How to improve English?

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

Originally Posted by chongkeat

Well, I don't know if this was mentioned previously, but a surprisingly good way is to play computer games, especially western RPGs like Diablo or Baldur's Gate. The level of English there is insane!

Won't help everybody. Some learn, some don't. Some play the game without regard for what words may mean, without regard for how you use some words, without regard for how you pronounce them. I know tons of people who can't even pronounce words that always appear in games. Try pronouncing 'Diablo'.

[chongkeat]

Try pronouncing 'Diablo'

Not trying to put my foot in my mouth or anything, but....
Dee-aa-blo.
There.

I know tons of people who can't even pronounce words that always appear in games.

Yes, I know.
The (almost) official pronunciation for Ogre Magi in DOTA is "ork meji".

Lol, are they?

Well, I guess that depends on which game you are playing. RTS games usually involve basic English, while the level in some Bioware games approach Tolkein or "Baroque mode" Neal Stephenson......

[starlemon]

Originally Posted by chongkeat

Well, I don't know if this was mentioned previously, but a surprisingly good way is to play computer games, especially western RPGs like Diablo or Baldur's Gate. The level of English there is insane!

Well.Having to say that playing games esp the PC games( i am not a pro gamer though.) can improve ur english, i second that! But the vocabulary are extremely limited for certain games involve bloody cruel scene around.Try to seach for games which are beneficial and at the same time gotta to do with improvement on language.Taking a good example like HArvest Moon.

Originally Posted by youngyew

I guess when we say "use formal english in chatting", it's more referring to the avoidance of SMS shorthands like u, thk, 29 and so on, as well as using colloquial Manglish like "aiyoh you come la later i meet you then we see". Try and write your chat messages as proper as you could, but remember to do it unpretentiously.

I am trying hard not to use those Manglish while SMS. Acustome to those maglish writing could dash you to failure while comes to essay writing.

[eve88]

In my opinion, its not really the short form in sms that affects essay writing because when you are writing a formal essay properly the "short formed" stuff will be corrected during the editing process. Its more of the grammar - like the manglish-type sentences mentioned by youngyew

That being said, I personally approach formal writing (school stuff and official matters) differently from forum/chat/sms. for one thing, i normally check/edit at least once, and usually think more about how to word what i want to say. plus, i make sure to capitalize at the correct places. =P

i suppose, the general method to improve is to keep using the language - read, write, speak.

[the last dusun]

well, theres not much i can say. About improving english, i recommend reading and listening more on anything you like that involves english(e.g watch english movie) read english newspaper such as new straits time...etc. The most important thing is that you get to mixed with people and speak real good english with them. Remember, many people think speaking is just "Speaking", actually everytime we are speaking...we are expressing our opinion and not only speaking.

[Leen]

The answers are getting really repetitive here. Unless someone comes out with a new revelation, probably it is a better idea to leave this thread as it is for now.

*sticky since improving English seems to be such a pressing issue*