Have you always wanted to learn a new language? Maybe French, German, Spanish? You could quickly become fluent in the language of your choice. It’s not only fun but also very practical.
Learning a new language can be fun. Some say that it’s too hard, but they simply chose the wrong method. This article will give you ideas on how to make learning easier for yourself.
Are you interested in learning a new language and willing to practice? Here are 10 fun ways on how to learn a new language. Not only are these methods fun, but they are also proven to work. They will keep you motivated and give you the desire to continue your studies.
Quick guide
- Start with the basics and ignore all the rules
- Find a language buddy to practice or learn with
- Learn one new word each day
- Study with a friend or in small groups
- Write every day in the target language, even if it’s only for 5 minutes
- Watch TV shows and movies in your target language
- Get apps that help you learn new languages
- Surround yourself with people who speak the language
- Practice, practice, practice
- Stay motivated!
Detailed guide
1. Start with the basics and ignore all the rules
Learning a new language is an exciting endeavor. Often it begins with a bit of research and then some interaction with the language. Learning a language from scratch is a daunting task, especially if you have little or no knowledge of grammar.
Learning a language is like having a conversation. You don’t need to apply any complex rules or restrictions. Forthright, learning these rules and restrictions may slow your progress.
Why not just ignore all the rules and simply start speaking? You’ll sound like an adorable baby, but you’ll pick up the basics of the language so much faster. “Pay no attention to all the rules; get a feel for the language, experiment, and have fun.”
2. Find a language buddy to practice or learn with
A language buddy is someone you study or practice your target language with. They can be a neighbor, coworker, or a family member. You can also chat with them online via various video conferencing software.
Keeping each other accountable and motivating each other is a key factor in learning or improving a language. You should find someone who is just as serious about improving their language as you are.
Much of learning comes from having an interactive experience so that the brain can internalize words and grammar. One way to force yourself to speak, and not just gain some passive knowledge is to find a buddy and practice with them.
3. Learn about 10 to 15 new words each day
Learning a language starts with learning its vocabulary. To be a successful language learner, you should have a goal: to learn new words. Once you know your goal, you can create a realistic plan for reaching it.
When learning a new language, make sure you learn about 10 to 15 new words each day. This way you’ll increase your vocabulary without overwhelming yourself. It is all about working smarter, not harder.
4. Study with a friend or in small groups
A great way to improve your language is to study with a friend or in small groups. As a result, your conversation partners will help you learn the correct pronunciation, vocabulary, idioms, and anything else that doesn’t translate right.
Also, this works best if you bring different language levels together. No matter what language you are learning, try not to study it on your own. Take a class, find someone interested in the same topic as you, and practice together.
By helping one another with your studies, you will create a chance to converse in your native language while doing something else you find enjoyable.
5. Write every day in the target language, even if it’s only for 20 minutes
If you’re working to learn a language, one of the most important things is to write every day. Why? Writing helps you internalize new vocabulary and grammar. It ultimately increases your ability to express yourself in ways that are more accurate and nuanced.
Even if it’s only for 20 minutes a day, make it a goal to get all the writing out of your system. It’ll do wonders for your skills. Regular practice is the only way to improve at anything. The more you write in your new language, the more natural it will feel.
And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect – do the best you can.
6. Watch TV shows and movies in your target language
Many television shows and movies are available in the language you wish to learn. Make or buy a set of subtitles in your target language and watch. It’s like tricking your brain to pay attention. I watched The Lord of the Rings and Shrek in English, but with Spanish subtitles.
When it’s important, pause the movie and try to read the subtitles, then play again. Watching TV shows and movies in another language has a few benefits. First, you can improve your listening skills, which will help you later on with comprehension.
Second, by being forced to read the subtitles, you practice reading. And finally, you are learning words for context that you may not have learned with just a textbook.
I highly recommend watching movies from a variety of periods and genres. You will expand your vocabulary and learn about the style of writing and speaking in a particular period.
7. Get apps that help you learn new languages
One of the best ways to increase your vocabulary is to get an app that teaches you new words. Learning a new language can be difficult, but you can go from not knowing a word to being fluent in just months with the right apps and techniques.
Check out these language learning apps and find out which ones work best for spending your time on the go, on public transit, or just while relaxing at home.
The one I would recommend is called Babbel. Download it to your mobile phone or tablet and stick it in your pocket wherever you go. It’s great for those times when you have a few moments to spare and want to learn something new.
8. Surround yourself with people who speak the language
You can learn a new language, and you don’t even need to spend a dime. People often think that if they don’t have access to classes or the money to pay for private tutors, they won’t learn—and they’re wrong.
Surrounding yourself with people who speak the target language is a great tip to help you develop a new language quickly. Often people start by trying to learn at home completely on their own. While this might seem like a good idea at first, it isn’t.
It is far better to find yourself surrounded by people who can correct your mistakes and who can help you learn. The idea is pretty self-explanatory. When you’re surrounded by people who use the language you want to learn, the chances of you listening and imitating are much greater.
9. Practice, practice, practice
Learning a new language can be intimidating and seem impossible. But really, anyone can learn a new language if they dedicate themselves to it.
