8 Tips to Start Learning a Language
Iâm sure someone has already written something on Tumblr (or anywhere else, for that matter) about this topic, but I also wanted to contribute my opinion to the discussion.
Hereâs something I hear often: I want to learn [insert name of language], but I donât know where to start!
Thatâs actually a good question: how do you even begin learning a language? There is so much to consider: vocabulary, grammar, special expressions, tone, culture, not to mention the four skillsâspeaking, reading, writing and listening.Â
Yes, learning a language isnât easy. However, it doesnât mean that it should be boring or downright impossible. Plus, learning a language is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences: once you can understand and communicate in a language, you immediately become part of the people who use that language. They are no longer strangers to you, and you are no longer a stranger to them. How cool is that?
So here is my philosophy of language learning and some tips for those who wish to pursue a new language. Enjoy!
Tip #1: Understand Why You Are Learning This Language
Determine your goals first. Do you want to make new friends who speak that language? Do you need to pass a test to work/study/live in a particular country? Do you just want to impress your friends when reading phrases in that language? Are you about to travel somewhere on your vacation?Â
Once you know what your goal is, you will know your priorities, too. If you just want to be able to order from a menu, you donât need to buy a 400-page grammar guide. On the other hand, if you want to live somewhere longer than 3 months, you probably need more than just a grammar guide. So before you do anything, ask first: what is my goal? Why am I learning this language?
The rest of the tips are for serious learners whose goal is proficiency or fluency in a language.
Tip #2: Determine Your Strength
Are you naturally good at imitating accents? Then start by getting used to the sound of language through listening and repeating. Do you love reading? Then start with the alphabet and reading patterns. Are you a grammar nazi? Grab that grammar guide and dig right in! Are you good at memorizing? Find an app for learning new vocabulary and begin memorizing.
Whatever youâre good at, donât be afraid to start there. Exploit your strengths!
Tip #3: Do Everything at the Same Time
Okay, this may sound weird at first, so let me explain. In language learning, the four main skills are interconnected: reading, writing, listening and speaking do NOT function separately. So, itâs important to start developing all of these skills as soon as possible. Donât wait until youâve perfected reading before moving on to speaking, and so on. That being said, you have to determine your own schedule for when to practice what. For example, Monday can be your grammar learning and practice day; Tuesday can be your speaking and listening day; Wednesday can be your writing practice day, etc. Itâs up to you to choose when to do what. My tip for you: DONâT do more than two skills at a time. More than two at once is too confusing, even if youâre good at multi-tasking. Take your time: consistency and diligence will pay off.
Tip #4: But Start with Reading
Yes, you should write, listen, read and speak at the same time as early as possible, but in my opinion, reading should come first. Here is why I think so: if you know nothing about a language, the fastest and the most effective way to immerse yourself in that language is to learn the alphabet and the reading system. Reading allows you to:Â
a) explore written and printed content at all levels
b) make native-speaking friends online and communicate with them via texting
c) practice reading aloud, developing speaking skills and proper pronunciation
d) start copying words and phrases, developing writing skills
e) learn new vocabulary words
Tip #5: Make a Native-Speaking Friend ASAP
Nothing motivates you in language learning like a good, funny, crazy friend! Finding a native-speaking (and I emphasize native-speaking, not a more advanced learner) friend is much easier than you might think. If there is a community of native speakers in your area, get out of your comfort zone and join them at community events or language classes, if theyâre available. But I honestly like online language learning partners better because you can make friends more easily and start learning faster. Iâd suggest these platforms/websites:
Of course, always be careful with meeting people online; but otherwise, this is a great way to make native-speaking friends. Oh, hereâs another tip: try to find friends whose level of your own native language is very lowâthat way, youâll be forced to use the language youâre learning, which is definitely a plus. Finally, be ready for lots of mistakes and corrections. Pride isnât a thing in language learning, so forget it. The more willing you are to accept correction and learn from your mistakes, the faster youâll get to that level when you wonât need too much correction.
Tip #6: Accept the Fact that This Will Take Time
Language learning takes time. Building a foundation will take anywhere between 2-6 months. Mastering a language can take years. So donât be discouraged if you feel like youâre too slow: in a few months, youâll look back and realize how far youâve come. Again, consistency and diligence are key to language learning success!!
Tip #7: Donât Spend Too Much Money
Hereâs the beautyâand realityâof contemporary language learning: you can find everything you need without spending much at all. Why? Because most toolsâgrammar guides, listening exercises, sample readings by levels, language partnering platforms, etc.âare available online for free. So before you cash out, explore the web.Â
This doesnât mean that you should complete ditch the textbook. Some publishers offer printed resources that are extremely helpful: things like dictionaries, workbooks, flashcards, illustrated guides, etc. can be lifesavers. Just my advice would be to explore free online options before heading over to the bookstore or Amazon for more costly options.
Tip #8: Always Remind Yourself Why You Are Doing This
When youâre on the 200th page of a workbook, or when your native-speaking friend canât explain a grammar rule, or when youâve written out a word too many times to count but still canât remember it in conversation⊠itâs easy to get discouraged. Youâll want to give up. Youâll think, âWhy did I even get myself into this mess?â At those times, remind yourself of the reason why you began learning this language in the first place. Why are you doing this? Whatâs your goal? Has this experience been changing you? If yes, how? Those questions will help rekindle that fire and keep you going. And seriously, this applies to everything in life, not just language learning. So donât give up just because youâve reached a slump! Weâve all been there, and itâs about how you get out of it!
And of course, remember that no experience is a waste. The fact that youâve started, that you tried, that you did your best, that you met new people (whether they stayed or not)âall this now makes up part of who you are and what youâve been through. Itâs worth it.
