How to keep yourself motivated whilst learning a second language

Innumerable people all around the globe are juggling to learn and master a second language. However, keeping ourselves motivated whilst learning is a herculean task.

A person when gets out there...deals with real life situations and tries his/ her utmost to articulate thoughts into words, it gets challenging. There are times when he/she falters and garbles. The continuity is stalled due to inarticulate expressions. This frustrates them; they feel intimidated and stop learning. The very thought of becoming a laughing stock for others act as a deterrence to the learning process.

Please don't let the dominant cries of the naysayers stop you. Keep on learning and a time will finally arrive, when you'll be able to speak effortlessly.

Try tying the language learning process to your interest in other realms...

If you are the one who likes to be on the move most of the day, load your iPod with vocab enriched podcasts...

If you get inspired by music, practice listening to songs with discernible lyrics in the language you aspire to master.

If you like to dig in politics, read headlines in your target language.

Watch films and TV shows with subtitles and read them aloud...It's going to be of great help...

Celebrate your goofy mistakes and remember that challenges are what make life meaningful.

Each time you commit a mistake that gets you closer to your goal of developing fluency and garnering confidence...

Some students believe that they aren't smart enough, and their enthusiasm for learning the language is dampened...

Please realize that language learning goof ups don't really mean that one is dumb...

These are learning curves, surmounting which will ensure that you wield the language in a better fashion in the future...learn from them and set a winning trail and master your target language.

Good luck!

Is it better to learn a language in a class or on your own?

With many people out there struggling to learn a second language every day, there are obviously a lot of programs and products that cater to them. As most people embark on their language-learning journey, this very question comes to mind: Should I learn a language solo or find a tutor/formal education option?

As varied as the approaches are the learners; some tending to be well-suited to learn solo and some requiring more of a class room setting. Knowing what type of learner you are helps greatly.

Are you a solo learner?

If you are naturally curious, driven, sufficiently motivated, and love to figure things out on your own, then perhaps studying at your own pace would be the road for you to take. Self-study has many benefits as well as drawbacks; each one uniquely helpful or detrimental given the attitude of the learner.

Studying alone is better for people who value being able to:

• Study at your own pace
• Use whatever materials you want
• Learn what interests you
• Flexibility - no schedule to adhere to or classes to attend

However, there are definitely good teachers out there in the language community.

Tutor/Formal study is better for those who:

• Have a hard time staying self-motivated
• Like structure and the additional interaction with classmates and instructors
• Want correction and help with difficult things and would prefer not to spend time looking up answers someone else already knows
• Isn't necessarily trying to learn the language as fast as possible and perhaps enjoys the journey as well as the end result.
• A lot of people who learn on their own don't necessarily want to bask in the fun of learning a language; they just want to learn the language as fast as possible.

Conclusion

Another thing that may play into your decision could be what your end goal is. If your end goal is to simply be able to speak a few sentences on a trip to Columbia, it may not be worth the extra money and time commitment a formal education program would require.

However, if you're goal is to someday become a foreign language teacher yourself, you may want to get into the classroom groove in your own studies; a degree is also required to actually teach foreign languages as a professional educator.

Or perhaps, you are motivated to learn another language because you married a foreigner. Whatever your reason, additional languages only enrich your lives, regardless of how you learn them.

Source: Internet

Adversities are welcome!!!

Do you know the CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerbarg bought WhatsApp for$ 19billion in cash and stock as the world's largest social network fetches ways to boost its popularity and win over the younger crowd by creating a monopoly for messaging?            

           

The main founder and owner Jan Koum (CEO) and Brian Acton hail from a very humble background. Koum made a living by selling food stamps. His home had no electricity and the family struggled to make ends meet. Koum even took up cleaning jobs at grocery stores while his mom used to baby sit. His world was caught in the whirlwind, when his mother was diagnosed with cancer. After her death it took him time to recoup and bounce back. Koum was always an inquisitive child and by the age of 18 he learned computer networking all by himself with the aid of manuals from a used book store. He enrolled at the San Jose State University and started working at Ernst & Young as a security tester. It was here he developed affair for high end computer technologies and honed up his acumen. Koum then took up a job at YAHOO and met Brian Acton there. They immediately hit off...Their ambitions, way of life, values and vision were a lot similar. Koum was a couple of times shunned for his work at YAHOO. He was quite perturbed as he wasn't free, bound with the shackles of " JOB" ....After a lot of contemplation they left Yahoo in 2007...Koum and Acton then set out to travel places to unwind. It was then when their savings were depleting they realized that they need to start up something. Kaum bought an I_ phone and then created the hassle free instant messaging service that would work wonders across the globe. This way he established WhatsApp.

