Some people say that the more language you learn, the more intelligent you are right now. While this may be true, there are times when you literally have to learn a new language. And you need tips on how to learn a new language fast and in an easy way.
There are various steps you can take to make learning fast and easy, but don’t expect it to be simple. Just like exercise or sports, you have to take much time to master it and keep it in your mind.
Here are 5 tips you can follow to help you learn a new language fast!
1. Set Goals
You don’t want to get started with your learning without having goals in your mind. There are many things that will hinder you in your learning process, and without goals, you’ll be lost.
- Short-Term. Don’t focus on long-term goals as it might overwhelm you and keep you out of focus. Make goals step by step, and achieve it one by one.
- High but Realistic. Make sure that your goals are high enough that you can reach it. Never set goals that you’re unsure to attain in a certain period of time.
- Include Motivation. Motivations should drive you to your goals. Without motivation, it’s almost impossible to move forward from your current situation.
- Consider Exhaustion. Always consider exhaustion as part of your plans. You should not set goals when you’re at your best mood. Try thinking about the things you’re going to do when you’re tired. What makes you relaxed, chill, or peace when you’re exhausted?
2. Speak From the Beginning
Assuming you’ve set your goals already and you now have started acting on your goals, start speaking some foreign words. You can begin from knowing the pronunciation of each letter or syllable of the language. Then move on to small and simple words.
Greetings and common phrases in your vernacular language is a great place to start. Don’t hesitate to speak at the beginning of your learning. Never focus on reading or hearing only as it makes you less efficient in that way.
Make it a habit from day one, and daily onwards, to speak regularly in the language you’re trying to learn.
3. Spaced Repetition System
Though you want to learn a new language fast, avoid cramming everything you want to learn in a short time. This is never effective and you’ll learn almost nothing in the end. Instead, always try out a spaced repetition system.
Spaced repetition system usually uses flashcards to aid your learning and language memory skill. There are various apps that can help you use this method. This is best to learn the word and its meaning altogether.
Some people claim that you retain foreign words more efficiently when you learn them at certain intervals. Opposed to cramming, spaced repetition system makes use of “short breaks” in your learning process. This results in better understanding of the vocabulary itself.
4. Fluency Emphasis
Once you have developed your vocabulary of the foreign language, don’t focus on it too much. With enough vocabulary to get you through simple and common tasks in a foreign country, master your fluency next.
While grammar and tonal language is important, it’s always better to have excellent fluency in your speaking and writing than having excellent accuracy. Fluency refers to expressing yourself articulately. This means you’re able to speak and formulate words with coherence.
Getting to know the correct grammar, tones, and other aspects of language is useless if you’re not fluent. Master your fluency through mastering simple words and knowing where and when to use them. Basically, use the right words in the right way.
5. Immerse Yourself
Get yourself out of your comfort zone and meet people as part of your learning process. It doesn’t have to be directly people speaking the foreign language natively, but practice with a tutor or someone who mastered the foreign language already.
People make you improve better than software applications, or on your own. You should include listening and reading as part of your immersion. This includes music, books, and movies using the language you’re learning.
The Bottom Line
You’re going to make mistakes, and don’t let those discourage you. Learn from your mistakes and never stop learning and immersing yourself from that language. Make it a habit and treat it like your native language altogether. Taking these tips will let you learn a new language fast, so best of luck!