Speaking at least some English fluently is taken for granted today. However, acquiring this ability is not so easy for everyone. Few people really learn how to speak at school, so they end up having to do it on their own. For those who don\’t want to spend a fortune on a language course, here are a few tips to help you improve your language skills and even enjoy learning more.

1. Don\’t be afraid of modern technology

Long gone are the days when learning meant sitting and reading textbooks for hours. This is especially true when it comes to language learning! Many people want to master several languages, and the Internet is full of practical learning aids. Videos are a great and fun way to gain knowledge and practice listening. You can find truly educational ones that teach grammar and vocabulary in an easy-to-understand way, or you can find authors who create interesting content in the language you want.
Another useful gadget is mobile apps. There are everything from dictionaries to practice apps, chat apps, and games. The biggest advantage of this way of using the app is that you can have your phone with you at all times, so you can focus on the language, e.g. when you are waiting at the bus stop.

2. Use what you like

Do you like watching movies and TV shows? Excellent! One of the most effective tools for really understanding a language is movies and TV shows. Not only do you learn how to listen to different accents, but you also get to see the language in action, including phrases and informal expressions that you don\’t often read about in textbooks. Ideally, you should start with Czech subtitles and try to listen to as many as possible. Once you feel you are making progress, you can start using subtitles in foreign languages. If you want to get even better results, try writing down words you didn\’t understand or that caught your attention.
If you have trouble staring at a screen and would rather read a good book, there is no harm in reading something written in a foreign language. At least at first, choose simplified or children\’s books and keep a dictionary handy. It is a good idea to underline words you do not understand. Also, pay attention to pronunciation when reading. If you are playing the text in your head, try to pronounce it correctly anyway, or read it aloud yourself.

3. Communicate

You may feel a little shy at first, but with practice you will be able to have a real dialogue. For example, commit to speaking only in that language for one hour a day with friends and family. Surround yourself with your chosen language as much as possible and actually use it. A slightly more difficult but very effective means is to communicate directly with native speakers. Thanks to the Internet and social networks, you can do this from the comfort of your own home.