It was to get people across the globe to network on a single platform effortlessly.

By 2011 WhatsApp found a place among the 20 apps in the US apps store. It has no marketer or PR person yet it is creating an emotional connection with customers. Koum believes in focusing on simplicity, listening to customers and keep on iterating if you fail.

So many experienced stalwarts harbor the thought that adversities are welcome!!! The way Koum rose to the pinnacle after learning to take all vicissitudes in his stride and converting them into success proves this point.

Adversities are basically spring boards...When you jump on it, you sink but then....zooommmm.....you spring back and are ensconced safely at the acme. The wise person always wears a smile on his/her face in the face of adversity...difficult but achievable. Life throws a lot of challenges for the big dreamers...the indefatigable revolutionaries. The strong person emerges as the winner.

The founder of Amazon.com Jeff Bezos once stated “I knew that if I failed I wouldn't regret that but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.

So guys, we all are dreamers holding a vision for our lives. It may seem a far-fetched dream but if we do not stumble in the wake of adversities, but continue forging ahead, we will make it........

Top 10 Personality Development Tips

Personality of a person is defined as the amalgamation of qualities and attributes which contribute to the person’s character and image. It arises from within and makes us who we are. The personality of an individual is determined and judged by his/her appearance, behavior, attitude, education, values and some more varying characteristics.

Personality Development

Personality development is the process of developing a set of characteristics and traits which contribute to the overall personality of a person. Personality development is often confused with enhancing your dressing sense or just gaining proficiency over English language. A person who dresses well and speaks fluent English isn’t necessarily supposed to have a good personality. Personality development is an all-round development.

Tips for Personality Development

Personality development cannot happen in a day. It happens over time. There are multiple characteristics which need to be worked on while developing one’s personality. Here are some tips for enhancing the typical characteristics and attributes which add to an individual’s overall personality:

1. Be Confident:

Confidence is certainly the most important factor which adds to the personality of any individual. A person’s confidence might go down due to mistakes, failure, guilty or any other thing which is undesirable. Some people often develop inferiority complex due to their physical appearance, caste, financial status etc.  Such people perceive confidence as their weakness, while the truth is that confidence is an individual’s biggest strength.

 Your confidence reflects your character, attitude and passion.  You should be confident about who you are and whatever you do. Being confident will help you to express yourself and stand amongst the crowd.

2. Improve Your Communication Skills:

 The way you speak reflects who you are. Be polite and gentle with your words. Use decent words while interacting with everyone.  Always think before you speak. English being globally accepted is preferred everywhere. So work on your English proficiency by listening to English news, reading English newspapers and magazines. Always use simple words general interactions.

3. Dress Up Well:

Dressing sense means the general sense about how you should dress up for office, party or any other occasion.  A person should therefore wear according to the situation and according to how well the attire suits him/her. Good looks no doubt will add to your personality but what matters the most is how you are dressed up. Even a 5’4 guy with a dark complexion can have a good personality if he knows how to carry himself.  Dressing sense thus plays a major role in personality and confidence development.

4. Do what you’re Passionate about and Be Passionate About What You Do:

Always follow your passion and do what interests you. This will not only help you to grow as a person but will also add to your confidence. Be passionate about your work. Make sure that you give your best in whatever you do. This will add to your growth and strengthen your self-confidence. NEVER miss a chance to prove yourself.

5. Watch Your Body Language:

Body language plays an important role to judge a person’s confidence and personality.  Try to make use of positive gestures while interacting with others. This shows that you’re at ease while having a discussion. Studies reflect that 75% of our communication happens non-verbally. Your gestures thus play a vital role while interacting with others.

6. Improve Your Social Skills:

Man is a social animal. Every individual has to interact with a group of people one time or the other. Being shy or introvert is the least desirable characteristics in any individual. Always stay updated with the current affairs and what is happening in your society. Try participating in group discussions and seminars. This will help you to be more open and adjust amongst a group of individuals.

7. Develop Leadership Qualities:

A good leader is believed to have a good personality. Leadership skills do not mean how well you give orders to your subordinates. It means how well you can manage your subordinates to accomplish a particular task. Work harder to set an example to your subordinates. Express yourself and always do as you say.

8. Be Optimistic:

Have a positive outlook towards everything. Nobody wants to be around a person who is negative and complaining all the time. Nobody wants to work or live with a pessimist. When you face a failure, let go of the assumption that you’re the unluckiest person alive. Use positive statements like “I can do it”, “I always have a choice” etc. Expect good things from the future.

