5 Common Mistakes Language Learners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

A Guide For Learners in London

Learning a new language is an exciting journey, but even the most hard-working learners can face challenges along the way. There are advantages and disadvantages of trying to learn a language in a big city like London. Here are some common mistakes learners make when taking language classes in London and how you can correct them:

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Speaking: Missing the Details of Pronunciation

• Confusing Similar Sounds: London's streets are filled with the sounds of English, but some pronunciation can be tricky. Distinguish between the "th" sounds in "think" and "the," and practise minimal pairs like "pin" vs. "bin" to differentiate between "p" and "b." If you are taking language classes in London, ask your tutor to give you real-life examples of the similar sounds.
• Missing Sounds: Some sounds, like the "r" in Spanish, might not exist in your native language. Did you know that if you immerse yourself in the language, by ordering a coffee or going to a supermarket, you can naturally improve your listening and speaking skills to sound more native? You can also choose to take speaking lessons and choose topics you would like to talk about with your tutor to improve your pronunciation. You have the opportunity to find hundreds of tutors available on FindTutors giving language classes in London.
• Stress and Intonation: The rhythm and pitch of your speech can dramatically change the meaning of a sentence in many languages. For example, in Spanish, the sentences “You are eating.” and “Are you eating?” are written identically but conveyed with different tones. Pay attention to how native speakers emphasise words and phrases to understand the details in the languages. If you’re searching for “language tutors near me” or “online language classes in London”, you can easily find a language tutor to teach you the details that only native speakers know on FindTutors.

How to Correct Your Mistakes:

• Repeat after everything: Listen to native speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation and intonation. Did you know that this is how babies learn a language? By mimicking everything they hear, their brains absorb the language and turn it into a more automatic skill. This allows them to speak more fluently and with less effort. You can do the same to improve your speaking skills.
• Record yourself: Record yourself speaking and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation. Also, if you’re taking language classes in London, you can ask your tutor to give you speaking exercises.
• Use online resources: Many websites and apps offer pronunciation exercises and guides: Forvo, English Pronunciation Pod, BBC Learning English.

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Grammar: Essential Grammar for Everyday Life in London

• Subject-Verb Agreement: Daily conversations with London's friendly residents offer numerous opportunities to hear and practise correct subject-verb agreement. Remember, the verb must match the subject in number (singular or plural). "They walk the dog" is correct, but "They walks the dog" is not. If you don’t know anyone to practise languages with, you can search for “language tutors near me” and find a tutor to teach you the correct grammar and pronunciation.
• Tense Confusion: Mastering the past, present, and future tenses is crucial for clear communication. Practise distinguishing between the simple past ("I went to the park yesterday"), present perfect ("I have lived in London for 5 years"), and future tense ("I will visit Buckingham Palace tomorrow").
• Article Usage: Knowing when to use "the" and "a/an" can be tricky. Observe how Londoners use definite articles for specific things ("the book") and indefinite articles for non-specific things ("a book") to improve your accuracy.

How to Correct Your Mistakes:

• Do grammar exercises: Many language learning apps and websites offer grammar exercises and quizzes.
• Pay attention to context: Observe how articles and tenses are used in real-life situations. London is a city where you can experience different cultures and get exposed to different languages. You can go to language exchange meetups to find native people and chat with them, or you can find a native-speaker language tutor depending on the language you would like to learn.
• Ask for feedback: Don't be afraid to ask your tutor if you’re taking language classes in London or native speakers to correct your grammar.

Vocabulary: Building Your London Dictionary:

• Beware of Similar Words: Words like, "librería" in Spanish means "bookshop," while in English, "library" refers to a place with books to borrow or read. Be aware of these words looking similar to avoid misunderstandings when learning a new language.
• Mastering Phrases: For example, English is full of natural-sounding word combinations like "make a mistake" or "have a conversation." You can learn and practise these phrases to make your English sound more fluent in London. Additionally, if you're looking for "language tutors near me" you can ask them to provide you with a list of common phrases native speakers use and teach you how to use them effectively.
• Adapting To Situations: The level of formality in your language should vary depending on the situation. Knowing when to use formal language, like in a job interview, and when to use informal language, like with friends, is important for navigating London's various social settings.

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How to Study:

• Flashcard apps: Use apps like Anki or Memrise to learn and practise vocabulary.
• Read books and articles: Immerse yourself in the language you would like to learn by reading materials relevant to your interests.
• Watch films and TV shows: Pay attention to how vocabulary is used in everyday contexts.

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Additional Tips on How to Make Language Learning Easier:

• Don't Over-rely on Translation Apps: While translation apps can be helpful tools, they often produce inaccurate or unnatural translations. Relying nothing but on them can prevent you from engaging in the actual language.
• Embrace the Learning Process: Making mistakes is a natural part of language learning. Don't be afraid to speak up and practise in London. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Feeling nervous about talking to a native speaker? No problem! On FindTutors, you can search for "language tutors near me" or "online language classes in London" to find a tutor who can help you improve your speaking skills through dedicated practise sessions.
• Immerse Yourself in the Language: London offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in English outside the classroom. Listen to English music on the tube, watch English movies at the cinema, and read English books and newspapers. If your target language is not English, London offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in your chosen language outside the private classes. Listen to music, watch movies, and read books and newspapers in your target language. The more you surround yourself with the language, the faster you'll learn.