Hi,
At the outset let me tell you that the problem you have shared, is quite commonly encountered by many people.
To learn any language you have to first
understand the rules of grammar of that language. This will enable you to think, speak and express yourself correctly in that language. To be an expert you will have to expand your vocabulary and keep learning new words, phrases, idioms, proverbs etc. So initially you must focus on the grammar and this may take some time. The English language has many exceptions to the normal rules of language which makes it complex. The good part about English is that unlike many other languages all inanimate (non-living) things are neutral gender so you do not have to by heart the gender of various inanimate objects.
It is essential also to remember that for anything you do in life, a clear goal /vision, adequate motivation / enthusiasm, hard work / discipline and the ability to take risks/ challenges are critical attributes. What you also require are the key attributes called 'discipline' and 'enthusiasm' with which you can achieve anything you want.
Your enthusiasm is the reason you wrote in to us. The next test is to
be disciplined and follow the suggestions given here.
1.
My first suggestion is to read ALOUD as much as possible matter from English books/ magazines / newspapers. Pretend you are a news reader and attempt to read a news broadcast. A standard daily English Newspaper and the Readers Digest have very good reading material. If possible record your voice and listen to it to know the areas the sounds, words and alphabets that give you trouble and on which you need to work. If possible read aloud to a friend who can give you his/ her feedback based on which you can work on improving your pronunciation as well as articulation.
2. The mother tongue influence is a problem for many considering that very few of us are native English speakers. To reduce that,
make more English speaking friends and make a determined effort to speak only in English, even if you keep forgetting words, or tend to stammer or your friends tend to laugh at you. This will require a lot of will power but believe me you will soon improve. If someone corrects your pronunciation dont take offense, instead be grateful that he/ she is helping you correct yourself.
3. I would also suggest you try to
learn at least 3 -5 new words each day and look up the meaning in a dictionary. Then try and use these words in your daily work and in your communication to improve your vocabulary. Find synonyms for words that give you trouble and use the synonyms where ever possible.
4. You must also
try and write at least a page (or 300 words) everyday. You can maintain a dairy of your daily happenings or write on varied topics or write a letter to the editor about a social issue or even attempt film review. If you can share what you write with someone who has strong English language skills and who is willing to correct what you write, take the effort and get your writing corrected. Writing will strengthen your thinking skills, your ability to express coherently and logically and most of all enable you to identify the mistakes you make.
5. If you still feel that professional help is needed then you will have to
attend English speaking classes
6. Finally, if you can, do visit my blogs listed below regularly and try to learn the new words in it and also be inspired by it. Try to read the blog content aloud and you can be sure it will be worthwhile since the blogs have a good response from the readers.
www.actspot.wordpress.com
Best Wishes