Secrets of Learning a Language Effectively.
Today’s interconnected and interdependent world demands proficiency in other languages as an important skill that opens opportunities to interact with the world and helps individuals and companies to succeed in the global economy. We want to use effective study methods so we can learn a language quickly and speak it well. It might sound like an impossible task, but language experts claim that basic communication skills can me mastered in weeks and you can speak a foreign
language in several months.
Getting Started
No matter your reason, once you’ve decided on learning a new language, it’s crucial
to commit. Phrasebook and online tutorials can prove useful in the early stage. You’ll learn basic vocabulary and find the confidence to have conversations with native speakers. This is the crucial first step in learning a language. But to really master the language, you will have to do as much as you can in the language, with the language and for the language.
Immerse Yourself in the Language
Learning a new language is a long-term goal, and you will need some encouragement from time to time to keep going. So what do we do to stay motivated
and accelerate the process as much as possible? Total immersion may be key to
learning a foreign language quickly. You don’t have to devote all your time to active studying. Passive perception of the language is equally important. Turn on the news or your favorite show in the language that you are learning, sit back and listen. You don’t have to understand everything, focus on the meaning of the entire segment, listen to the pronunciation and language dynamics.
Make Learning an Interesting Process
Learning a new language can be a very exciting and interesting process. Think about it as a gateway to new experiences. Those experiences can be simple, like cooking an authentic meal, using a recipe in the language you’re trying to learn or visiting a festival in foreign country. You can also make new friends who are native speakers of
the language or search for foreign penpals.
Use the Language First and Focus on the Grammar Later
Traditionally, language learning was centered around grammar, but modern language learners have different views and learn grammar by taking a relaxed, conversational approach. When you are ready to focus on the grammar, textbooks are excellent resources. You can also subscribe to podcasts or download grammar apps on your phone.
Read What You Enjoy
Reading will expose you to grammar in its natural context, so look for articles to read about topics that interest you. The key is to read what you would normally read in your mother tongue. You can also pick up a novel from your favorite author. Reading
a novel in its original language is a very rewarding experience.
How Long Does it Take?
Depending on your dedication and daily immersion, you can master the language and be fluent in new language in less than a year, but keep in mind that some languages are more structured and take longer to learn. For example, Spanish can
be mastered in only 600 hours, while Mandarin takes closer to 2200.
Don’t Wait
If you are considering taking on the challenge to learn a new language, now is the time to start. Learning a new language has multiple health benefits. It helps you focus and improve memory. It will also boost ability to multi-task, your self-confidence and even improve grammar in your first language. Scientists have also found that bilingual or multilingual people tend to develop dementia up to five years later than those who only speak one language.
So don’t wait and get started.