Learning English as a second language (ESL) is highly challenging, especially if you haven’t had the chance to interact with the language at a young age. Without a doubt, it’s true that you can write an algorithm in any language you deem fit. Typically, an algorithm is used in problem-solving and the application of logic. Therefore, using a common language should ideally make the work easier.
With that in mind, most popular programming languages use English as their base. As such, it’s almost impossible to code without learning a few basic verbs. Thankfully, we now have several ways you could easily learn English.
Comparing General Approaches
Learning English can seem fast and an impossible task, but you’ll soon get there as long as you have the right strategy and approach. That said, here are the different approaches to learning the language.
1. Hire a private teacher
One effective way of learning English for a software developer is to hire a private teacher. The beauty of having a private teacher is that you get to learn through physical classes, and the progress is calibrated to you. Unfortunately, hiring a private teacher can sometimes be quite expensive, not to mention it’s challenging to meet physically for the class or even online. It could easily inconvenience your regular work schedules.
2. Taking group classes
There are many benefits when it comes to learning English in a group. For starters, you get to learn from each other whenever one person doesn’t understand anything. More importantly, the learning process is enjoyable since you are not studying alone. Typically, in a group class, it’s easy to get lost in the shadow of your classmates. You should always find ways to ensure you are at par with the rest of the class and your voice is heard. Otherwise, you might end up lagging.
3. Self-Study
This type of approach is quite ideal for a software developer. The best part of it all is that it’s, in most cases, free and highly effective since you get to study at your own pace, anywhere in the world. As such, you can make the study timetable to fit your working schedule. Typically, most, if not all, software developers learning English as a second language use self-study as the main study mode.
Approaches to self-study
As much as self-study is an effective means to study English, it also takes an extra level of dedication to understand the language. What’s more, you’ll need to use several tools at your disposal to be successful. Some of the tools you can use include:
- Exercises: regularly exercising the skills you’ve picked up helps you master the craft. The same thing applies to learning English. Revise and understand all basic and advanced grammar as many times as possible. Every new term you learn, ensure you’ve practiced using it. Additionally, you can use resources search as Perfect English Grammar to hone your skill.
- Text Writing/rewriting (e.g., articles, blog posts, essays, etc.): rewriting is extremely useful, especially when learning new English words. Here, you will do unusual activities that will help to activate your brain and significantly improve your English.
- Listening to the podcasts (regularly, in the morning): listening to podcasts will spike your brain, and you’ll start to understand English phrases better. You can use iOS Castbox App and listen to the Economist podcast, TED Business, HBR Idea Cast, Tech Crunch, and Huston; we have a podcast.
- Practicing pronunciation through tongue twisters and songs: tongue twisters bring some fun into the learning experience. Also, tongue twisters are known to impact your learning process positively. They can also help to improve accents by using alliteration, a sound repetition technique. An excellent place to start practicing your English is by using tools such as Apple Music to sing out loud or read in Engvid.
- Vocabulary: Vocabularies are the secret source to improving your English as a second language and better honing your programming skill. To that effect, try to learn new words every day. An excellent way to discover new vocabularies is by reading books such as Word Power Make Easy by Norman Lewis and Phrasal Verbs and Idioms in Use by Oxford. You can also word-booster App to help you learn new vocabulary.
In conclusion
The above approaches are pretty effective when it comes to learning English. Take your time to pick one that suits you. Remember, patience is the key. Every slight improvement will make a massive impact on your learning process. And as you become more confident in your ability to speak and write in English, you’ll begin to see the benefits. Without a doubt, confidence is built through learning and practicing your English.
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