Have you ever noticed how the English language looks quite different on the Internet, especially on social media? When people write on social media platforms, they tend to use phrases and abbreviations that you won’t normally find in books. However, learning the English language that is used on the internet is good way to help you learn how to speak English fluently.
Using the Internet to Learn How to Speak English Fluently
If you are trying to learn how to speak English fluently what you see online can definitely be confusing. Places on the Internet such as comment sections on popular websites, and online English forums might use English in ways that seem new and even incorrect. This is because talking on the Internet often involves the use of slang and is not what you will encounter when talking to someone in person, or even in emails. The English language on the Internet is far more casual.
Do not worry! To help you keep up, we are going to share a series of blog posts that will help you understand slang terms that you are likely to encounter online.
English Language Commonly Used on the Internet
If you want to communicate better in English online, there are some terms that you should know that have been around for a long time. These are terms that you will not come across when you are learning English, or hear when you are having English conversations.
Here is a short list of the most commonly found internet abbreviations:
Fyi – for your information
G2g – got to go
Lol – laughing out loud
Idk – I don’t know
Idc – I don’t care
Brb – be right back
Lmk – let me know
Omw – on my way
Btw – by the way
Ftw – for the win
Asap – as soon as possible
Tc – take care
Ty – thank you
Tbh – to be honest
Imo – in my opinion
Irl – in real life
Now let us take a closer look at some of the most popular and famous slang terms that were created by the Internet, for the Internet.
Hashtag (#)
Hashtags make it easier to search for content on websites, blogs, and social media platforms. Originally this system of tagging was only used on Twitter, but now it has expanded to all forms of social media. The Hashtag acts as a filter, so you can see the content you’re interested in.. For example, if you search for #Music on Twitter or Facebook, you will be able to see what others are writing about music.
DM (Direct Message)
DM is an abbreviation for ‘Direct Message.’ Nearly every social media platform has a feature that allows users to send private or direct messages. The DM feature is meant for content that you do not want to share publicly. If you have something that you want to share with another user privately, you have to “DM” them.
You will often see posts on social media saying things like “Can you please DM me the details?” or “DM me for more information.”
RT (Retweet)
“RT” or retweet is an Internet abbreviation that is unique to Twitter. An RT is when someone shares your tweet to their followers. It is generally done when someone likes or agrees with something you have shared.
For example: “Sachin Tendulkar RT’d my tweet!”
When someone with many followers RT’s your tweet, it reaches a much larger audience and can get you many new followers.
Trending
When something is trending, it means that the subject is either popular or fashionable on the Internet at that moment. A lot of people around the world are currently talking about it, and it can be identified based on specific hashtags that are associated with it. What is trending online and on social media is always changing, and is influenced by current events and pop culture.
This has been a brief introduction to the English language that is used on the Internet. The vocabulary and English grammar that is used on the Internet is constantly changing and that is why the best way to learn it is to be a part of it, and doing this will help you learn how to speak English fluently!
Even as you enter the world of Internet language, it might be good idea to refine your English grammar and your spoken English skills. To do this from the comfort of your own home, there many English language learning resources that are available online for free.
Learn How to Speak English Fluently with EnglishHelper
English language learning is most effective when you learn in a multi-sensory manner. Use content that is both relevant to your context and at a difficulty level that you can comprehend. This will help you learn how to speak English fluently.
EnglishHelper offers you unique technology enabled English learning products that can be used online, on any smart device. EnglishHelper products are designed for you on the following principles:
- 1. Learning is best when you are offered content best suited for you
- 2. Multiple senses i.e. sight, sound, speech w be engaged concurrently
- 3. Repeated exposure to words and phrases enhances learning outcomes
EnglishHelper’s free ‘Learn English’ program has been designed around multi-sensory learning, and helps in building vocabulary, improving comprehension and enhancing spoken English skills. You will be exposed to correctly constructed sentences leading to usage based improvement in English grammar as well.
How to speak English Fluently:
https://www.englishhelper.com/resources/blog/speak-english-fluently/