Guide to Learning a New Language

Learning a language can be difficult, no matter how similar the language might be to your native tongue. However, there are tricks to learning any language no matter how different from your mother tongue.

Begin by learning basic vocabulary and phrases. There are online flashcards scattered on the internet that are the building blocks for creating a solid foundation. Quizlet is a great resource for flashcards — there is also an accompanying app for those that use their smartphones to practice. Make sure to listen to the words and phrases as well and do your best to mimic the sounds.

Immediately start listening to songs from the language you are trying to learn and watch movies as well. Although you will not be able to understand the words, this necessary step helps train your ear. Thus, when you begin learning advanced terminology, the words will not sound foreign. Watching kid’s movies or Disney movies in the language also helps with adding context to the words. This is similar to how children learn their native language by watching children’s shows and repeating the words they hear.

To become more advanced, find someone to practice because practice makes perfect. Try speaking without translating everything you say in your head. Train your brain to think in the language you are learning and that will help you learn even faster.

Learning a new language takes time, so stick with it and try to learn new words each day. If you stay dedicated to your goal, one day you will speak the language with ease.