How do i practice English if I'm already US born 26 years living here in US?

Question

I suck at english because i for some reason, even though i was exposed to english in school and everything, it never entered my brain . Plus i didn't use it cause i am generally non talkative and don't talk to no one, and it's not like i'm good at my mothers language either. Spanish, in fact i know LESS spanish than english. I feel like a failure cause i'm about the only American who doesn't know english. So what to do? Can i take a class? It would seem odd, since i even went to University using english and graduated, But I'm an odd person.. i'm not good at speaking for some reason. I'm learning idioms from a book now, but i have no american friends and i'm not good at making friends. So any advice?

Answer 1

Write diaries. Or blogs.

Or try playing MMOGs. They help.

Answer 2

I had a friend that worked with kids and he told me that these kids had begun to pick up American English from always watching American T.V. Also now that we are in 2006 and computer technology is all around. You can get any kind of educational tool possible. Every thing, almost, is on a C.D. Plus you are in a good time period in our American History. About 40 years ago, people only spoke English, there was no tolerance for other languages much.

Answer 3

I'm not sure what you mean, because your English on this question is incredible. Much much better than my ESL students. I'm worried that perhaps English isn't your problem at all, and that maybe you have a psychological problem that is causing you to perceive your language differently from how it really is. Have you considered getting an evaluation by a psychologist or other mental-health professional?

Of course you can sign up for an ESL class whenever you want, but I think you'll have a hard time finding one that fits your high level.

Answer 4

Here is what I learned to do in recent years.
When a stranger asks me a question I raise my arms with an I dont understand look. I do not even open my mouth. Since I was born in this country and people still ask where am I from, I say born here, then they continue to say yeh but where are you from. The real question is your skin is brown where do you come from.
So I just remain stupid. They want to make me a foreigner in my home grown country let it be. I speak slowly and with an accent it appears. Now I act deaf. I am of italian decent, and I get this all the time, all my life (40+ now). Just go about your own direction in life.
Good luck

Answer 5

It sounds like your problem has less to do with your language skills than just needing more confidence in making conversation in social situations. It's hard to speak any language if you're nervous (I know!) or self-critical.

Maybe you'd benefit from taking a class or workshop in acting, public speaking or even creative writing, the idea being that you'd be using language to express yourself in a fun, creative way and you'd also be meeting people, maybe making friends there, and hopefully gaining more confidence and ease with words.

In any case, your English seems fine. Good luck!

Answer 6

you must have some kind of hobby or something you enjoy doing, so try joining a group related to that near where you live.

Alternatively, go to a bar and strike up conversations with whoever will talk to you. If they're slightly intoxicated, their inhibitions should be lowered and they should be more willing to talk to you and potentially correct your grammar as you go along. Buy them another drink and see where the conversation goes. Just be friendly and be yourself.

Answer 7

Ingles sin Barreras

Answer 8

that is really hard maybe you can try listening to conversations othat should help and I suggest you try to make some friends try with people learning too.