How Not To Learn A Language

speakfastlanguages

How Not To Learn A Language

By Geralde Vincent-Bancroft

Have you ever started to learn a new language but become quickly discouraged? You’re not alone. 

 In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to learn a new language. There are countless resources available online and offline to help you get started, and there’s really no excuse not to at least give it a try.

 However, even with all of these resources, there are still some people who just can’t seem to get the hang of it. 

Learning a new language is hard. There are so many rules to remember, and it can be tough to keep all of them straight in your head. The good news is, there are some ways that you can make the process easier on yourself. 

In this blog post, we’ll share five tips on how not to learn a language. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient speaker in no time!

Woman hiding behind a pile of books and overlaid hoe not to learn a language

1. Don’t try to learn too much at once. 

When you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to try and cram in as much as possible. However, this usually isn’t very effective. You’re more likely to get overwhelmed and give up if you try to take on too much at once.

For example, Lewis Hamilton tried to learn French, and gave it up straight away. 

“Yes it’s true, I tried, but it didn’t last very long,” Hamilton admitted

Why? You may ask. Here is the answer: 

“I’m crazy – I wanted to do the lessons for a week in one day. After six days, I had done the equivalent of six weeks of lessons, but it was too intense, I clearly did too much and I quit.” ( source: SportsMole)

 Instead, start with the basics and gradually add more as you go.

Initially, it is important to start by focusing on key vocabulary words and simple grammar rules. This will help you to understand the basic structure and pronunciation of the language, making learning easier and more enjoyable.

 As you progress, you can add more advanced concepts and expand your vocabulary by using resources like online flashcards, flashcard apps, or audio recordings. 

Additionally, finding a partner or tutor who can help practice speaking and listening will be essential for honing your skills.

Regardless of your goals for learning a new language, starting at the beginning by studying the basics is key to success. With time and practice, you will soon find yourself immersed in your target language – confident in your comprehension and eager to continue expanding your knowledge!

 You’ll be surprised at how quickly you progress when you take things one step at a time!

2. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. 

 Mistakes are inevitable when you’re learning something new. But don’t let that stop you from speaking or writing in your new language! 

The key to becoming fluent in any language is to practice regularly and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. This means that you need to be willing to try out new words and phrases even if you are not sure exactly how they should be used.

 Accepting that you will make mistakes along the way is an essential part of the learning process, and taking risks is the only way to truly improve your fluency. 

Whether you are having conversations with native speakers or simply practicing vocab in your textbook, don’t be afraid to take things at your own pace or try something a little different from what you would normally do. 

Challenging yourself will help you learn more quickly and effectively, so embrace each occasion as an opportunity for growth.

The more you practice, the less often you’ll make mistakes. And even when you do make them, they’ll be less and less severe each time. So go ahead and give it a shot—you might surprise yourself with how much you know!

Accepting that you will make mistakes is an important part of the learning process

3. Don’t rely on translation tools too much. 

 Online translation tools can be great when you need a quick definition or want to check your grammar before sending an important email. However, they shouldn’t be your go-to resource for learning a new language. This is because they don’t always provide accurate translations, and they can also prevent you from developing your own understanding of the language.

When you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to translate everything into your native language so that you can understand it. However, this will only hinder your progress in the long run.

 Instead of relying on translation tools, it’s important to force yourself to think in the target language as much as possible. This will help you build up your vocabulary and start thinking like a native speaker. 

Try reading books or watching movies in your target language. That way, you can get used to hearing the language spoken naturally and start picking up on subtleties that might be lost in translation.

When you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to translate everything into your native language

4. Don’t forget about pronunciation. 

 A lot of people tend to focus on grammar rules when they’re learning a new language. While grammar is important, don’t forget about pronunciation

If you don’t pronounce words correctly, native speakers will have a hard time understanding you—no matter how perfect your grammar may be. So take some time to listen to native speakers and mimic their pronunciation as best as you can. Over time, your accent will start sounding more natural and effortless.

5. Don’t get discouraged! 

 Learning a new language is not easy—there’s no doubt about that. But it’s important to remember that progress takes time and everybody learns at their own pace. So if you find yourself getting frustrated, take a deep breath and remind yourself that everyone starts out as a beginner. With enough patience and practice, you’ll be speaking like a native speaker in no time!

Conclusion 

Learning a new language can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be discouraging or difficult! It is a fun and rewarding experience that anyone should try.

By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can set yourself up for success from the very beginning. Just remember to start with the basics, practice often, and stay positive throughout the learning process—and before long, you’ll be speaking like a pro!

Do you want to improve your English pronunciation? Then, CLICK HERE!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *