Most people know that English is the most common language in the world. In fact, it has 1.5 billion speakers! Travel anywhere by plane and the announcements will be in English and in the local language. Meet people from different countries on vacation and you'll probably all speak together in English.

But sometimes it might feel like English belongs to so-called "native" speakers. This is not true.

English is global and it belongs to everyone. 

In fact, 80% of English language users are NOT so-called "native" speakers! Most people who use English learned it through hard work, practice, and using helpful resources like Ellii's.

In this blog post, I will share some ideas that will (hopefully) make you more confident with your language use and help you to OWN your very own personal voice. Because English belongs to you. 

The problem with trying to sound like a "native" speaker

In my opinion, there are many problems with the terms "native" and "non-native" (and with wanting to speak like one).

Here are some problems:

1. Who really is a "native" speaker? 

When people talk about so-called "native'" speakers, they often think about people from countries like USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

However, there are actually 75 English speaking countries in the world. And that number is growing. People often forget that countries like the Philippines, Singapore, Kenya, Dominica, Malta, and Hong Kong all have English as one of their official languages. 

There are also many countries around the world that have lots of fluent English language users. For example, 46% of people in Pakistan speak English.

2. "Native" speakers do not speak "perfect" English. 

There is no "perfect" way to speak English. This is true for all languages. Think about your own language. Ask yourself:

• How many different countries speak it?
• What different words and phrases do people use in different places? 
• What accents are there? Which of these do you find difficult to understand? 

The fact is that English is spoken differently everywhere. There are many different Englishes: American, Scottish, Nigerian, Caribbean... The most important thing is to be understood. 

3. "Native" speakers are harder to understand. 

English languages users around the world often say that it is easier to speak with other people whose first language is not English. So-called "native" speakers speak quickly, use local words (e.g., slang) and idioms, and have accents that can be harder to understand. 

They also don't always understand that it takes two people to have a successful conversation. They might believe the hard work is for the English language learner. But really, they need to slow down, leave spaces between their words, and choose their words more carefully.

So, do you really want to sound like a "native" speaker? 

The reality is that there is no "perfect" way to speak English. It's more important to understand and be understood. 

Here are some ways to OWN English, and make it yours: 

1. Love your "mistakes"

Mistakes are fantastic. They help us to learn. They can also become part of our own special way of using English. Unless you are taking a test, it doesn't really matter if you say "in the bus" instead of "on the bus." Everyone knows what you mean! Enjoy learning new expressions and don't be afraid to try them out. Laugh and play with the language. A new way of expressing something can often sound poetic to those who speak English as their first language because it feels fresh and new.

2. Stop apologising!

There is never any need to say "Sorry about my English." You are learning. You are trying. You are getting better every day. 

3. Use it for things you love.

When you enjoy doing something, you want to do it more. So find ways to use it for things you love. Sing, make videos, read recipes, post or comment on social media, reply to this blog post

4. Be yourself!

You can only be you and you will always be you. The way you speak English is also part of you and your life. Be yourself and make your own English!

To practice your English on your own, check out EnglishApp by Ellii. Or find out if your school has access to Ellii Solo.

How are you owning your English? Share your thoughts!