Put Your English to Use in “The City” June 17, 2014

Practicing what you learn, as soon as you learn it, is the only guaranteed method for truly incorporating your English studies into your daily life. This means that regardless of your current level and abilities as a student, you can improve and learn faster by actually using the language.

It doesn’t really matter how you use it. Whether you watch an English language movie, read a book, navigate the city, order food, talk with natives, or something in between, challenging yourself to use English and overcome the initial shock and shyness of using a second language is a must. And because you are lucky enough to be studying English in one of the largest, most diverse, culturally rich cities in the world, the learning experience can be much easier and rewarding.

Where to Practice

For example, all it takes for a beginner student to explore the city is some basic vocabulary and numbers. Pick a safe area and try to figure out street numbers, bus routes, and so on. Take it a step further by asking people for directions to see how well you would do in a real-life situation.

More advanced students can use what they learn to interact with people. They can seek out employment, try to make friends online or even talk to people in bars, clubs, or other cultural events. Speaking of cultural events, if you have the inclination and are open to trying new things, you can even practice your English by joining an amateur theatre company, an improvisation class, or a poetry class.

If you are confident enough and your skill level is somewhere between intermediate and advanced, you can try your hand at some dating sites or go to a singles bar. While flirting might require a larger vocabulary, what better motivation can anyone have than possibly finding a significant other?

If you’re not that into group activities or socializing, you can still apply what you learn by exploring the city by yourself. Treat yourself to a great meal or several local fast food spots. Try to identify each item on the menu, figuring out what it’s made from and how to ask to change the order if you don’t like an ingredient.

Shopping at the supermarket is another fantastic way to increase your vocabulary with some very useful words. Basics like what to say at the checkout or asking what aisle a specific food is in are extremely important in the long run. When shopping, try to spice things up by going to specialty food stores like natural/organic grocery stores, international markets, and farmers markets.

Another interesting way to practice English and experience New York City at the same time is by studying the city and its rich history. When passing by historical buildings, take a moment to stop and read the information presented near monuments, statues, or on plaques. You can follow up on what you read by doing research on how the historical events or people changed the city’s history.