeat out loud: Listen to words and phrases and repeat them several times to improve your pronunciation.
  • Record yourself: Compare yourself with native speakers to identify your areas of improvement.
  • Use online tools: There are many apps and websites that offer pronunciation exercises.
• Expand your vocabulary:
  • Learn vocabulary in context: Associate new words with situations and examples.
  • Use flashcards or apps: Create cards with new words and review them regularly.
  • Read in English: Reading will help you become familiar with new words and expressions.

• Study grammar:
  • Understand the basic rules: Learn all the tenses, modal verbs and sentence structure.
  • Practice with exercises: Solve grammar exercises to consolidate your knowledge.
• Speak with English speakers:
  • Find a language partner: Practice with someone who is a native speaker or is learning English and has a good level.
  • Join “Speaking” groups at English schools: Find groups online or at your school in person where you can practice spoken English.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes:
  • Mistakes are part of learning: Don’t worry about making mistakes, the most important thing is to practice and improve.
  • Ask for clarification: If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask.

Remember: The key to improving your understanding of spoken English is constant practice. The more you expose your ear to English, the easier it will be to understand it. Keep practicing!

Can we help you?

The language school, your ally!

At ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE we know that learning a new language can be a challenge, but also a very rewarding experience. That’s why we offer you a wide variety of courses and programs adapted to your needs and goals.

Personalized classes: If you prefer more individualized learning, our personalized classes will allow you to progress at your own pace and resolve all your doubts. If you already have a good level of the language, you can opt for maintenance classes or if you are just looking to improve your pronunciation and fluency, another option would be a speaking course.

Group courses: If you are looking for a more dynamic environment and want to learn a language with other people with the same interests as you, our group courses are perfect for you.

Language trips: Combine the useful with the fun! Our language trips will allow you to practice the language in a real environment and discover incredible places.

Are you ready to take the leap?

This new year, don’t settle for the same old resolutions. Add a touch of adventure and learn a new language! At ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE we will help you achieve your goals. Contact us and start your new language adventure!

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