Learning a new language comes with a range of benefits. However, it takes a lot of time to master a language, right? No! In fact, there are a few practices that you can engage in to learn a new language quickly. These practices or “language learning hacks” speed up the language learning process and can save you weeks, even months. Here are our top ten hacks you should implement to optimize the language learning process:
1) Concentrate on language vocabulary that appeals to you
Generally, interests go a long way in determining how effectively we learn. It would be easier for someone who likes computers to learn how to program or code than it would be for an artist. The impact of interests also applies to the language learning process. Focus on vocabulary that is relevant to you, such as corporate lingo for those running a business.
2) Apply the Lexical Approach
With the lexical approach, vocabulary words are handled as lexical chunks or units rather than being memorized in isolation. Lexical units are groups of words that are regularly found in collusion. This approach is very effective and was initially introduced by Michaels Lewis. An example of the lexical approach scenario is when nouns are identified with the right gender or plural words learned together with the relative singular word.
3) Get immersed into the language
A popular saying states “We become what we continually do”, and this fundamentally applies to all areas of life including language learning. Getting surrounded with resources that contribute to your knowledge of a foreign language will improve the learning process. Immersion can go a long way in enhancing your language learning skills, especially in the long run.
4) Micro-Learning
In our time-poor society, being able to learn and practice ‘on the go’ is key to our success! There are many great products on the market that can support learning anywhere, anytime, 24/7, with the latest in micro-learning technology – small bite-sized, easily digestible learning chucks. These options offer users enough material to learn any language of their choice, with complete learning freedom!
5) Apply the Diglot Weave Approach
The Diglot Weave Approach enables you to learn and get comfortable with foreign languages while still speaking your normal language. It involves incorporating foreign vocabulary or words into your normal language sentences. An example will be “I am semper hungry” – this involves the use of the Latin word semper, which means ‘always’ (in the middle of an English sentence) to stress the regularity of my hunger in the sentence.
6) The Word of the Day Method
Word of the day method involves memorizing a different word in a foreign language every single day. On average, an adult repeats a foreign word 150 times to learn it. At this rate, learning the whole language will take a very long time. However, if streamlined with your Word of the Day, words can be learned faster, relatively increasing your language learning speed.
7) Learn Words with Some Authentic Phrases
This is more or less like the lexical approach discussed earlier. It involves not just learning words as they stand alone, but also applying them in phrases. Try to learn likely phrases that can be used with the word and apply them to the learning process.
8) Increase your General Exposure to the Language
Without a doubt, a foreign language can be learned outside the regular book reading process; especially if your daily activities are exposed to the culture and ideas of that language. Somewhat similar to the immersion process, this process involves eating, dressing and living generally in the wake of the foreign language’s culture.
According to scientists, infants have to be exposed to their language for 2/3 of their daily lives to quickly learn that language. This fact can easily relate to the language learning process as well since they are both similar. In essence, getting more exposure to a foreign language, and being full immersed, will speed up the language learning process.
9) Being Entertained with Languages
Try to focus on being entertained in the language you are willing to learn. This focus, if achieved, can lead to enthusiasm and interest, thereby speeding up the language learning process. Being entertained in a foreign language can easily be achieved at home with movies, songs and radio presentations in that language. However, you might also one to consider going for shows and exhibits exclusively in that language.
10) Make Your Own Flash Cards
If you are having trouble with memorization (which is an important aspect of language learning), using flash cards will be a good idea. This old-fashioned memorization aid involves writing the word and its meaning on both sides of the card. From time to time, one can go over the flash cards to remember or easily memorize words they’ve lost track on.
Your own Hack-a-thon!
There are many ways by which you can learn new languages; however, the hacks mentioned above will make the process faster and more effective. Simply pick a language you wish to begin learning, apply the hacks to your own personal learning journey, follow the tips and keep your process consistent. In no time at all, you will be speaking your desired language proficiently!
Apply these hacks and become fluent in your choice of foreign language in no time at all! Start learning now.