Strategies for Learning a Foreign Language
Little and Big Ways to Learn, Improve, or Perfect a Language
Dec 14, 2008
Language learning comes easier to some and difficult to others, however everyone can do it. The most important thing is to really want to learn it. Whether motivation comes from a business trip, a vacation or move to a different country, a partner speaking the language, needing to know it for a career, or just because, it’s effective to keep inspiration and motivation at the forefront of the mind.
The tips and strategies below can be used at different times as levels increase, but it’s wise to practice all five components of language learning in order to master a language.
Language Learning Software
Software programs can be expensive to buy, although they are very effective for starting a language as a complete beginner and help with speaking, listening, and grammar. It may be possible to find them at a local library in order to save money. In the form of a CD, language software may have 20 to 30 minute tracks so the learner can practice a little everyday.
Generally each track introduces a few new phrases or vocabulary and allows the listener to repeat and answer the voice on CD in the form of situational dialogues.
Language Partner
Finding someone who is a native or very practiced in the language one would like to learn is a great way to practice speaking conversationally. This is easier when living near a university or better yet, in the country where the language is spoken.
For example, one person will use his or her native language in conversation for 30 minutes, then switch to the other person's language for the remaining 30 minutes in order to have a regular meet-up of an hour every week. This is generally free and is as easy as posting a note with an email address on the notice board at a university.
Reading Foreign Books
Reading in a foreign language, even if it’s a children’s book, is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and understand tenses. It’s not important to look up every unknown word in the dictionary, only if it keeps popping up.
Language Courses
Evening courses at a community college or language school can be motivating and social. The teacher will generally provide bits of cultural insight and create an atmosphere in which everyone feels comfortable making mistakes. Courses also usually focus on all the five components of language learning in a balanced way.
Going Abroad
Finding work abroad or studying abroad is a great way to become immersed in a language and perfect pronunciation. Teaching English abroad allows the learner a broad choice of the country he or she would like to go to, seeing as most countries need English teachers. To better immerse oneself abroad, it’s wise to live with native roommates to maintain constant language use.
Free/Inexpensive Language Learning Tips
- Changing the start-up page on a web browser to an on-line newspaper in the language allows the learner to see a little bit every day when going on the Internet.
- Buying a crossword puzzle book and doing a little before bed or on a train commute helps practice vocabulary or learn new ones.
- Signing up for a daily online newsletter or word of the day is quick and builds vocabulary.
- Listening to songs in a particular language on CD’s or on an international radio channel from the Internet will help listening skills and introduce the learner to new music at the same time.
- Writing vocabulary words on Post-It notes and sticking them on their corresponding objects will ensure effective memorization. This especially works with kitchen objects, bathroom objects, and objects in the bedroom.
Everyone learns differently, therefore it’s best to test several ways to find good personal strategies. The desire to learn a language must always remain present. If it’s there, the learner will be successful.
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