| If you are looking for a new approach to learning | | | | meanings”. Books of proverbs can be checked |
| English, study English proverbs. A proverb is a short | | | | out from the library or purchased from book stores. |
| saying used to express a well-known truth. Proverbs | | | | Learning is treasure that will follow its owner |
| are a quick way to communicate and they reveal how | | | | everywhere. Meaning: Education is something you |
| a culture has developed. The truth of a proverb is | | | | keep forever. Remember you are learning English to |
| often a truth which every culture recognizes about | | | | improve yourself and to improve your understanding of |
| human nature or the physical world. Each culture | | | | others. Perhaps you will also improve your chances |
| expresses this truth in its own unique way. By | | | | of getting a job. Education is precious and worth the |
| studying the proverbs of any language, you gain new | | | | effort you make to get it. |
| insight into both the culture and the native way of | | | | Practice makes perfect. Meaning: Doing something |
| speaking. Here is how to include proverbs in your | | | | repeatedly is the only way to get good at it. Use the |
| study of English. Each of these paragraphs starts | | | | proverb you are studying as often as you can. Look |
| with a proverb. | | | | the proverb up on the internet and see what you find. |
| A good beginning makes a good end. Meaning: If a | | | | If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride. |
| task is carefully planned, there is a better chance it will | | | | Meaning: Wishing alone is not enough, you must act. |
| be done well. Plan your effort to learn English | | | | Reading this article is a start to increasing your English |
| proverbs. I suggest learning one new proverb a | | | | vocabulary. Search the Internet. Watch the news |
| week. Jot it down on several ‘sticky notes’. | | | | broadcast in English. Go to the library. Talk with |
| Post the notes in locations where you will see them | | | | English speakers. For more ideas, check out my |
| often during your day. Think up conversations which | | | | article “Improving Your English for ESL |
| allow you to use the proverb and practice it with your | | | | Students”. |
| English-speaking friends. Ask yourself if your native | | | | When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Meaning: |
| language has a saying with a similar meaning. What | | | | You should adopt the customs of the people or |
| is different about the way the basic truth is stated? | | | | country you are visiting and behave in the same |
| The differences reveal cultural references and | | | | way. Of course, people do not use proverbs |
| influences. They give you a better insight into English | | | | constantly. Speech laden with proverbs becomes |
| culture. | | | | trite. People want to hear your own thoughts on the |
| Great oaks grow from little acorns. Meaning: Large | | | | topic of discussion. However, a well-placed proverb |
| successful operations can begin from something | | | | can bring instant understanding and displays knowledge |
| small. You can find proverbs by searching the | | | | of both the English language and culture. This helps |
| internet on “English proverbs with explanations”, | | | | both you and your listeners feel more comfortable. |
| “English proverbs”, or “English proverbs with | | | | |