9. Be a Patient Listener:

Be an enthusiastic listener. Listening is a very essential part of communication. This will help you to see things from the eyes of others. Mental presence is a must to be good listener. Try to get away from any possible distraction while talking to your family members, friends and co-workers. Ask questions to let the other person know that you were listening to him/her.

10. Be a Good Learner:

Good learning skills in an individual are highly desirable. You should always have the zeal to learn new things while at work. This reflects your enthusiasm. Don’t let yourself repeat the same mistakes. Learn from them.

Here’s a famous quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself”

Common Mistakes and Confusing Words in English

Let's face it, English can be confusing. A lot of words are similar but with different meanings, as a result it is almost impossible to avoid making mistakes in English, but if you can get your head around these explanations, you might be able to avoid making these ones or at least recognize them when you see them.

accept vs except | accessary vs accessory | advice vs advise

affect vs effect | a lot/alot/allot

all ready vs already | all right vs alright | allude vs elude | alone vs lonely

altogether vs all together | ambivalent vs indifferent

any vs some | any one vs anyone

apart vs a part | around vs round | assume vs know vs think

astrology vs astronomy | at vs in

bald vs bold | been vs gone | beside vs besides

bold vs bald | bored vs boring | borrow vs lend

bought vs brought | by vs until

capital vs capitol | captivate vs capture

career vs carrier vs courier | certain vs curtain

check vs control | close vs closed | close vs shut

collage vs college | come over vs overcome

complement vs compliment

concentrate vs concentrated | confuse vs confess | council vs counsel

councillor vs counsellor | curious vs interesting | curtain vs certain

data vs datum | decent vs descent | decision vs division

defrost vs melt | desperate vs disparate | destroy vs destruct

discreet vs discrete | division vs decision | do or make

don't have to vs mustn't | dose vs doze | downside vs underside

draught vs drought | dress up vs get dressed | driving test vs test drive

drought vs draught

effect vs affect | e.g. or i.e. | -er vs -re | either or vs neither nor

either vs as well / too

enquire vs inquire | enquiry vs inquiry

every day vs everyday | except vs accept | except vs expect | excited vs exciting

expand vs expend | expect vs except | experience vs experience(s) | extra vs surplus

fewer vs less | for vs since (time) | full stop vs period | get dressed vs dress up

good vs well | going out vs outgoing | gone vs been

hard vs hardly | hear vs listen | heroin vs heroine | he's vs his

holiday vs the weekend | homework vs housework

hope vs wish | "How do you do?" vs "How are you?"

I vs me | improve vs improvise

inquire vs enquire | inquiry vs enquiry

interested vs interesting | interesting vs curious

know vs assume vs think | know vs now

later vs latter | lay vs lie | lay down vs lie down | leaped vs leapt

learn vs teach | less vs fewer | live vs stay

look after vs look for | look at vs watch

look forward(s) vs look forward to

look over vs overlook | loose vs lose

massage vs message | me vs I | me vs my | moan vs mourn

moral vs morale | most vs the most | most vs mostly | mourn vs moan | my vs me

neither | nor vs or | now vs know

ointment | ornament | or vs nor

outgoing vs going out | outgoings vs outgoing

overlook vs look over | overrun vs run over | overtake vs takeover / take over

of course vs off course | pass away vs pass out | period vs full stop

personal vs personnel | practice vs practise

precede vs proceed | principal vs principle

proceed vs precede | probably vs properly

quiet vs quite

raise/rise | -re vs -er | regard vs regardless vs regards | remainder vs reminder

remember vs remind | replay vs reply | round vs around | run over vs overrun

said vs told | say vs talk | say vs tell | scared vs scary

see vs watch | shortage vs shortness | shut vs close

so vs such | some vs any | some time vs sometime vs sometimes

sooth vs soothe | stationary vs stationery | stay vs live | stick vs sticker | strange vs stranger

stuff vs things | surplus vs extra

take care vs take care of | takeover / take over vs overtake

talk vs say | teach vs learn

tell vs say | than vs then | that / which / who

then vs than | think vs assume vs know

told vs said | to/too/two | there/their/they're | things vs stuff

trainer vs trainee | travel/trip/voyage/journey

us vs we | used to vs used to do

wander vs wonder | warn vs worn | watch vs look at

watch vs see | we vs us | what vs which

wish vs hope | who vs which vs that

who vs whom | wrong vs wrongly

Happy Learning!

