Inspired to learn a new language? Wouldn’t it be so cool to pick up a few words before your next trip to Europe or Asia? Imagine being able to confidently order food at a Spanish restaurant in Spain or perhaps ask a local person for directions in France. Studying and learning a foreign language requires effort, persistence and, of course, patience.
There’s definitely no shortcuts or magical tricks when it comes to learning a new language. But, we’ve got 5 simple tips that’ll surely motivate you to study one.
1. Immerse Yourself in it
To master a foreign language quickly, you must completely immerse yourself in it. You’re most probably asking “how I can immerse myself in a language?” There are endless ways to surround yourself with the language you’re learning; change your phone’s language, read, watch movies/TV series, listen to the radio and most importantly, talk to others.
Tip: labeling everyday objects in your home helps you learn and memorize new vocabulary easily. For example, stick a sticker to your fridge and write ‘Refrigerador’ (fridge in Spanish).
2. Find a Language Buddy
Practice makes perfect! Don’t shy away from practicing your foreign language conversation skills with your fellow classmates or even a native speaker. Spending time with a language buddy who speaks your target language is one of the best ways to get your speaking skills flowing. Speaking with natives helps you practice what you’re learning in the classroom and exposes you to how they use their own language in different settings.
3. Start with the Most Common Words & Phrases
Kick-start your language learning by familiarizing yourself with a list of the most common and most frequently used words and phrases and have it handy for whenever you need it. A pocket phrasebook would be a great idea or you can make your own list to keep track of your favorite words and phrases. This is an effective, clever, and useful way to learn and remember vocabulary too.
Guess what? We’ve got you covered for that! Check out the Korean, Japanese, Spanish, German, Russian, lists on our blog!
4. Learn About the Culture
Language and culture are closely connected. The learning process moves much more quickly when you immerse yourself in the local culture. While studying your new language, take some time out to learn about the culture of the people who speak it. Acquainting yourself with the locals, their history, customs, food, etc. will massively help you communicate with the people more effectively, plus at the same time, you’ll lessen the chances of committing a cultural faux pas. Remember culture plays an important role in shaping the style of communication.
5. Read Children’s Books
Yep! Children’s books are in fact good for learning the basics of a language and expanding your vocabulary. They’re good practice for beginners because practically speaking; you wouldn’t need to look up every word you come across. Next time you’re in a bookstore, invest in a couple of children’s books in your target language and level up your foreign language skills!
To learn more about Eton Institute’s language courses here.
About the Author: Randa A. Loves experimenting and being creative with food and recipes. She is passionate