Improving my language skills

Cecilie · February 07, 2011, 07:44:04 PM

Hi guys. So I was thinking that I want to improve my language skills (not particularly English). However, I'm unsure of how to do this. I've often noticed that I found it hard to express and present my opinions as I want to. This is the reason why I usually don't engage in the more serious discussions that are on here. It's not that I don't have an opinion on the subject, but rather that I'm not sure how to formulate it. How would I approach something like this? Advice much appreciated. :-)

LegendarySandwich · February 07, 2011, 08:05:53 PM

Well...practice makes perfect.

One way to practice is to roleplay.

fester30 · February 07, 2011, 08:53:23 PM

The best advice I can offer is look at my posts... and then find a way to say all that in about 1/4 of the words. I'm terrible with that. Oh yeah, and every writing class you'll ever take has one code word that all the teachers LOVE to drive painfully into your head... transition.

LegendarySandwich · February 07, 2011, 09:02:31 PM

Quote from: "fester30"The best advice I can offer is look at my posts... and then find a way to say all that in about 1/4 of the words. I'm terrible with that. Oh yeah, and every writing class you'll ever take has one code word that all the teachers LOVE to drive painfully into your head... transition.

Ha, I have the exact opposite problem -- I have trouble writing much. Usually the most I can type on a subject is two or three paragraphs before I run out of things to say.

fester30 · February 08, 2011, 02:15:19 AM

Ha. Well the solution to that problem (if you can really call it one) is to know as much about your subject as humanly possible. Do your research. The reason I started to learn as much as I could about as many different subjects as I could is I've always had a bit of stagefright when speaking in public. The more I know about my topic, the less nervous and prone i am to shaking like I do when I mow the lawn.

terranus · February 08, 2011, 05:08:23 AM

Eh, it's not an exact science. I usually just post what first pops into my head, then re-read over it and delete and add stuff. If the stuff that pops into my head is wrong, then I'm sure someone will correct me on it - which I don't have a problem with. Communication is a system which flows in 2 directions...you can't expect to communicate something and not receive feedback on it.

So my advice to you is - try your best to communicate what you are trying to say, even if it involves rudimentary words, loud grunts, or pictures. You can't get better without trying. Trust me, I'm outclassed in communicating ideas by a lot of people here. But I don't let that intimidate me, and you shouldn't either. Take it as a learning experience.

Lost · February 28, 2011, 04:13:12 PM

I am in the same boat

It seems I have a great commentary running in my head, but I find it quite difficult sometimes to write it down. I think just working at it will make it better. Post anyway. Do as previous posters noted, and just type out what immediately pops in to your head, then research and edit.

fester30 · February 28, 2011, 05:21:28 PM

I often have garbage in my head, and have to turn it into something. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

YaarghMatey487 · March 11, 2011, 07:23:37 AM

My answer to any problem ever= flashcards.

But seriously... if you are looking to expand your vocabulary those "a word a day" calendars are pretty cool Also, reading more "difficult" fiction is a good way to expand your vocabulary. If you don't understand a word, highlight it, mark it, look it up and make a list of the words you want to learn. GRE/SAT study cards are a good way to pick up new words as well.

Asmodean · March 11, 2011, 11:24:45 AM

Using the language is a good way to get good at it. Speaking to native speakers, reading books and the like.

The more you use it, the better you get at it. The best I can say, really.

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Improving my language skills