There are so many advantages to learning new languages—it can help you navigate foreign countries, enhance your resume and even better understand your own language.
However, if you have tried learning a new language before, especially as an adult, you will probably be aware of the many challenges that are part of the experience.
Memorizing vocabulary, getting your head around grammar rules and perfecting your pronunciation all present their own difficulties and can often make you feel like giving up.
But we are here to help! Read on to discover our top ten tips to stay motivated while you are studying, and you will be sure to achieve your goals!
Tip #1: Find someone to speak with
Speaking a language is essential to your progress. Putting your learning into practice will help your brain process the new vocabulary and how to use it, and help you remember useful words and phrases.
Find a language exchange partner or a tutor—online or offline—and commit to talking regularly. The first few attempts may feel a little painful, but the more you practice the more naturally it will come!
Tip #2: Language learning apps are your friend
The convenience of language apps mean that they can be a great help when learning a new language, in combination with other methods. Do some research to see which app will suit you and take advantage of the possibility to learn on the go.
Tip #3: Don’t be scared to make mistakes
Making mistakes is at the heart of learning, especially when it comes to languages. Try not to worry about looking silly or messing up - and definitely don’t let a fear of making mistakes stop you from speaking!
When you do make a mistake, make a note of it and memorize what you could have said instead.
Tip #4: Focus on learning the right words
Studies show that the most common 100 words of any language make up 50% of spoken communication. Find out what these words are and focus on learning them first—you could use flash cards or test yourself with a friend.
Then, take this a step further by putting these words into sentences and using them in conversations!
Tip #5: Watch TV shows and moves in your new language
Make language practice part of your leisure time. Find movies or TV shows filmed in your new language and watch them with English subtitles, or even with the subtitles in the original language if possible.
Once you incorporate language learning into the things you enjoy doing anyway, it will become far less of a chore, and you’ll improve your skills in no time.
Tip #6: Message with friends in your new language
Find a friend who is also learning the same language—or a native speaker—and make a deal to use only that language when texting or messaging.
Messaging can be less intimidating than talking aloud, as you have more time to formulate a response (and look up any words you don’t know). So relax into it and feel free to get creative!
Tip #7: Carry a dictionary with you everywhere
This can be a physical dictionary, or a dictionary app in your phone, whichever is more comfortable for you. This is especially helpful when you live in a country where the language is spoken, but even if not, it gives you the opportunity to look up a word whenever you feel the need.
Tip #8: Look for patterns
Finding patterns in your new language will help you learn more efficiently. For example, English words ending in ‘-tion’ will usually end in ‘-ción’ in Spanish.
Finding relationships between your native language and the language you are learning will help expand your vocabulary quickly!
Tip #9: Have the radio on in the background
As with watching films in your new language, listening to the radio or podcasts can help familiarize you with how the language is spoken. Keep the radio on in the background as you work, cook or travel and your brain will absorb the language without you even realizing.
Tip #10: Study every day, as much as possible
Intensity of study is important. One or two hours a week won’t cut it—to give yourself the best chance of learning a language, you must commit a lot of time.
Repetition is key to language learning, and ideally you should be studying every day. So get your apps, speaking partner and other learning materials ready and get started!
