First, invest in a good college dictionary, (American Heritage or Webster’s Collegiate), preferable one with pronunciation and etymology (word derivations). Make a habit of looking up words you don't know or do not quite understand.
Start a "flashcard system" wherein you take index cards of the size you prefer (or a small notebook you can take with you everywhere). Watch movies or tv shows and take note of words you don't know. Assign a card (or page) to each word and write down the pronunciation and definition for each word and, finally, write two or three sentences of your own on the card. This will help you remember the word and its practical application. I find that index cards are easier as you can shuffle them around as you read them. THEN, read them in the bus, in a waiting room, on a flight, etc. and find opportunities to use your newly learned words. If you follow this method, it will surely develop your English vocabulary.
For pronunciation, take a book or newspaper and read out loud (when you're alone, in the bathroom??). As a non-native English speaker, this will help you get used to and become familiar with muscles around your mouth which you don't use while speaking your native language. If you have access to a voice recorder, record your voice and listen for areas you need to improve on. Enlist the help of English speakers who will be supportive of your endeavours. Do mouth exercises to train you to use the right muscles: for example, pronouncing the "a" vowel sound in the word "apple", "around", "Appalachia", etc. Facial stretching exercises also help (ex. make a big wide grin, pucker your mouth to a really small "o", stick out your tongue, make faces).
If you have access to a tv that has close captioning (to find out if your tv has this feature, go to your tv's menu), use it. Many American films on dvd and videotape have close captioning wherein you can display the words of the dialogue on your tv screen. You can use this to have a visual guide of the words/sentences used, how it is used and pronounced, and how they are spelled. You can listen to and repeat what you hear then rewind as you go.
Remember, the trick to developing your English is with usage. The more you use the language, the better you will be at it.
Be fearless, don't worry about grammar or pronunciation at first. Just use it and be open to correction, this is how you'll learn.
Good luck and happy learning!
2007-02-02 21:23:07
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answer #1
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answered by MamaBearKnowzz 3
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one of the easiest things to do is to watch American TV and Films, granted, some programs are better than others, but in a general "prime-time" slot, you will get a show that has very common dialog,
another way to help speaking English is by learning to read all over again, but this time with phonics, this way you learn pronunciations, with will lead to proper enunciation and diction
hope this helps!
2007-02-03 03:13:32
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answer #2
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answered by Eric D 3
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to develop your English speaking you should talk to your friends in English and also you should read a lot of English books and search the meaning of the words that you don't understand.this is a good way of improving your English
2007-02-03 04:15:05
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answer #3
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answered by noresh dude 1
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You might want to check with your local adult education center for classes on English conversation for non-native speakers. Often, you can find classes that will help you with your accent as well as correcting your grammar.
2007-02-03 03:58:31
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answer #4
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answered by sandrirocks 2
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Check www.toastmasters.org to see if there is a Toastmasters Club near you. They give you lots of opportunities to practice.
2007-02-03 04:49:32
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answer #5
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answered by Katherine W 7
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