I get asked this question a lot: how do you learn a language? There's no real complicated secret to learning another language, but it does take some time and dedication. I know, sucks doesn't it? Below I list a few things to keep in mind as you begin your language studies:
1) Make it relevant. I firmly believe that you will learn a language better and faster if it's relevant to your life. Why do you want to learn a language in the first place? To meet new people? For work? For fun? Identifying your reasons for learning a language will help a lot in making your language learning relevant.
2) Make time everyday to study your language. Even if it's only 15 minutes a day, spend some time each day learning your target language. It's even better if you're able to work it into your daily routine. Write a movie or CD review, join a chat group or forum, read a newspaper in your target language. Whatever it is, spend some time each day practicing your target language.
3) Keep a journal. Track your progress by keeping a journal of your language learning. How many words are you able to type on the keyboard? Are you able to name all the days of the week, numbers, colours, etc.? How well can you understand a news clip? The list goes on.
4) Celebrate your successes. Don't be too hard on yourself if it feels like it's taking forever to learn your target language. It takes time so remember to celebrate your successes and achievements. If you've been keeping a journal, can you see how often you've been writing? How long are your paragraphs? Is your vocabulary expanding? If it is, give yourself a pat on the back and maybe a night out in celebration of your achievements.
Those are just some of the things it takes to learn a language. I hope it helps!
1) Make it relevant. I firmly believe that you will learn a language better and faster if it's relevant to your life. Why do you want to learn a language in the first place? To meet new people? For work? For fun? Identifying your reasons for learning a language will help a lot in making your language learning relevant.
2) Make time everyday to study your language. Even if it's only 15 minutes a day, spend some time each day learning your target language. It's even better if you're able to work it into your daily routine. Write a movie or CD review, join a chat group or forum, read a newspaper in your target language. Whatever it is, spend some time each day practicing your target language.
3) Keep a journal. Track your progress by keeping a journal of your language learning. How many words are you able to type on the keyboard? Are you able to name all the days of the week, numbers, colours, etc.? How well can you understand a news clip? The list goes on.
4) Celebrate your successes. Don't be too hard on yourself if it feels like it's taking forever to learn your target language. It takes time so remember to celebrate your successes and achievements. If you've been keeping a journal, can you see how often you've been writing? How long are your paragraphs? Is your vocabulary expanding? If it is, give yourself a pat on the back and maybe a night out in celebration of your achievements.
Those are just some of the things it takes to learn a language. I hope it helps!
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