Part 2
I have learned nine languages. I always enjoy exploring a new language. I do not fear the new language. I do not fear making mistakes or sounding awkward. I feel happy when I communicate in a new language. It is interesting to learn how another culture says things. It is an adventure to imitate a new language. I feel as if I am joining another culture, at least part of the time. If you approach your English learning as an adventure you will enjoy it. If you enjoy it you will put in the time needed to make rapid progress.
I cannot overstate the importance of attitude. Your attitude has a deciding influence on the ability of your brain to build the networks needed for improved English ability. Scientific research has shown that a person can change the networks of the brain just by force of will! You need the determination to improve. You need the willingness to take chances. Treat language learning as an adventure which will lead to great rewards. But make sure you take the time to enjoy the adventure. If you do that you will relax and make progress. It is up to you.
But a strong will and positive attitude will not be enough. You will need a lot of exposure to English. By this I do not mean lots of studying of grammar books or answering artificial questions. Even spending time in conversation with native speakers or in conversation clubs is not enough. You need to enrich your English. This takes lots of input.
You need to listen everyday. You need to read every day. You need to hear and read English content that you find interesting and that is familiar to you. This constant input is necessary to strengthen the English language networks in your brain. Most people who are studying English do not listen and read enough in English. Some spend only one to two hours a week on English. That is not enough. You need to be in touch with English at least one to two hours every day!
Nowadays, you have radio, TV, MP3 players, Minidisk players, CD players, audio-books, and the Internet. English is everywhere. Choose to listen to things that you like. Listen to things that are interesting to you. It does not matter whether you are interested in food or finance, cars or computers, hobbies or history, travel or trade, sports or science. Take the time to listen to and read in English about subjects that are meaningful to you. If the content is interesting and familiar, you will learn the language more efficiently.
