A few minutes a day of studying can make a difference! So before you stop trying to learn English, here are some of the things you can do so that it doesn’t feel like you’re studying:
1. Label things around the house.
Label objects around the house with their Australian terms.
Some examples of objects you can label include chewie [gum], esky [cooler], loo [toilet] and Manchester [household lines and sheets].
You can also write down common Australian expressions you want to remember on sticky notes and place them on things that you use often, such as a mirror or the fridge. For example, you can write down some common ways to say hello in Australia such as, 'How's it going?' and 'G'day, mate!'
2. Use a word or expression that you have learned and repeat it throughout day.
The best way to remember words and phrases is to repeat them.
Choose at least a word or a phrase that you have learned and use it throughout the day when you talk with others. It may sound a bit funny to keep on repeating them, but it will help you in remembering.
Also try to use Australian slang words everyday such as 'ta' [thanks], 'breakkie' [breakfast] and 'arvo' [afternoon].
Read news headlines in English. Source: Getty/Jamie Grill
3. Read news headlines in English.
Reading is important when you’re learning English. It helps you better understand how and in what situations words are used. For example, when to use 'on', 'in' and 'at' can be confusing when you're learning English. Do you say 'I'm in home' or 'I'm at home'? Even people who know the language get confused about things like these too!
If you take 20 minutes a day to read, you'll be reading a total of 60 hours a year and learning at least 1.8 million words! How awesome, right?
4. Read billboards and signs while on the road.
Test your English skills while on the road by reading signs and billboards you see.
It's a great way of keeping busy if you're stuck in traffic and it's a great way to test how quickly you can read in English!
You can read these signs quietly while on public transport or you can read them out loud when you’re in the car. You can even make a game out of it if you're with other people.
5. Listen to podcasts while travelling.
Whether you’re on your way to work or headed elsewhere, listen to English podcasts.
One English podcast that can give you a lot of useful words and phrases is the .
SBS Learn English will help ease you into the English language and Australian culture. We make learning English convenient, fun and practical.
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