Feel free to contact me for any help in improving your English! Cell: +91 8530411977
http://eezeeenglishzone.blogspot.in/

A magnetic Personality

By Ranjana S.

A magnetic Personality….attracts adulation…accolades…..acknowledgement         

A charismatic person climbs the social and success ladder with aplomb….

Personality plays a pivotal, vital role in our lives. It determines how the world perceives us. A good personality ensures that we firmly establish ourselves in our society and become indispensable individuals in the lives of our family and loved ones. There are many factors which contribute towards creating an impressive and enviable personality.

First let us know what personality is all about:

Personality is the behavior you display towards your family, friends, loved ones and to the world at large. Personality encompasses behavior, feelings and thoughts that you cultivate. If your conduct is amiable to your family, friends, coterie and the world as a whole you are considered to be a person who possesses a great personality.

How do I cultivate an exceptional charismatic personality?

Confidence:

This trait is a hallmark of a good personality. A person with low self esteem is confined in a shell and is unable to express his/her potential to the fullest.
You have to believe that you are the best version of yourself. You are born in this world to accomplish your own individual mission. Each one of you is unique and specially crafted by the universe. Yes, you might have your own set of weaknesses..but, always remember you are blessed with myriad strengths too…take pride in your strengths and do not be obsessed with your weaknesses. You have to pick each weakness at a time and work on it with a positive mind to convert it into a positive trait. Feel empowered at all times. You are the creator of your own life. This feeling will instill immeasurable confidence in you. Conduct your affairs with full confidence in yourself.

Good Listener:

You have heard it right. Always lend your ears to what your colleagues friends family have to say. If we listen to others’ opinions intently we learn a lot and then people will respect your views when you have to say something.

Positive Outlook:

Cultivating a positive attitude is an exercise which one has to indulge in on a daily basis. It seems to be an herculean task but is not impossible. We all are stuck many a times dealing and resolving the different vicissitudes life showers on us. During a crisis we tend to lose hope, however, if we persistently have good thoughts for ourselves and for others we see everything in the right spirit. If we are positive, we exude abundant energy and not only we but everybody around us is enveloped in that refreshing, revitalizing energy propelling to do something constructive.

Be a Learner always:

 The adage says it all…Learning never comes to an end. Normally as we grow up, we develop a mindset that now we can’t learn as we are aging. But, the fact is we should never stop learning. Irrespective of our age our minds are like sponge which can absorb any knowledge very comfortably. A person who has this insatiable quench for learning always progresses because due to the knowledge he/she possesses he/she is less likely to commit mistakes.

Indomitable ethics, values and character:

 We say it’s a bad world, people have become self centered, dishonest, characterless, and unethical. All are forging head only to amass money and are unabashedly engaged in the ostentatious display of the money earned unethically. What can we do?? To keep pace with the world we have to follow suit. If we display ethical behavior we will be a laughing stock for others. Folks!!! Always remember the world always comes a full circle…people of the country are exasperated with the corruption and unethical behavior of our politicians, government officials and other beauracats. If each one of us polish our character and display ethical behavior at all times we will be looked  in reverence by our loved ones friends and also will cast an indelible mark in our career. Such a conduct adds jewels to our personality.

Know yourself:

Each day shut yourself from the world for fifteen minutes and introspect your thoughts and feelings. In this quietude your soul will ask you questions about who you are. You should be able to answer those questions. You should know what you want from life. All great people who have carved a niche in their respective careers know themselves in and out. So know yourself well.

Be helpful:

It gives immense pleasure when you can be a help to someone. Being altruistic is a trait of all great achievers. Whenever we can help people it gives purpose to our lives and embellishes our personality. However, ensure that it should be extended in such a way that the self respect of the person receiving it is not hurt.

Accept your mistakes:

We all are humans so it is quite inevitable that we commit errors. We should readily accept them and rectify them. We all aspire to grow in life, apart from displaying perseverance, dexterity in work, and smart work, we should try our utmost to not let mistakes hamper our growth. We should be proactive enough to learn from them and forge ahead.

Respect others and value their thinking:

Great people always value and respect others’ views. We always should be aware not to let success get in the head, and disrespect others. People who love and respect others are always liked a lot.
Improve your communication skills:
The way you speak reflects your personality. Everybody likes to be with an amiable person. Be polite and gentle while communicating. As we all are aware that English is the business language globally, so make sure you are proficient in the language. Be an avid reader of books, magazines and newspapers. Attend communication classes on a regular basis to hone up your communication prowess.