1. Look at what you know, and know where you
are going
Most of us know at least a few words in the
language we want to learn, sometimes without even realizing it. Chances are you
already know a little bit about the language you plan to learn. Find something
to write all of the words and phrases from your target language that you
already know, just enough to give yourself a fair idea of what you have
already. Simply knowing how much you already know can boost your confidence and
make it easier to take those first few steps.
2. Commitment
Sticking with your project, staying interested,
staying focused and making progress are all on you. It can be hard. It goes
beyond simply being motivated. It is easy to want something, but it is also
easy to lose sight of it when other aspects of life get in the way. When
procrastination becomes a habit, you are in trouble. Your commitment to your
project will determine its outcome be it negative or positive. Try to think of
ways that you can keep yourself on track as you go. Think of some habits to
help keep yourself committed.
3. Assess how you learn best
There are language learning tips, tricks, tools
and strategies for just about everyone and every budget. When it comes to
learning a new language, you are going to be at your best when you are playing
to your strengths.
4. Strategies
Get a plan. Strategies are language tools that
offer a broader spectrum of language instruction. These strategies also include
multiple facets of language learning including reading, writing, listening, and
speaking and sentence construction. Strategies are supplemental and tend to
focus on a single facet.
5.
Create an immersion environment
Studying abroad is probably the classic example
of full immersion. However, we cannot all study abroad and we cannot just up
and visit anywhere we would like. Instead, we have to create for ourselves a
simulated immersion environment. It is definitely not the same thing, but we
will do our best to use what we have.
6. Find a partner
The most important goal of learning a language is
speaking and listening to a real person. Just concentrate on finding a friend interested
in learning with you. Sometimes an element of competition can help keep motivated
and progressing at a decent rate and simply having the support of someone you
know can go a long way. You could try it on networks for groups that pertain to
your language. There are dozens for all major languages.
7. Maintaining motivation
Set and reach short-term goals. Your motivation
makes the difference between what is “easy” and what is “hard” about the new language.
Appropriate real objectives that allow you to visualize your progress.
9. Start using your new language
Find a strong and real reason. Knowledge of a
language is an infinite slope with no summit. Do not wait until you feel secure
to start experiencing your language. It takes only the mastery of a few simple
phrases, of the most basic greetings and niceties to start communicating. Once
you begin using your new tongue, you will start to realize that you are already
a speaker of the language. That awareness will keep your motivation high to
further communication and increased proficiency.
Multilingualism will give you a different,
wider perspective. It is worth it.
You have my word.
