Everyone at one point in their life has wanted to learn a new language. It’s definitely something easier said than done, but if you work hard and practice, the end result is absolutely worth it. Sometimes though, it can be hard knowing where to start. Here are a few tips on learning a new language by yourself.
Apps
Language apps are a great way to start if you’re a complete beginner and have no idea what you’re doing, as they start with the basics. There are so many apps and programs out there that are free and help with learning a new language. Take advantage of that. Many of them let you set practice goals. Put aside time every day to learn new words. Some apps you can use include: Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, and Rosetta Stone. Research what apps are best for you and your goals, and you may find that they will help you improve a lot.
Make New Friends
One of the most important parts of learning a new language is being able to have conversations in that language. Holding a conversation with yourself would be a little silly, which is why it’s a good idea to connect with people who are fluent in the language you want to learn. They would be able to help you speak more naturally in a conversation, and with practice, you would become more comfortable. If you can’t find anyone who speaks the language you want to learn, find a friend who wants to learn that language! Together you can practice having conversations and helping each other along the way. Perhaps it would be a more comfortable environment as well, as there would be little pressure to be perfect.
Consuming Content
When learning a new language, it’s important to become familiar with its dialect and pronunciations. It’s also hard to understand at first what others are saying, as fluent speakers speak fast and the words can become blurred together. An easy way to become more comfortable with listening to people speak is through watching movies and listening to music in that language. Pick movies and songs you’ve already watched and listened to multiple times so that you will have no trouble following along when it’s in a new language. If you’re watching a movie, don’t have subtitles on in your fluent language. If they are in a different language, your brain will begin to associate the spelling of words with what people are saying. If you’re listening to music, read the lyrics in the other language while comparing them to the lyrics in your fluent language. This also helps your brain associate words and their meanings. Watching movies and listening to music is more fun too, making learning a new language more enjoyable.
Invest in Books or Online Resources
It is important when learning a new language that you don’t ignore the theoretical side of it. Languages have different conjugations, articles, etc., that are vital. Consider investing in books that explain and teach all of the different rules. Set aside time every day to practice implementing these rules as you practice writing. If you’re not a fan of using books, do some research online to find resources that are easy to understand. This is a crucial step when learning a new language, and although it’s the hardest part for some people, it is necessary.
Believe in Yourself
Learning a new language isn’t easy, but it’s very rewarding. As long as you practice and stay consistent, it will come. You just need to believe in yourself. You got this!
