How to Learn English by Yourself from Scratch: 12 Simple and Effective Steps

Have you ever dreamed of speaking English fluently and confidently? Do you want to communicate with people from different countries and cultures, access a wealth of information and entertainment, and boost your career prospects? If you answered yes, then you are not alone. English is the most widely spoken and learned language in the world, and millions of people want to master it. However, learning a new language is not easy, especially if you don’t have access to formal education or native speakers. But don’t worry, it is possible to learn English by yourself from scratch, as long as you have the right attitude, motivation, and resources. In this article, I will show you how to learn English from scratch in 12 simple and effective steps that you can follow at your own pace and convenience.

1. Set Yourself Up for Success:

The first step to learning English from scratch is to have an objective. Why do you want to learn English? What are your specific goals and expectations? How much time and effort are you willing to invest in your learning? Having a clear and realistic objective will help you stay focused, motivated, and accountable. It will also help you measure your progress and adjust your strategies accordingly. According to a study by Oxford University, setting goals can increase your chances of success by 10 times. Therefore, you should write down your objective and review it regularly.

2. Understand the English language: 

Before you start learning English, you need to know what you are dealing with. English is a complex and diverse language that has many rules, exceptions, and variations. You should learn the basic structure, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation of English, as well as the different accents, dialects, and registers. You can use textbooks, online courses, videos, podcasts, or other resources to get a solid foundation of English.

3. Learn the basics: 

Once you have a general idea of English, you should start learning the basics, such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, days of the week, months of the year, and common phrases. also use words related to everyday life, like greetings, food, and daily activities. You can memorize and practice the basics using flashcards, quizzes, games, or other interactive tools. or even sticky notes to keep them fresh in your mind. Try to learn something new every day and review what you have learned regularly.

4. Widen your vocabulary: 

Vocabulary is the key to communication in any language. The more words you know, the more ideas you can express, and the more people you can understand. You should aim to learn new words every day and review the ones you already know. You can use dictionaries, thesauruses, word lists, or other resources to expand your vocabulary.  Start with the most common words, phrases, and grammar rules of English. Don’t get bogged down by complex grammar rules. Learn everyday phrases and expressions intuitively, just like kids do.

5. Read anything in English: 

Reading is one of the best ways to improve your English skills. It exposes you to different styles, genres, topics, and contexts of English, and helps you develop your comprehension, grammar, and writing skills. You should read anything that interests you, such as books, articles, blogs, news, or social media. You can also use graded readers, which are books that are adapted to your level of English.

6. Download English apps: 

Apps are a convenient and fun way to learn English on the go. Many English apps can help you practice your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as your grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Some popular English apps are Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, Busuu, and Rosetta Stone.

7. Study online:  

Don’t underestimate the power of online resources!  The internet is a vast and rich source of English learning materials. You can find online courses, tutorials, exercises, tests, and communities that cater to your needs and preferences. You can also watch English videos with subtitles, and then gradually move on to watching them without subtitles., listen to English podcasts, or join English forums to immerse yourself in the language and culture.

Listen to native speakers and mimic their sounds. Shadow audio recordings (repeating what you hear), and don’t be afraid to sound a bit silly – practice makes perfect!

8. Enroll in an ESL: 

class. If you want a more structured and personalized approach to learning English, you can enroll in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class. ESL classes are offered by many schools, colleges, universities, or language centers, and are designed to help non-native speakers of English improve their skills in a supportive and interactive environment. You can choose between online or offline classes, group or individual classes, and different levels of proficiency.

9. Personalize your learning: 

Learning English is not a one-size-fits-all process. You should adapt your learning to your own style, pace, and preferences. You can use different methods, techniques, or materials that suit your needs and interests. For example, you can use mnemonics, songs, movies, or games to memorize and practice English, or even sing karaoke in English. You can also use your hobbies, work, or travel experiences to learn English in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Turn your learning into fun!

10. Communicate in English: 

Don’t just listen and read. Speak! The ultimate goal of learning English is to communicate with others.Boost your speaking, listening, reading, and writing by finding a language exchange partner. It’s a fun way to practice! conversation clubs, or tutors who can help you practice your English in a real-life context. You can also use social media, email, or chat to communicate with English speakers around the world. Choose topics you’re passionate about and explore them in English. Learning becomes more meaningful when it connects to your interests.

11. Practice the language: 

Learning English requires practice, patience, and persistence. To improve your English, aim for daily practice. Read articles, listen to podcasts, write short entries, or find someone to converse with. You can also use spaced repetition, which is a technique that involves reviewing the same material at increasing intervals of time.

12. Be Patient and Consistent: 

Learning a language takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Stay consistent with your practice, even if it’s just for short periods each day, and reward Yourself, celebrate your milestones, no matter how small. Track your progress and acknowledge your achievements. This will keep you motivated and excited about learning. Finally, you should integrate English into your daily life, and make it a habit.

Final Thoughts

Learning English by yourself from scratch is not impossible, but it requires dedication, discipline, and determination. By following the 12 steps outlined in this article, you can learn English fast and easily, and enjoy the process. You can also use the resources and tools mentioned in this article to enhance your learning experience and outcomes. Remember, learning a new language is a lifelong journey, not a destination. So, don’t give up, keep practicing, and have fun. You will soon discover the amazing benefits and opportunities that English can offer you. As Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

Remember, conquering English is a journey, not a race. Be patient, be consistent, and most importantly, have fun! The world of English awaits your exploration, so set sail and enjoy the adventure!

I hope these tips and resources will help you to learn English by yourself from scratch. Good luck!dditional tip: Don’t forget to treat yourself! Celebrate your milestones with a delicious English muffin or a cup of Earl Grey tea. Every step, big or small, deserves a reward!