You're Not Bad at English – You Just Haven't Taken the Plunge

Does this strike you as odd?

From secondary school through to university, we've studied English for almost a decade. We've bought countless vocabulary books, and we can recite grammar rules forwards and backwards, but why is it that when we encounter a native speaker, our minds go blank, and we stumble even over a simple "How are you?"?

We've all fallen victim to a huge misconception, believing that learning English is like revising for a history exam – memorise the textbook, and you'll get good grades.

But today, I want to tell you a harsh yet liberating truth: learning English has never been about 'studying'; it's about 'learning to swim'.

You'll Never Learn to Swim by Standing on the Shore

Imagine you want to learn to swim.

You buy every book on swimming available, studying every stroke of the freestyle and breaststroke. You can even recite the formula for water buoyancy from memory. You become an expert in swimming theory.

Then you're pushed into the water. What happens?

You'll just flail about, swallowing mouthfuls of water, and then discover that all the knowledge you've acquired is utterly useless in the water.

This is precisely our predicament with English. We are all 'swimming theorists' standing on the shore. We've spent countless hours 'studying' English, yet rarely truly 'jump in' to use it.

Those who are fluent in English aren't necessarily smarter or more talented than you. They simply share one common trait: they jumped in long ago, and they're not afraid to swallow some water.

They understand that language isn't a subject to be 'memorised', but a skill to be 'communicated' with. Like swimming or riding a bike, the only secret is – get in and use it.

How to Go from the 'Shore' to the 'Water'

Changing your mindset is the first step, but what's next? You need a clear action plan to 'push' yourself off the shore and into the water.

1. First, Aim to 'Float'; Then, Perfect Your 'Stroke'

No one masters an Olympic-standard stroke the first time they get into the water. Everyone first learns how not to sink.

It's the same with speaking English. Forget about perfect grammar and advanced vocabulary. Your only goal right now is: to be understood.

It's fine to use simple words, broken sentences, or even incorporate body language. The essence of communication is conveying a message, not winning a grammar competition. When you stop obsessing over 'speaking correctly' and instead focus on 'speaking clearly', you'll find that opening your mouth isn't so difficult after all.

2. Find Your 'Swimming Pool'

You don't need to move abroad to find an English-speaking environment. Today, your phone is your best swimming pool.

The key is to transform English from a 'subject to be studied' into a 'part of daily life'.

• Swap your favourite Chinese playlist for English pop songs.
• For the TV series you watch, try turning off Chinese subtitles and turning on English ones.
• Change your phone's system language to English.

All these actions help create a micro 'English environment'.

If you want something more direct, find a tool that allows you to 'immerse yourself'. In the past, finding a language partner willing to practise with you was difficult, but now technology has made everything easier. Chat apps like Intent allow you to connect directly with native speakers worldwide. Their built-in AI real-time translation acts like your personal coach, gently nudging you when you're stuck for words or struggling to express yourself, helping you 'swim' along smoothly.

The crucial thing is to create an environment where you have to speak English.

3. Get Used to 'Swallowing Water'

When learning to swim, it's impossible not to swallow water. When learning English, it's impossible not to make mistakes.

Treat every mistake as 'swallowing a mouthful of water'. You might feel a bit choked or embarrassed, but it also means you're learning to adapt to the water. True experts aren't those who never make mistakes, but those who can quickly adjust after making one and keep going.

Next time you make a mistake, don't get disheartened. Just laugh it off and tell yourself, 'Right, I've learned something new.' Then, keep speaking.

Stop Studying, Start Doing

Stop being a theorist on the shore.

You already possess enough 'swimming knowledge' (vocabulary, grammar). Now, the only thing you lack is the courage to jump in.

The language learning curve is never a smooth, straight line. It's more like flailing in the water, sometimes making progress, sometimes swallowing water, but as long as you don't climb out, you'll eventually be able to swim freely and comfortably to the other side.

So, from today, forget about 'learning' English and start 'using' it.

The water's not that cold, really.