5 Tips For Learning A New Language

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Most studies suggest that the best age to learn a new language is during the adolescent years. We are often reminded of the difficulties of learning different languages past our 20s. If not for the disadvantage of age, other responsibilities such as work or family may present challenges. Such information indicates that our college years may be our last golden opportunities to learn and develop our language skills.

Here are some tips to maximize the learning experience:

1. Study the vocabularies every day.

Memorizing vocabularies can be arduous and tiresome. It is one of the easiest parts of the language to lag behind if the work is not divided up and carried out meticulously. Personally, I think that writing with your hand is one of the best methods of practicing and memorizing. It reduces the risk of making spelling mistakes and trains your hand for writing it in sentence forms. Ideally, spending about an hour or two on vocabularies per day would greatly enhance your choice of words.

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2. Watch movies and listen to music in the language you are learning.

Watch movies in the language you are learning without subtitles. Pick your favorite movie and watch it repeatedly until you feel ready to compare your understanding with the translated version. Although it may feel frustrating at first, it will gradually start to get better, and you will find joy in interpreting the movie on your own.

Also, going for a run or studying while listening to the music of the language is an efficient and enjoyable form of learning. Not only will it improve your listening skills, but it will also boost your confidence in speaking if you sing along to the songs.

3. Be shameless when speaking.

This tip may be easier said than done for some. If you are taking a language class, grab a couple of friends, go to a bar to get drinks and practice talking with them. Same can be done with a cup of coffee, but alcohol has proven effects of relaxation and encouragement for those who are shy.

Creating social events where you are required to speak in the language that you are learning will help you break out of your shell and express freely. Once or twice a week will do the trick, and you will soon start to look forward to these meetings.

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4. Go to the countries where the language is spoken.

It may be more practical to spend two weeks surrounded by the people speaking the language that you are learning than to study by yourself for two months. If time and cost allow, visiting the land and learning about how the natives speak is the best method of learning. You will get the chance to emerge yourself in the culture and get the motivation to study harder even after the trip. It would be helpful to have a local guide for showing you around and serving the role of a conversation partner at the same time.

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5. Read books that are appropriate for your learning level.

If the reading material is too easy, you won’t be learning anything. It may boost your confidence on the materials, but you would be doing it at the expense of your time. On the other hand, if it is too hard, you will become discouraged and give up before turning the last page of the book. While it can be difficult to find books that are a perfect balance of challenging and entertaining, it will be worth it when you finish the book and exclaim, “I have mastered every word in this!”