The 7 Ultimate Language Learning Tips and Tricks
Ultimate Language Learning Tips and Tricks
The right language learning tips and tricks can be the difference between giving up and achieving your fluency goals. Traditional learning methods don’t necessarily work for everyone, and you might be finding it difficult to dig in and get learning.
In truth, there are lots of different ways you can approach language learning, whatever the language. You might have found a way of learning that you really enjoy, but you’re not quite seeing the results you wanted to. Have no fear - our best language learning tips are here!
Given that many people struggle with learning a new language, we’ve assembled a top 7 list encompassing efficient tips and tricks on how to improve and grow as fast as possible.
Know Your Motivations For Learning
This is vital for everyone who wants to learn a foreign language. Knowing why you are learning something is essential for the long-run and keeps you going.
On many occasions people start studying without knowing why and slack off after a few weeks because they lost the motivation. Always looking for the best way to learn Spanish - or whatever language they're learning. Therefore it’s of high importance to have a good reason to which you can stick!
Set Realistic Goals
If you want to get the results in a short amount of time, setting goals is absolutely indispensable. Try not to set the bar too high, reachable goals make you want to continue and ensure improvement.
Studying a bit every day is way more effective than toiling over it all weekend. Make a list of the things that you want to practise and try to stick to it as much as possible. And remember, small steps make a big difference!
Immerse Yourself In The Language
Combining your daily activities with the language that you want to learn is highly effective and a fun way to learn. Try to read a book or to watch a movie in the language that you want to master.
Even though this can seem difficult at first, it will get better so try to keep up! Also remember that you can make it as easy as you want. You can start with a book that you already read in your native language or with a children’s book, when you feel more confident you can move forward with something more difficult. Speaking with natives is highly encouraged to enhance speaking and listening skills.
In many places language exchange events are organised in order to realise mutual language improvement. If this isn’t the case, or you prefer one-on-one conversations, you can try out our application and find a suitable partner to practise with.
Have Fun Learning
Having fun while learning is probably the most essential part when learning a language. Undoubtedly you will encounter moments where you think that you aren’t improving anymore and maybe even think that it’s getting worse, but that’s normal.
Try to combine your language improvement with things that you love as much as possible. That way learning the language will remain fun and something you can keep up.
Think In Your Target Language
This might be more challenging if you’re at the beginning of your language learning journey. If you only have a few grammar rules memorised so far, this might feel kind of impossible. But it is possible to start adjusting your way of thinking to include the language you’re learning.
The best example of this language learning tip is when you can string even a few sentences together. When thinking about what food you’ll order, try and remember the words for each menu option in your head. It can be jarring to start with, as you’re so used to thinking in English fluently.
Doing this kind of exercise regularly will vastly improve your general comprehension and the speed with which you can switch between languages. Before you know it, you’ll be thinking in your target language just like a native.
Be Sure Of The Language You’re Learning
OK, this may sound like a kind of obvious language learning tip, but consider this…
You decide you want to learn a language, you dedicate hours of learning to it, understanding the grammar, memorising key phrases and practising that all-important pronunciation. Then you realise it won’t be of any use to you.
Now, fair enough, it’s incredible to learn a language for the fun and enjoyment of it. But by choosing a language carefully, you can open up a world of possibilities. Here are some things to consider when selecting the language you’ll be throwing yourself into for the next several months or years:
Are you excited by this language and the culture surrounding it?
Is this a widely spoken language you’ll be able to use professionally too?
How often will you get the chance to talk to others in this language?
Where will you talk to native speakers of this language?
Why are you drawn to this language in particular?
Asking yourself these questions will help you decide if you’re choosing the right language for you, as there’s nothing more disappointing than starting off with a new language and losing steam halfway through.
Consistency Always Pays Off
Whether you’ve been learning a language for 3 years or 3 days, you’ve likely noticed you see the best results when you stay consistent. It’s amazing how much you can pick up after keeping your learning consistent for just a few weeks!
You don’t even need a strict or in-depth lesson plan. Simply dedicate the time and space to studying your language in some way for a specific amount of time every day, every week, every month- whatever works for your schedule.
Of course, the more often you practise, the faster you’ll pick up the language, gaining fluency quicker than if you spent an hour here and there studying.
Feel like you’re ready to put these language learning tips to the test? Get started by talking with native speakers with Idyoma’s language exchange video chat feature here.