Fri, 02 Mar 2018 09:33:29 +0000Geralde Vincent-BancroftLanguage learners focus more often on the spoken form of their new language and mostly neglect to improve their writing.

We all know that ” good writing is essential for good communication “, but we are also aware that this is one of the most difficult part to master in a target language for…

Language learners focus more often on the spoken form of their new language and mostly neglect to improve their writing.

We all know that ” good writing is essential for good communication “, but we are also aware that this is one of the most difficult part to master in a target language for various reasons: you have to fully understand a new grammar, new vocabulary and expressions which often belong exclusively to that language and are so different from yours. Let’s not leave aside punctuation. All these can be daunting and often discourage the new learner to even try.

Here are some recommendations you can practice to make writing in your target language less stressful.

1- Read as often as you can

Reading in a foreign language is one of the best ways to become familiar with all the written peculiarities of that language. You are able to learn new grammar structures, advanced vocabulary, and different uses of the language. I recommend you to read as many different type of texts as possible.

2- Write at every stage of your learning process

It is truly important that you write from the get go. This will allow you to keep up to speed with grammar structures of your target language from the beginning. Start by writing short sentences which can grow into one paragraph and pages at a later stage.

You should start a diary in your second language; You will feel the need to write on a daily basis by doing so, and you’ll soon get into the habit of writing.

Another way to practice your writing skills can be as follow:

Choose a topic and start writing a few sentences each time and work your way up to writing a few pages. once finished, choose another topic that interests you.

3- Keep it simple

Try to avoid complex sentences. If a sentence is too long and confusing, split it in two or more.

Avoid passive voice at all cost because your writing becomes sluggish.

4- Let go of fear

Don’t be scared to start writing in your target language. It is obvious that the beginning will be bumpy and you’ll make mistakes. You will learn from them and improve overtime with persistent practice. As with everything, practice makes perfect.

5- Have someone review your work

Find a native speaker or a tutor to review your writings and give you feedback. You will learn a lot from them.

6- Think in the foreign language

You should process your thoughts in your target language and avoid translating from your mother tongue the sentences you wish to write. The sooner you stop doing it, the easier it will become to think and write in your target language.

7- It does not have to be perfect

If your aim is perfection, you will never dare start writing in your second language. Just do it! Remember, better done than perfect.

Writing in a foreign language is certainly not the easiest skill, but if you start from the beginning you will train yourself to think and write in your target language. With practice and consistency, you will be paving your way to success.

Please feel free to share in comments your language hacks to writing in your target language.

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