When we first start learning something new, the process can seem daunting and even intimidating. This is true for learning English, as well as for many other tasks, whether it’s mastering a foreign culture or trying to appreciate 1971 half dollar value. Similar to numismatics, where each coin reveals its history through details and peculiarities, learning English becomes fun if you know some of the nuances and are willing to weave not only standard techniques but also your interests and hobbies into the learning process.
Don’t you know that hobbies are both a way to relax, as well as a powerful tool for learning? Studies show that over 70% of people absorb new information more easily when it is connected to something they really enjoy. So today we would like to discuss in more detail how to make the most of your hobbies so that you can enjoy both the process and the productive learning of a foreign language.
Why Hobbies are Useful for Language Learning
Emotional connection
When you are passionate about something, whether it’s photography, sports or collecting, your brain works at full capacity, memorizing details faster and more efficiently. This is due to what is known as “emotional memory”: we’re better at remembering things that trigger our emotions. For example, if you collect coins, you will easily remember the word “mint” or “circulation” because it is directly related to your interest.
Practical use of language
When a hobby requires the use of a foreign language, you unwittingly start practicing: reading instructions, watching videos, participating in forums. This makes the learning process natural. For example, if you like to cook, study recipes in English – this way you will quickly master words like “ingredients” and “bake”.
Example: A 2018 study found that people who learn a language through hands-on activities (like watching recipes) learn 40% more words than those who only use textbooks.
Motivation
Hobbies add an element of challenge and reward to the learning process. Each new term you master becomes your personal achievement. For example, if you are passionate about gardening, learning the names of plants and garden tools in English will both improve your vocabulary and also help you easily understand foreign articles and videos about landscaping.
How to Learn English Through Hobbies: Detailed Tips
Reading and Learning Terminology
Reading is one of the most effective ways to expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of the language. It is important that the materials you choose are directly related to your hobby. For example, if you are interested in gardening, start with books and articles in English about growing plants where you will encounter words like “prune” or “germinate”.
Where do you start? Start with texts adapted for beginners, such as the “How-to” sections on specialized websites such as Gardening Know How or DIY Network. Then gradually move on to more sophisticated sources, including magazine articles or scientific studies. But when reading, it’s also important to work with vocabulary: keep a notebook to record new words and expressions and write down not only the translation but also examples of usage. For example:
- Propagate — to multiply plants. I learned how to propagate succulents by cutting their leaves and letting them dry for a week.
Lifehack: Use deep reading techniques. Read the text, highlight unfamiliar words, find their meaning, and then retell the content in your own words.
Watching Content in English
Modern platforms give you access to a wealth of videos, movies, and podcasts related to your hobbies. If you’re into photography, for example, start watching YouTube tutorials where professionals share image processing techniques and camera settings. Pay attention to terms like “aperture” or “shutter speed”.
Keep the following nuances in mind to make it easier for you:
- Use subtitles. Start with English subtitles to develop your listening skills. Over time, try turning them off to practice listening.
- Choose content that suits your language level. If your level is beginner, watch short instructional videos. For more advanced ones, watch hour-long lectures or interviews with experts.
- Take notes: make a thematic glossary. For example, include in your glossary such terms as “depth of field” or “exposure compensation”.
Communicating with Other Amateurs
Practicing spoken English is one of the best ways to learn a language. You can find like-minded people through forums, social networks or specialized communities. So, if you are into yoga, for example, join international groups on Facebook or Reddit where members discuss poses, breathing techniques, or share their progress.
For example, in international communities, participants often share experiences and use terminology that you can immediately apply in your own speech. For instance, when discussing a workout, you might learn that “asana” is a yoga pose, and “pranayama” is a breathing technique.
English through Coin Collecting
Why are coins the perfect hobby for language learning? Coin collecting helps you learn English through specialized vocabulary and historical contexts, e.g.,you will learn terms such as “proof coins”, “bullion coins”, “edge”, “die” and so on. In addition, learning inscriptions such as “E Pluribus Unum” or “In God We Trust” will expand your vocabulary.
In addition to vocabulary, you will also deepen your knowledge of history due to studying the events and details shown on the coins. For example, U.S. State Quarters tell the story of each U.S. state, and British Empire coins often illustrate royal anniversaries or historic battles.
And here you should also remember the key strategies. First of all, translate inscriptions and terms. Start with popular coin inscriptions and terms from catalogs such as the Standard Catalog of World Coins or Red Book. At the same time remember to watch video reviews. A YouTube search can help you hear the correct pronunciation of terms and learn more about rare coins.
And finally, use some apps. Due to apps like Coin ID Scanner users can quickly get access to descriptions and features of coins in English, down to nuances such as current market value, which will be useful both for learning about the coin itself and for adding to your vocabulary.
Principles of Effective English Learning through Hobbies
- Set realistic goals. Setting achievable goals makes the learning process more structured. For example, instead of an abstract goal to “improve your English,” decide to memorize 10 terms related to your hobby in a week.
- Regularity is the key to success. Regularity is much more important than the length of a single lesson. Even 15-30 minutes a day will do better than hours-long lessons once a week. For example, make it a habit to read an article in English in the morning or watch a short video on your hobby before bed.
- Use modern technology. Modern apps make learning a lot easier. So, you can use apps to memorize words (like Anki or Quizlet) or automatic translators with a voice function to practice pronunciation.
- Do not be afraid to make mistakes, as they are a natural part of the process. Instead of avoiding communication or learning difficult topics, see mistakes as a chance to learn something new. For example, if you mispronounce a term or use it in an inappropriate context, the correction will be remembered better than any lesson.
Success Guaranteed
Learning English through a hobby is an effective and exciting way to expand your horizons. Due to applying the language in the context of something you enjoy, you will be able to make learning a lively and motivating process. The key point here is not to be afraid to try new things and keep moving forward, as every step in learning Englishis a new pool of opportunities for you.
