Tips For Learning a New Language
Thinking Of Emigrating? Going Travelling? Or Just Curious?
Mar 11, 2009
Monolingualism is becoming increasingly rare in modern society. If you're interested in learning a new language, whatever the reason, there are many things you can do to make it easier and more enjoyable. Here you'll find some of the most important things to remember when immersing yourself in a second language.
Yes, You Can Learn a New Language
Arguably the most important thing to remember when learning a new language is that everyone, no matter age or level of perceived "expertise" when it comes to languages, is capable of learning new things. Far too many English speakers give up early on, on the grounds that "I just can't do it" – don't let yourself become one of them. With perseverance and attention to detail, you will improve.
All Languages are Different
Don't be fooled into thinking that all languages follow the same grammar and pronunciation rules as English. Languages such as Arabic and Chinese have entirely different structures, while French and Spanish may appear similar to English at times, but have their own distinct nuances. Be prepared to take time learning how to pronounce even the most basic of words in a new language, and be prepared to take time getting used to how to correctly fit sentences together. The effort and attention to detail – there's that phrase again – that you put in early on will be rewarded later.
Don't Be Afraid To Make Language Mistakes
All second-language speakers make mistakes, even very advanced ones. Similarly, everyone is used to non-native speakers of their language making errors, and many native speakers make crucial errors in their own language! Correct your errors if you know you have made them, but don't fear using a particular construction just because you haven't yet practiced it for ten hours. Being ambitious and trying out new ways to express yourself will increase your confidence hugely.
Use Culture to Your Advantage
If you're learning a new language, don't hesitate to use anything you can to help you. For example, if you're studying Spanish, watch Spanish films and listen to Spanish music, even if you don't understand even half of what you hear. Watch a film in English with foreign-language subtitles, then again a few weeks later in the foreign language, with English subtitles. Or, you could watch a film you know very well in English in another language, with no subtitles, and see how much you can pick up! Immersing yourself in culture is a key tool to help attune your brain to a new language.
Form Conversational Friendships
This one is a little more tricky, but in the age of the internet it is still within your grasp. Search online for others learning the same language as you, or for others looking to learn English, with whom you might be able to converse and exchange languages, or just tips on language learning and helpful exercises. Co-operating with others will help keep your motivation up, and it will help prevent the learning process from stagnating.
Not Everyone Speaks English!
Finally, do not allow yourself to fall into the trap of thinking that it isn't important in today's world to speak a language other than English! 75% of employers claim they would be much more likely to consider employing someone if they spoke a second language, and with the provision of foreign languages in schools decreasing in many countries, there has never been a better time to stand out from the crowd by learning a new language.
If you're considering taking up a new language, take a look at our Language Study section for more information. Good luck!
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