How to Learn English for Work

In the United States, knowing the English language is important for most jobs.

Most jobs in the United States, and some jobs in other countries, require knowing the English language, or at least some select phrases and vocabulary words for work. Just like learning any new language, practice really does make perfect. Remember, you don't need to learn the entire language right away. Just by learning a few words you can build your language skills for the workplace and start practicing English right away. Once you choose which approach to learning English is best for your situation, you'll be on your way to mastering the language for work.

Things You'll Need

• Internet

Instructions

1. 

   Online language programs allow learners to learn at their own pace.

   Use an online-based language learner. Web-based language teaching systems like the popular Rosetta Stone allow users to not only learn English at their own pace, but users can speak to native English speakers over web-based chat rooms the company has. For example, after practicing basic sentence structure and grammar skills, a user can practice speaking English by having conversations with an English speaker over a video chat. This works particularly well for those learning English for work because the conversation can be structured to practice particular vocabulary and phrases that you'd use most in a work setting. Other web-based sites like TellMeMore.com allow users to buy a day-pass. The fee allows users to practice their English skills using the program for just one day at a time. There are also free online language learning sites like livemocha.com.

2. 

   Practicing English in a small group can work best.

   Learn in low anxiety situations. According to Larry Ferlazzo, the author of "English Language Learners: Teaching Strategies That Work," the best way to learn English for second language learners is to practice speaking in small groups. The author says one way to do this is to speak about your life in a casual setting with other people. Ferlazzo says you'll start to share common experiences with the group, and in return you will become more comfortable speaking the English language with others. At work, this can be done by getting a morning cup of coffee or going out to lunch with your coworkers. Engage your coworkers in conversation about how their week is going or how their family is doing.

3. 

   The more you read and listen to English, the better your language skills will become.

   Read and listen to English language media. A free way to learn English for work is to read books and borrow English language movies from your local library, or watch English language television. Subscribe to magazines and newspapers to help strengthen your English skills. Plus, according to the New York Times, reading the newspaper is a great way to learn more about the American culture, which can be useful in the workplace.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the University of Michigan's Romance Language and Literature department, one of the best ways to learn new vocabulary words in a foreign language is to keep repeating, reading or writing the word over and over until it becomes second nature.

• Acquiring a new language can be a difficult process, especially if you are on a specific time frame, needing to learn it quickly for a new or future job. However, don't get frustrated. It's important to keep practicing the language even if you make mistakes because the best way to learn any language is to constantly speak and listen to it.

References

• The New York Times: English Language Learners: Teaching Strategies That Work
• The New York Times: The Web Way to Learn a Language
• University of Michigan: How to Learn a Foreign Language

Resources

• U.S. Department of State: Office of English Language Programs