For migrants arriving in Australia who don’t speak the language, they can face many challenges because of this. It’s therefore vital that new migrants learn at least the basics of English as quickly as possible, so they can more easily assimilate and thrive in a new country.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some tips and options for migrants to learn to speak English once they arrive on our shores to start a new life.
Spend Time With People Who Speak English
Hanging out with people who speak English is one of the fastest ways for non-English speaking people to start picking up on the language. The advantage of being around people who are speaking English is migrants can read body language and facial expressions as the people around them are indulging in conversation. These other cues make it a little easier to associate certain words and phrases with moods and so on.
Find a Bilingual Friend
If a migrant can find a friend who speaks their mother tongue as well as good English, this can be a massive help with learning the local language. The friend will readily be able to translate conversations as well as teach English, at least to a fair degree. Chances are the migrant will soon start to pick up on the basics of English conversation and become more and more confident asking things like simple, everyday questions, along with greetings and the basics of polite responses.
If enough time is spent in the company of the bilingual friend, the potential to learn English fairly fluently is also there.
Watch a Lot of TVs
Many people manage to learn a new language by watching TV, movies and DVDs. The more English-speaking programs a new migrant watches, the more they’ll start to pick up on the language. Programs and movies with subtitles – either in English or their language – can also be beneficial to the learning process.
Watching loads of TV is not always something that’s recommended in normal life, but it’s a very useful tool when it comes to language learning, and certainly, an option that should be utilised.
Take Advantage of AMEP (Adult Migrant English Program)
The Adult Migrant English Program is designed to help new migrants learn the English language in a relatively short space of time. While the focus of AMEP is on learning so assimilating in Australian culture is easier, the course is still very flexible and takes into account each individual’s personal circumstances.
With the AMEP program, migrants receive up to 510 hours of English language classes. The importance of language learning focuses on enabling participants the ability to find work in Australia and to settle into the Australian way of life as soon as possible.
AMEP is often provided to migrants through a Jobactive provider, a Federal Government initiative.
Enrol In English Language Schools
All throughout Australia, there are English language schools, specifically designed to teach visitors, students and migrants how to read and speak English fluently. Every major metropolitan area will have an English school located somewhere nearby. There is no shortage of them in this country.
When a migrant joins an English language school, they’ll meet other like-minded people from all over the world. Students will be able to help each other learn and study, as well as make new friends in the process.
There are also options to join private language groups, where people can assist each other in learning outside of the classroom.
Download a Language App
There are numerous apps online that teach people languages, and the good news is, many of them are free to download and use. With an app, a student can learn English at any time of the day or night, whether at home, travelling on a bus, sitting in the park and many other places.
An app can also be used as an additional training tool when a migrant is going through the AMEP program or studying at an English language school. Language apps are definitely a great addition for anyone wanting to learn English.
In Conclusion
While it can be challenging to learn a new language, it’s important that new migrants do take the necessary steps to grasp English and work towards fluency to enjoy a more fulfilling life in Australia.