Guest Blog
‘Learn a new language’ is a phrase that features on many of our bucket lists. This task is easier said than done, but luckily not impossible. With travel becoming more accessible, many of us will find ourselves across borders surrounded by people who communicate differently.
Being able to say a few phrases or even hold an entire conversation will make us feel much more comfortable. Speaking another language opens a lot of doors, not only when it comes to traveling and tourism but also for those who strive to do business abroad.
There are so many ways you can learn a new language today. Resources like Language Throne and many other online materials help individuals learn a new language fast. You won’t be able to master German, Mandarin, or Spanish if you don’t commit. That’s why the most important aspect is to be consistent through your studies.
With all the different aids to your disposal, you’ll be able to achieve your goals. Here are a few of our top tips on how you can speed up the process.
- INVEST ENOUGH TIME
If you want to be able to hold a conversation with someone who speaks Spanish, Dutch, or Portuguese, then you have to invest the time. Spending only 1-2 hours each week learning Spanish, won’t enhance your fluency.
Make sure that you spend at least 6-8 each week practicing listening, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Really invest your mind to this new practice. Set a goal for yourself where you have to be able to memorize a certain amount of words each week as well as use them in sentences. This will ensure that you make enough time during the week.
The amount of time you invest will reflect in the results.
- QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
That being said, it’s important that you do invest your time wisely. Focus on language lessons that are time efficient and filled with quality exercises. Instead of having loads of lessons that don’t prove to be of any worth.
Focus on high intensity classes where you are introduced to new words, grammar, and spelling rules followed by a few practice rounds and then a production exercise. Take breaks in between to ensure you are focused while learning.
If you are dozing off and bored, your retention levels aren’t as high and you’ll forget most of it by the end of the day. That is why it’s so important when you choose the type of classes you will be doing. Make sure you enroll with a company that keeps their content interesting and engaging.
- START WITH THE BASICS
We’re sure that you’d love to be able to jump into the deep end and have a political debate in your new language, but unfortunately it doesn’t work like that.
There is a reason why many new students feel completely lost in the middle of a semester or in the middle of a lesson. It’s because somewhere along the line they forgot the basics. If you don’t understand the primary rules of the new tongue, then you won’t be able to master the more difficult bits.
Whenever you feel lost, go back to the basics. When you want to use the speech properly, you have to be able to memorize the fundamentals. Take it one step at a time and make sure you understand all the ground rules, before moving on to tougher words and sentence structures.
The quicker you get the basics down, the faster you’ll master everything.
- MAKE IT FUN
Yes, even if you are an adult you should still make learning fun. When you find the content of your study material interesting, you’ll want to commit and spend more time on it. Create some of your own word puzzles at home.
A fun idea is to use sticky notes around the house to learn vocabulary. Stick two notes on top of each other. The one at the bottom will have the name of the object it’s stuck on written down. While the top one will have the English word of the object on it.
Only once you’ve memorized the words around your house, you are allowed to remove the sticky note. Push yourself even further by saying the name out loud or using it in a sentence.
Click here for fun activities you can try to learn a new language.
- DON’T BE AFRAID OF GETTING IT WRONG
Many people stop in the middle of the process because they are scared of getting it wrong or sounding stupid. Remember that the only fool is the one who don’t want to try.
Join study groups, social media chats, or online support groups where you feel safe to practice. When you are part of a group that makes you feel comfortable and supported, you’ll be able to learn much faster.
If you do make mistakes, don’t pull back. It’s best to try and correct your mistakes than quit completely.
- GO ONLINE
The World Wide Web is a great place to find support groups, study aids, and supportive apps to help you master a foreign language. You’ll find many free classes from influencers and locals from different countries who will lend a helping hand.
To practice your speaking and listening skills, you should definitely reach out to native speakers and practice some of your new conversational techniques. Here is a great article on tips and tricks on how to learn a foreign language online: https://speechling.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-learning-chinese-online-for-free/
The world is full of people eager to learn about different cultures and languages. Share some information about your self and your country in exchange for free practice and conversation.
As long as you are consistent and persevere you will be able to master another language sooner than later. When you commit, practice, and repeat everything you’ve learned, you’ll be able to learn a new language faster than expected. Believe in yourself and take the necessary steps to achieve your goals. Before you know it, you’ll be roaming the streets of Italy speaking like a true local.
