11 simple techniques to learn a new language(it works!!)

Are you breaking your mind trying to learn a new language? Have you enrolled for extra classes but still have self- doubts whether you can get a good score? Be it French, Tamil or Chinese you need a smart plan.  When I started learning Chinese (people say it is one of the most difficult languages in the world) I had a lot of thoughts running in my mind. When some of my fellow classmates said it is difficult to learn this language let alone mastering it, I could not accept it. So I wanted to find a way in learning this quick and easy. Here is what I did.

o   You need to have a clear plan as to what proficiency level you want to achieve. If you are aiming for HSK exams in Chinese then you will have to enrol in some classes and dedicate more time in your schedule for the language.

o   Set practical targets. If you keep the target date too short then you will feel a lot of pressure to finish it and if it is too long, you will feel lethargic.

o   Start thinking in the language which you want to master instead of your native language. I know! It is not easy but it works. Trust me.

o    Watch movies in that language. At first, you will not understand every word but if you start following this, you will get to know a lot of vocabulary and also know day to day conversations used by native speakers. Avoid watching with subtitles; otherwise, you will concentrate more on the text below the screen than what they are saying on the TV. You can also download some interesting drama series to make it interesting. Remember your way is the best than following techniques which work best for others. Try watching movies dubbed from English or something you watched already so that you can easily understand. 

o   If you are in the country where the language you want to learn is spoken then you are lucky. Make use of it and try conversing with a native speaker every day if possible. Don’t hesitate to talk be it in a grocery store, restaurant or at work. It is easy to practice this way than to sit in front of books all day. With practice, you will definitely become an expert level speaker because practice makes it perfect. I am not exaggerating!

o     A lot of language apps are available in Google play store like Anki (thanks to Google!). Make use of them to learn new vocabularies. You can try testing your proficiency using mock tests as well. Carry a dictionary with you all the time so that you can refer new words and phrases while commuting to work or travelling elsewhere. You can also download language apps.

o   Group study is an easy way of learning languages. For it will be fun to learn with friends than to self-study.  Form a network of friends interested in learning the language just like you and communicate with them. If you get a chance to talk to a native speaker, utilize this golden opportunity.  It is ok if people make fun of you sometimes. Don’t let that stop you from speaking because if you don’t try to speak, you will find it very difficult to improve your speaking skills.

o   Study every day. Follow a schedule in which you study every day at least for an hour or two. If you do not learn consistently every day, then you will forget the words you already studied and all your efforts will be a waste.

o   Online materials and YouTube. There are lots of online materials many of which are free. Make use of them and keep practising. YouTube also has lots of language teachers as well. You can also enrol in some online course and study as and when you have time. Online learning has become easy and flexible.

o   Pictorial learning is better than all text and no fun way of learning. Because pictures register faster right! For instance, if you want to learn the word sexy😉 ,  will it not get into your mind quickly if you see the picture of Damon Salvatore along with the word sexy? Just kidding! 😉 

o   Positive thinking. No matter how much you study and how many classes you attend, your thoughts play a major role in everything you do. So keep yourself positive all the time. Whether you are learning a new language or learning dancing or cooking, unless you believe that you can do it, nothing is going to happen. Surround yourself with positive people which will help a lot. It is not” Fake it until you make it” when it comes to language learning, it is “Love it and you will make it”. Start falling in love with the language and try to learn the culture of the people of that country as well so that your learning experience will be a lot more fun.

What do you think is the best way to learn a language? 

Please let me know in the comments section below. Thanks for passing by my blog!!