Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:20:25 +0000Géralde Vincent-BancroftLearning a new language is a big decision and most people will not even try because they simply do not know where to start and most importantly what it entails.
Here are five tips that will help you succeed.
Know your objective
You must know the exact reason why you want to learn…
Learning a new language is a big decision and most people will not even try because they simply do not know where to start and most importantly what it entails.
Here are five tips that will help you succeed.
Know your objective
You must know the exact reason why you want to learn this language. Your end goal must be very clear to you. Ask yourself what do you want to use the new language for?
Imagine that you’re learning this language because your business is trading with a foreign company, you will have to learn specific vocabulary linked with your job to communicate with your foreign counterpart, so, your choice for a course will be different from someone else learning to go on a dream holiday.
Once your goal is identified, create a specific vision of what you want to achieve. Think of your goals as though they have already happened; feel the joy and satisfaction that you experiment, and your mind will create the opportunities to make them a reality.
Understand your motivation
Your reasons to learn this new language must be powerful enough to help you through the days where you are feeling that you cannot carry on studying. They should help you commit for a long period of time and do the best in your power and as much as you can to learn the language.
Your end-goal must be very clear
Consistency is the name of the game
You must study consistently over time if you want to get optimum results. Therefore, you should plan and find time daily for a language related activity. A little every day goes a long way, and it shouldn’t be difficult finding fifteen to thirty minutes here and there for your language study. “when there’s a will, there’s a way”.
Learn what is most relevant to you
It is unnecessary to try and learn all the vocabulary of your new language. Instead, study what is useful to you. Learn the words and phrases that interest you, the ones you will mostly use daily. This will help you communicate faster with others – even at a beginner’s level – and will also boost your motivation when using the language in an everyday setting.
Learn to listen
The more you listen to the new language, the more familiar to your ears it will become and the easier it will be for you to recognise the new words you are exposed to. At the end this will allow you not only to understand when spoken to, but also to use the language in a more natural native-like way. Your pronunciation will improve at the same time especially if you practice the shadowing – or mimicking – technique. Observe the way words are pronounced, the tongue and lip positioning and if – like in French- the throat is used. Try to replicate these sounds time and time again until you succeed.
The more you listen to the new language, the easier it will become
Immerse yourself
It is important that you immerse yourself in the language and its culture. So, practising what you are learning is of prime importance. If you’re not living in the country, find native speakers online with whom to practice, or hire a tutor. Submerge yourself in the new language. Talk as much as you can, listen to authentic content daily. Also learning about the culture makes the acquisition process more fun which comes to the last tip.
Have fun
Don’t spend hours trying to memorise isolated vocabulary’s lists, instead find creative ways to practice these new words and commit them to your memory.
Write a diary, find groups with similar interest to you, participate and post comments in your second language.
Learn songs or write them if you’re into singing. Find every opportunity to use the language.
Try to release all your fears, stop being self-conscious of your mistakes. You will for sure make them but take it as an experience and the best way to learn.
Most importantly, trust the process.
Do you have any other tip that you can share with us? Comment below