Learning a new language shouldn’t be something you do all by yourself. To learn a language faster and more efficiently, we recommend finding a language partner in your current city. Not sure how to find one? Invite a friend or coworker open to learning a new language. Make sure to choose a language partner who will keep you motivated during the process – not someone with a tendency to slack off. Remember – a language partner should push you to learn and achieve more.
This one may sound simple but you’d be surprised how many people forget to purchase a simple translation dictionary. These bilingual dictionaries come in all sizes and are available online as well as in your local bookstores. When learning a new language, having a good translation dictionary can go a long way in helping you learn new words and phrases. We recommend purchasing a pocket-size dictionary that you can fit in a small purse, book-bag or briefcase.
Moving for work? If so, your employer may cover the cost of a language class or one-on-one tutoring prior to the move. They may also help you find language classes after you move. Contact your employer’s human resources department to get the details on company policies regarding language classes.
Once you’ve learned the basics of a language, it’s helpful to actually watch foreign movies and TV shows in the language. This is a great way to pick up on accents and dialects, and it should also help you with pronunciation. Feel free to pause the film to practice repeating after the characters. For those with work commutes, we recommend also listening to songs performed in the foreign language.
Many people benefit from the structure that comes with an in-person language class. If you’re one of those people, we recommend signing up for a local class. Many cities offer individual language centers as well as community college courses. Keep in mind that language classes tend to be expensive. If the class involves a large number of students, then you may not receive the one-on-one attention you need.
Prior to your move, we strongly recommend visiting the country where you’ll soon be living. In addition to getting a lay of the land and finding a place to live, visiting in-person will give you a chance to test out your language skills. It will also give you the much-needed immersion that you need when learning a new language. From ordering food at a restaurant to asking for directions, day-to-day activities in the new country are sure to bring about great ways to practice your language skills.
Learning a new language takes studying, practice, repetition and consistency. The best way to learn a new language is by setting aside time every day to review and practice your language skills. We recommend carving out at least an hour of the day (possibly more) and devoting it purely to learning the new language.
Need help learning a language? Whether you’re taking a class or teaching yourself, we recommend using flashcards to help you learn word and phrase translations. To use flashcards, you have two options: first, you can make flashcards yourself, which may in turn help you learn the language as you create them; or second, you can use pre-made flashcards from a language learning app such as Brainscape. This is a web and mobile education platform that creates digital flashcards for students studying languages.
Speaking of harnessing digital language learning tools, we recommend downloading a software specifically designed to teach you languages on either your phone or computer. Popular programs include Fluenz, Rosetta Stone and Babbel. All of these digital learning platforms offer instruction in multiple languages. These platforms will allow you to study whenever and wherever you like.
Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes when learning a new language. From grammar and pronunciation to cultural norms and colloquialisms, speaking a new language is not supposed to be easy. Therefore, it’s important that you step outside your comfort zone and embrace your mistakes. After all, the only way you’ll learn a new language is by trying. So speak to friends, natives and your language partner as often as possible in the new language.
