I can't speak English. Help?

Question

I've been in the United States for six years, but for some reason I still can't speak English. My sentences always come out overwhelmingly butchered (sometimes the subject pops up in the middle of nowhere), and I keep having to repeat myself before I can be understood. It's not that I don't get the grammar--because I do (at least, I think I know my grammar when I'm writing), but yeah.

This is becoming not only embarrassing (people who came here later than I did speak better English than I do and I'm often thought to be a recent immigrant), but also inconvenient. I'm only eighteen. Is there any practical way to improve my English? I think my pronunciation isn't bad, and having an accent doesn't really bother me as long as I'm understood, so I guess my question is: How can I start speaking English with acceptable grammar? Just for the record, my speech impediment has resulted in not enough close friends to practice with.

Answer 1

Well, you seem to be perfectly capable of writing english, try speaking like that - and just think before you speak, it might make you look slow for a bit but speed comes with practice.

Answer 2

At your local Library you should be able to find books on Oral Language Skills. Take these home and practice reading to yourself in the mirror. That's right. With practice reading questions and their answers you will do better. Just by reading your question I'd say your off to a great start. Some times we can be our own worst enemy (if you know what I mean) Don't be too hard on yourself. Most people go through life only knowing 1 language. Your already doing 2 at your age. Be proud of what you have accomplished and if you can't practice conversing with friends the mirror will be of help. Good luck!

Answer 3

Australia would have signed a UN treaty obligating the country to take some refugees or asylum seekers. in keeping with possibility politicians attempt to win the votes of ethnic communities via permitting them to into the country. in keeping with possibility they are on your us of a illegally. you're being paid via the hour, top? So if your retail keep isn't busy, take time and clarify that expenditures are never negotiated. That creates no economic loss for you. Or, if their carry close of our language is undesirable, basically say "i'm sorry, i do no longer understand you" and then grant no further reaction. Immigrants ought to be inspired to talk their foreign places languages to their very own toddlers, so those little ones would be multilingual (an fairly helpful ability). however the government ought to make English fluency a call for for any residency.

Answer 4

your english writing is damn good,i don't think i could do as good as you.my husband always told me to start writing good english but i don't have time for that when you have a little girl and husband. because before we married my husband and i used to write each other but since we married i hardly write anything.but everybody my family and my friend always told me that i speak good english.i confinced myself that my english was improved. the only think you can do just keep practicing specially with people surround you,family or friend or even somebody that you met at the shop or else.but if you use your languge at home that will be difficult because i found myself like that.everytime i met up with some friends and i used my language(indonesia or java) when back at home then talk to ny husband its always bleberis i mean my husband won't even understand any word that i say. so practice and good luck

Answer 5

I would ask your parents a, teacher or a friend for help. Or look in a dictionary to start learning the spelling, meaning, and pronunciation of the words your having trouble with. OR get a person who teaches immigrants English

Answer 6

this is kind of sad but if you watch american shows and just listen to them it will help you out a ton. they may not use absolutely perfect grammar on television but neither do many people in the united states when they are talking. i know when i was trying to learn to speak spanish i watched a lot of hispanic television. it helped me because i could actually hear the way they were putting sentences together instead of just reading about how to do it. just dont stress yourself out about it. you seem to be doing just fine with your writing . speaking a different language is always harder than writing.

Answer 7

Your written English is good. Like most peoplehave mentioned already, talk like you write. Maybe you are rushing your speech. Practice reading out loud. Check out the local library, sometimes they have volunteers to help people like you.

Answer 8

Hey , you can write English damn good . The way that I know is keep try speaking to person in English . I really believe you can speak English well if you try this method . Thats it , my friend , and good luck .

Answer 9

Try to find adult education classes for English as a second language or find a speech/language therapist.

Answer 10

you are writing well.... get some books,magazines anyhting with print and read it over and over outloud for practice, Practice slow, normal and fast.

look on the internet for english language learner books.