English is the international language. Millions of people around the world are trying to learn this language for diverse purposes, like communication, occupation, higher studies, career improvement, etc. The English language is one of the most robust languages out there. It is enriched with tons of words to learn and use. Whether someone is a student, a journalist, or even a poet, having strong knowledge of English vocabulary will help him/her to excel in the application of the English language in real life. The benefits seem to be endless and there are a good many ways to improve the vocabulary. Let’s look at some of them.
What are the benefits of learning English vocabulary
The most obvious importance of learning vocabulary is to achieve better fluency in writing and speaking. A vocabulary is basically an assortment of words that are used regularly. These are words that a person reverts to over and over again. So naturally, having a strong vocabulary enhances the colloquial range that allows a person to describe something in a better way through both writing and speaking.
Furthermore, the application of diverse vocabulary brings better poise in sentences. And, the versatility of words helps the writer or speaker to avoid the repetitive nature. Every writer aims to achieve a specific skill known as “painting with words”. It is just a fancy way of saying someone who can write meaningful and deep lines.
The meaning of a specific word may vary depending on its application and context. As a person keeps learning vocabulary, the ultimate test comes in the form of using the words correctly. When the learner has precise knowledge about the different forms – such as verb, adverb, adjective, noun, etc., – of a specific word, s/he will be able to use the word in a correct way.
Combining the learning and application, a person can stand out from the rest with their English skills.
Ways to improve English vocabulary
Get into the reading habit
The best way to learn new words is through reading. The more a person reads, the more s/he will encounter new words which will enrich the vocabulary. Finding an uncommon or interesting word in a newspaper or novel can be far more engaging than reading a list of vocabulary. Simple memorization will eventually become boring for long-term learning. Compared to that, reading books, newspapers, journals, etc is not only enjoyable but learning becomes a passive process too. Try to incorporate meaning as well as contextual learning for the best outcome.
Use dictionary and thesaurus
Gone are the days of having to carry huge dictionaries and thesaurus to learn vocabulary. Nowadays it is possible to access any dictionary and thesaurus through the internet with a few taps. Dictionaries and thesaurus are not meant to be the primary vocab learning source. Rather they are designed to complement and brush up on the learning process. They are also a great source of learning root words, antonym synonyms, and applications. This will help to increase the vocabulary further.
Playing word games
Almost every English daily of Bangladesh has a crossword puzzle in their entertainment section. In addition to that, playing word games like Scrabble and Boogle will help to make the vocabulary learning process a fun one.
People of any age can try to solve the newspaper crosswords and check for the solution the next day. This is a fun way to learn new words. Thus, learners can stay motivated to expand their vocabulary and take it as a challenge.
Using Flashcards
Flashcards are a great way to initiate learning on the go. With digitization, there is no need for traditional flashcards. Several apps do a great job of flashcards. The eager learners can easily download one of these free apps and start learning vocabulary on the go. It is better to take things slowly at first and take in a few words every day. This will help the learners to ensure sustained learning.
Make the habit of application
There is no point in learning without practical application. And the best way to apply new vocabulary is through conversation and writing. With more and more application scenarios, a person will develop better confidence and the hesitancy surrounding the language application will be gone. Granted there will be mistakes at first, but trial and error will better consolidate the outcome and ultimately bring perfection.
Make notes
Another great way of learning vocabulary is by maintaining a journal. While reading or conversing, there are chances of coming across new words. Make a note of them in a journal. Review these new words regularly and cross-check their usage with thesaurus or dictionary. Jotting down words will better ingrain the words in the learner’s mind.
There are lots of websites and apps that allow the users to create and maintain diaries, or blogs, free of cost. Anyone can maintain a virtual diary of the newly learned vocabulary.
Watch people
Watching people talk is another great way to learn new words. Every person has a different style of speaking combined with colloquial tones. This makes for a great way to learn vocabulary as different people use different words and expressions to describe a similar thing. Watching people speak is a good passive way of understanding the expressive nature of a word and use it similarly.
Youtube is an endless source of English learning resources. Besides attaining the free vocabulary learning classes on YouTube, the learners’ can watch dramas, movies, and web series with subtitles to learn new words. Those who live in an English-speaking country should start talking to native speakers. In addition to that, learners can make small groups for practicing vocabulary through speaking English.
Visualize the words
Another fun but effective way to learn vocabulary is to attach an image to the new words. The human brain can perceive images better than numbers and texts. So rather than just memorizing a bunch of words, it is better to learn through visual aids. It is already mentioned that learning vocabulary is a heavily application-dependent process. The visual aids will help to apply the words in a similar situation which in turn will help to better hone the learning.
Keep Testing the Learning
As much as the application of the new vocabs is important, it is also important to use them correctly. As a result, always test the learnings to determine the lacking or any mistake. This will not only help the learning to keep in check but also assure the correct use of the words.
Free Resources to Learn English
Below are some of the best sites to increase and practice English vocabulary. All of these resources are completely free to use and some of them even come with additional English skills development resources. Check them out.
Thought CO
ESL Fast
Exam English
English Interactive
Rosetta Stone
Vocabulix
Using English
Source: United News of Bangladesh