Like every skill, learning a new language takes time and effort. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make the process go smoother by knowing the right tips, tricks and hacks. The following steps might not bring earth-shattering new revelations – but they can help you build a solid strategy and establish useful habits for successfully learning a language.
1. Use language learning tools
There are dozens of language learning platforms, apps and programs specifically designed by experts to help people learn a new language. Some of them even offer their services completely for free. Using these tools is a great way to start, learn the basics of the language and establish a foundation on which you can build the rest of your learning strategy. If you’re not sure what language learning tool suits you best, websites such as Phase Fluent can help you compare your options and to decide which one works for you.
2. Set (realistic) goals
The first step to achieving anything is setting a clear goal. Research has shown that people who set clearly defined goals instead of simply stating vague concepts like “I want to learn a new language” are more likely to succeed. The right kind of goal helps you narrow your focus and feeling less overwhelmed. For that to work, however, you should follow some guidelines when setting your learning-goals:
- Set short-term goals: Breaking one big goal down into smaller, short-term goals makes the process feel less intimidating. For example, saying you will try to learn 50 new words ore 10 new phrases every week, or study for 15 minutes every day, will feel way more achievable than “I want to be fluent in Spanish next year”.
- Set a timeframe: In order for you to actually follow through on your short-term goals, you need to set deadlines for yourself. Otherwise, it’s very likely that they’ll simply get pushed back when everyday life gets a little more stressful.
- Stay realistic (but optimistic): If you work 40 hours a week, you will not have time to study two hours a day. You also won’t be fluent in a new language in two weeks. Set goals that are actually possible for you to achieve – but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself a bit.
- Write them down: Writing your goals down does not only help you with visualizing them, but also with holding yourself accountable.
3. Read, write and watch TV in your target language
Aside from using traditional learning tools such as flashcards or language learning tools, try to find fun ways to engage with your target language in your everyday life. By reading books, listening to music or watching movies and TV shows in your target language, you develop your language skills on every level. After all, you don’t just want to speak the language, you want to understand it and write in it as well.
Tipp: A great way to learn new words is to visualize them, triggering associations in your head that makes it easier to remember them. Playing games like memory with pictures of everyday items and naming them in your target language is not only effective, but fun.
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