When you first learn a new skill, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. If you only practice in perfect conditions you will never build the confidence and competence you need to move on to the next level.
The more you practice your new language, the better and faster you will become at it. Practice whenever possible: take a break at work and go for a walk in the park. Look for opportunities to practice every day.
10. Stay motivated
There are a few basic tricks you can use to start speaking immediately. Ultimately, the goal is to be able to communicate with others and be understood, but that doesn’t happen overnight.
The best thing to do when learning a new language is to stop thinking about intricacies like grammar and focus on having conversations instead. It’s easy to get frustrated and give up, but that’s not going to help you learn a language any faster.
Learning a new language is a challenge, and sticking to it over the years can be the hardest part of it all. Motivation is a big part of keeping up with (or picking up) your new language. Motivation comes from a place inside yourself: your dreams, your wishes, your goals.
Why learn a new language?
1. Traveling abroad
Why not learn a new language? Especially if you want to go traveling. It gives you a huge bonus when it comes to travel, especially if you are going to countries with no English signage or menus.
Learning a new language is the first step to traveling abroad. It helps you understand the local people and absorb their culture. In today’s competitive world, learning a language boosts your self-confidence and opens doors of opportunities.
Yes, you can even land an overseas internship with foreign companies for your studies and get recruited afterward!
2. Love, romance, and making new friends
Learning a new language is a great way to get closer to your spouse or partner. You will build up a stronger relationship and learn a lot faster when you teach each other new words. The language barrier can also be an interesting topic to talk about for making new friends.
3. Business opportunities
In today’s globalized world, knowing more than one language is a great business advantage. You increase your market and have access to new customer groups.
Besides that, you can communicate with people from abroad, who can give you new challenges and projects. You become more creative and enjoy seeing how words can be used in different ways in different languages.
And lastly but not least: You learn about yourself: Learn to better express yourself, challenge yourself, communicate more effectively and meet new people.
4. Personal development
Learning a new language is great for your career, and even better for your personal development. In our fast-paced world, you’re more likely to find work when you know more than just English.
It is proven that learning a new language can be great for personal development. It can give you a different point of view on the world around you.
In addition, learning to speak another language is an option to expand your mind and improve other key skills such as concentration and memory.
5. Delays or prevents Alzheimer’s disease
Everyone should make an effort to learn at least one or two foreign languages. Learning a language, even one that isn’t your own, is one of the best things you can do for your brain.
The benefits to the brain are well documented. Studies show that learning a new language helps delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease as well as other forms of dementia.
FAQs
Is it easier to learn a new language when you’re younger or an adult?
It is easier to learn a new language when you’re younger because the brain is still flexible and growing. For adults, it may be more challenging, but not impossible.
Nevertheless, it is not impossible to become fluent in a new language at any age. You just have to be more willing and committed to achieving your goal.
How long does it take to learn a new language?
Most experts recommend that you study a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour a day to pick up the basics of a new language. Depending on the method and program you choose, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years to learn a new language.
Besides, it takes different amounts of time for different people. It depends on the person’s intelligence, motivation, and how well they can use their time to study the language. The more effort you put into learning the language, the more you will get out of it.
Is learning a new language easy?
No, it is not easy to learn a new language. But it is not hard either. The answer depends on how you define easy though. Easy can mean different things to different people.
Maybe for some, it is learning the language without spending too much time and effort. For others, easy means learning the language with little effort and in a short period.
Anyone can learn a language. All it takes is practice, dedication, and perseverance. Start with basic words and build upon them. You need not be afraid of making mistakes, it’ll help you along the way.
How can I make studying a new language more fun?
Studying a new language can be difficult, especially when you are just starting. However, there are many ways to make language learning fun.
One of the best ways to make studying a new language fun is to watch movies or listen to music in that language.
For example, if you want to learn German, you could watch a German movie or listen to German music. Another way to make studying fun is through the use of computer programs. You can also leverage games that use the language you are studying.
Is it important to set goals when learning a new language?
Yes. If you want to learn a new language, then it is important to set goals. Setting specific goals in learning a new language will ensure that the knowledge you gain will be retained.
The goals could be as simple as reading the daily newspaper with fluency and understanding. It is best to set targets that are achievable to give yourself a sense of achievement when they are accomplished.
Can podcasts or audio files help me learn a new language faster?
Yes, podcasts and audio files can help you learn a new language faster. The human brain learns by hearing and repetition.
A language is a series of words that are strung together to form a sentence just like a sentence in English might be.
Most of these podcasts or audio files are designed to increase your listening skills. In addition, some of them can be used as a listening comprehension tool. They are fun and easy to use.
Final thoughts
Languages open a gateway to new experiences, cultures, and people. Depending on the language you want to learn, you could be learning for fun or practical purposes. Whatever your reason may be, here are some ways you can learn a new language.
I hope that by now, you know how you can learn a language quickly and effectively. Why not take it up a notch a little? Learn how to make money speaking another language.
If you are reading this article because you want to work abroad, I have something that will interest you. Check out my post on the best travel jobs.
If you know how to speak different languages and you have good handwriting, I also have something for you. Check out my article on how to make money with good handwriting.
Thank you for reading. Share with your friends.
