Is there a travel destination high on your bucket list? Are you putting off planning a trip there because you’re worried about not knowing the language there?
There is a solution to your problem that will get you on that dream vacation; learning the language!
More than 20% of Americans speak more than one language. You can do it too!
There are a lot of steps of learning but we’ve narrowed down some of the best tips to learning a new language.
It will take some time, work, and effort but if you use these tips you’ll be speaking in no time!
Tips to Learning a New Language
Even the best student cannot learn a new language overnight. So the first step to learning a new language is to set realistic expectations.
If your goals are unachievable in your set timeframe, then you will most certainly give up.
Make sure that you’re prepared for the learning to take some time and get ready to practice a whole lot!
Focus on the Most Important Words
One of the hangups that many people have when they first start to learn a new language is that they want to learn every word right away.
But this is not the best practice and will not lead to the most fluent speaker.
Instead, focusing on a narrow list of the most common words can lead to proficiency. Once those words are mastered and basic communication can happen, then the most nuanced and difficult words can be added in.
Remember, just like when you learned your first language it takes baby steps that build on each other to be able to fully communicate.
One level at a time will bring the most fluent communication from the student.
Implement Language Immersion
Just like with learning any new skill, there is a lot of practice involved to become comfortable. So it is critical to look for as many opportunities as possible to speak the language.
The more real-world scenarios you can be in the better the words and language concepts will sink in. Think about trying to immerse yourself as much as you can in the new language.
This can look like visiting local businesses where that language is spoken, using media (books, TV, websites) in that language, or finding a friend who already speaks the language that you can practice with.
Practice is the only way you will learn quickly.
Another way to immerse yourself in the new language is to learn more about the culture. This may lead to a deeper understanding of the language and also more motivation to become fluent.
Use the Right Tools
With so many people interested in learning new languages there are a ton of great resources available to help.
This is especially helpful because everyone has a different learning style so you can search through the available options and find one that will suit you best. And even better news, many of these resources are free!
There is a free language learning app that allows you to create digital flashcards for easy practicing anywhere. This program also has options to help you learn to pronounce words correctly with a variety of methods.
Another program offers quizzes in a variety of levels to help you commit all of the new words you are learning to memory.
The internet is really an unlimited resource for study aids. If you need help learning something, there is undoubtedly a tool for you online.
The trick is to find the right tools for you that will actually help you learn best and leave the rest behind. It can be easy to get caught up in all of the options and try to do them all.
That will just overwhelm you and make the process too difficult. Stick to one or two resources that will promote learning in your way.
Applaud Progress
It takes us years to learn our first language to the point of coherent conversation and communication. So it really is unrealistic to expect to learn a new language in a very short amount of time.
In order to really be successful and become fluent, you must be patient with yourself and your abilities.
If you have an opportunity to speak with a native speaker and it doesn’t go completely smoothly with natural, easy conversation; that’s okay!
Look for progress and not perfection. Everyone has issues communicating, even in their first language.
When you focus on the things you do know and the progress you are making the motivation stays high and there is less likely to be burnout.
Always remember it is a process and you will get there in time!
Practice, Practice, Practice
Really the most important tips on how to learn a different language are to practice as much as possible. The only way to learn a new language is to put it to use.
Practicing can look like regularly reading in the new language, speaking to someone in the new language, or going through flashcards.
There is really no substitute for going over the new language as much as possible in order to submit it to memory.
We practice our first languages every day all day by communicating, reading, and writing. Trying to implement as many of those things in the second language can help you learn as fast as possible.
Get Traveling
The goal of learning a new language is a very exciting one. The possibilities that come from being able to communicate with a whole new group of people are intriguing to say the least.
That same goal can also be a little daunting. But the steps of learning a new language are straightforward and very doable with the right approach.
Following these tips to learning a new language will help you to become fluent as quickly as possible. Then you can be on the way to your dream destination!
Look around for more ideas for reaching your goals!
