Learning a new language is on many people’s bucket lists. The idea of being able to communicate in another language makes traveling less intimidating and it also opens you up to new cultures and experiences.
However, a language isn’t something that you can learn overnight.
I’ve always struggled to stick to courses and find I’m not as self-motivated to practice on my own. But, there are tons of methods and resources that can make learning a new language effortless and fun.
As someone who has traveled extensively, I’ve found these tips to be incredibly helpful!
Here are my top 10 tips for learning a new language!
1. Start with the Basics
When you’re starting to learn a new language, focus on the basics like common phrases and vocabulary. Building a solid foundation of basic language skills will make it easier to progress to more complex grammar and conversation later on.
2. Practice Consistently
Like any new skill, learning a new language requires practice. Aim to practice a little bit every day rather than trying to cram everything in one long study session. This will help you retain the information better and make progress faster.
3. Use a Variety of Resources
Don’t limit yourself to just one resource when learning a new language. Use a variety of tools like language apps, textbooks, audiobooks, and conversation partners to gain a well-rounded understanding of the language.
Try Prismatext!
Every other language learning app or method out there today relies on you, the learner, needing to set aside time each day to ‘practice’.
Prismatext is different in that they don’t want you to change anything about your day-to-day at all.
Prismatext makes learning a language as easy as reading a book! You can use my code ‘BLONDEABROAD’ for 20% off.
You can learn a language while reading stories that you already know and love. From The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes to Alice in Wonderland, to dozens of modern titles – they have something for everyone.
Using Diglot Weave, Prismatext blends the most useful foreign words and phrases into your favorite novels and stories making it 50% more effective than traditional language acquisition methods.
Don’t practice, don’t create a new habit – just keep reading! An hour of reading your favorite book becomes an hour of effortless language learning!
4. Immerse Yourself
Immersing yourself in the language is one of the best ways to learn. This means surrounding yourself with the language as much as possible. Watch movies and TV shows in the language, listen to podcasts, and read books and newspapers in the language.
5. Learn Through Conversation
Practicing conversation with a native speaker is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. Try to find conversation partners online or in-person to practice speaking and listening skills.
6. Set Realistic Goals
Learning a new language is a long-term process, so set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t expect to become fluent in a matter of weeks. Celebrate small milestones along the way to keep yourself motivated.
7. Learn Through Culture
Understanding a language’s culture can help you understand the language itself. Learn about the customs, traditions, and history of the country where the language is spoken.
8. Use Visual Aids
Visual aids like flashcards, videos, and pictures can help you associate words with their meanings. This can be especially helpful for memorizing vocabulary.
9. Embrace Mistakes
Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they can be a valuable learning opportunity.
10. Have Fun!
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! Learning a new language can be challenging, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Enjoy the process and celebrate your progress along the way.
I hope these tips help you on your language-learning journey. Happy learning!
This post was written in partnership with Prismatext. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and based on my own travel experiences.
Great article! I’ve always wanted to learn a new language but needed to figure out where to start. These tips are helpful, especially about immersing yourself in the language through movies and music. I’ll give that a try!
I’m trying to learn Thai, and I’m quite of afraid to failed since it’s completely different from my mother tong (French), but I’ll try to use your advice. I think practicing concistently is a key with having fun 😉