Posted by
sk76
18 yrs ago
Hi,
I know there have been many threads on learning Cantonese/Mandarin, but I have a friend who lives in my building and although he speaks a little English he would like to learn how to speak/read & write (just the basics).
He has asked me to help and while I would love to, I can't.
Just wondered if there were any cheap ways he could learn. He won't be able to afford to pay $$$'s for private lessons.
Are there any cheap lessons offered by the government or something similar???
Thanks for your replies in advance;)
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It sounds silly but watching movies and tv shows in English (start with kid's ones) is a budget way to learn. After a little while he should start covering the subtitles. Forces learning.
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Its not silly at all, my mother learned english purely by watching dodgy english programs like young and the restless on TVB pearl in the 70's and 80's and she became totally fluent that way
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He can improve his speaking skills by regularly conversing with someone. Practice hastens the learning. I agree that watching English shows will help improve his listening skills.
There are also printable worksheets online even for beginners if he is keen to learn grammar on his own. I believe the website of British Council has some. Reading newspapers daily or any material he finds interesting will make learning much more enjoyable, just keep a dictionary handy.
Or he can join a group of non-native English speakers and practice in a relaxed atmosphere--English in Action www.esuhk.org
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sk76
18 yrs ago
Thanks guys, passed on ur comments & he will be joining the group mentioned by Annebin.
I checked the above website for him and although good, he can't really use it as though he speaks, he can't read or write so is too advanced for him. Really needs something more basic.
Great helpful advise though!
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