Learning a new language might be a difficult job, but it can improve your world travels like nothing else. If you desire to learn a new language, you may be astonished to discover that you must first learn how to learn a new language. There is a bit of a fallacy that you can just relocate to another country, listen to the natives, and gradually learn a new language. Unfortunately, it is not true; I know people who have lived in China for over 6 years and can only communicate in a few lines. The reality is that you must develop a learning system for yourself since the rate at which you learn is entirely dependent on how effective the learning activities you implement are.

1. Make certain you understand what you're putting yourself into

My first piece of advice is to be sure you truly want to learn the new language. The thing is not to discourage anyone from attempting it since it's a really gratifying experience but be warned that being competent in a new language takes a long time and maybe pretty daunting at times. Many other worthwhile things may be learned in the massive amount of time you'll spend studying a new language. Make sure you have a compelling purpose to study in order to stay motivated; if it's merely a pastime, your desire will likely weaken when things become tough. Learning a language requires time and effort, so be sure you're devoted to it.

2. First, learn the fundamental pronunciation

Many people develop a thick accent while speaking a second language because they do not take the time to perfect their pronunciation from the start. Almost all languages have at least a handful of sounds that cannot be correctly pronounced using standard English pronunciation, yet the words are nonetheless printed with English letters when read. In Japanese, the R sounds more like a mix of 'L' and 'D,' and a Zh in Chinese sounds like a bizarre 'Juh' sound. Find out what idiosyncrasies and new sounds you'll need to adjust to in your new language and practice them. Otherwise, you'll develop poor habits that will be difficult to break in the future.

3. Fundamental Memorization

When learning a new word or phrase, it's normal to want to repeat the translation in your brain over and again in the hopes that it will stay. This is a pretty inefficient method of memorizing anything. The key to remember is to force your brain to let go of the word and then recall it. Take each English word, translate it into your thoughts, and then let it go by looking at or recalling a different word on your list, then try to recollect the original translation once you've forgotten it.

If you don't know the term with a high degree of certainty, don't guess; mistakenly guessing at new words might train your brain to recall the wrong thing when you need it in the future. Consider it for a moment, and if it doesn't come to you, simply look at it again. Words cling because of this process of forgetting and recalling. Stick to roughly 10 words at a time while learning a new set of terms, and be sure you do it from English to the other language and then vice versa. Knowing the translation one way for speaking is equally as crucial as knowing the translation the other way for listening.

4. Relating words

While simply memorizing tactics, I can learn a bunch of words in half the time. I find a method to connect the new term I'm learning with an English word or notion that reminds me of it. The Japanese term 'wasureta,' which means "I forget," is an example of this. It sounds a little like "Where's the letter?" when spoken. Because of this small association, I was able to memorize the term after just hearing it once. I was reminded every time I forgot by stating "I almost forgot... What happened to the letter?" Even if the pronunciation isn't identical, it was enough to cause my brain to recollect the true term. Making connections to new words might be difficult at times, but it becomes simpler with practice and can speed up memorizing.

5. Taking it on from differing viewpoints

Some people learn better with audio, while others learn better with visuals; nonetheless, while learning a new language, it is essential to study both approaches. Purchase some audio lessons for the language in issue, but also a decent book. When learning a new language, four abilities are required: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You may decide that you simply want to learn how to listen and talk and hence that audio lessons are all you need, but this will prove to be a mistake. Even if you never need to read or write in a new language, practicing these abilities can enhance your recall speed and fluency when listening and speaking. Why is this the case? Every time you read or type a word, you are instilling it in your brain in two fresh and exciting ways. Even if you already know a word from hearing it and pronouncing it, seeing it written and then writing it yourself will cement it in your mind in a way that hearing it and repeating it several times would not. Even just listening to audio classes and writing down new phrases you learn will greatly accelerate your learning; you'll be shocked at how easy you remember something and how long it sticks when you practice it with all four language skills.

6. Choose your tools

When learning a language, there are several resources accessible, and it is critical to choose which tools will be most beneficial to you. Examine each of the following and determine which ones you wish to include: Sentence books, Phrasebooks, Flashcards, Computer Software, Language Games, Audio Lessons, Online Lessons/Forums, Penpals, Movies, and Music.

7. Examine what you've learned

Many times, I will completely learn a list of ten new words, recall them several times, and then discover a few days later that I have forgotten them. The objective is to swiftly drive the words into long-term memory. It is critical to evaluate a group of terms after learning them before learning anything new the next day. A brief 5-minute review will instantly reconnect all the words in your mind and place them in long-term memory. Make sure to go over each of the terms you learned this week one more time at the conclusion of the week. It will only take a few seconds to reinforce each phrase and have them retained in your brain for even longer, but neglecting to do so will cause them to fade swiftly from your memory. A monthly evaluation is also suggested. If you say the phrases once in a while in the future, you will most likely have them stuck in your brain for good. If you have access to someone who speaks the language you are studying, review the content with them as soon as you can after learning it. Saying the new words in the context of a conversation makes them stick even more strongly.

8. When you wake up, give yourself five minutes

The best method to start your day is to focus on the language for the first five minutes after waking up. Keep a pad of paper next to your bed with a review of the previous day's words on it, and go over it before you do anything else. The first thing you do in the morning sticks with you, much like the first music you hear on your alarm clock radio gets stuck in your brain quickly. Starting the day with the new language will prime your brain for it and have long-lasting consequences.

9. Five minutes before going to bed

Your brain processes the last ideas you had before going to bed throughout the night, and transforming those last thoughts into new words or phrases is an excellent method to make them stay. Try it, and you'll be astonished at how quickly they return to your mind in the morning.

10. Games

When you're tired of your usual means of language study, games are a great way to liven things up. Matching games, word searches, speed challenges, and spelling games are excellent for keeping children engaged and interested. Games are great since they need little motivation and engage your brain in many ways, reinforcing what you're learning.

11. Continuous exposure

If you are constantly surrounded by people who speak the language you are studying, your learning will benefit greatly.

If you don't live in a country where the language you're studying is spoken, find other ways to get as much consistent exposure as possible. Use an internet site to find a language exchange partner. Attend a class with other individuals who wish to learn the language and make friends with whom to practice. Find penpals on the internet who speak the language and are willing to learn your language, and exchange letters and emails with them. Print out new terms and post them throughout your home so you can see them frequently. Listen to language music or see movies in the language (even if you need subtitles).

12. Make use of online resources

Apart from Google Translate, there are several additional free internet tools that might assist you in learning. Flashcard websites, free online lectures, language learning forums, and even intriguing specialist sites that allow you to create and translate characters may all aid you in your language learning endeavor. Try a Google search for your language and see what you come up with!

13. Using the new language to think

Try to think in the language you're learning as much as possible during your everyday routine. This will be restricted at first, but you will be able to count or read phone numbers in the new language. Even if you have huge gaps in your vocabulary, utter as much of the phrase as you can in the foreign language, then fill in the gaps with English terms. Constant exposure is the highest form of thinking in your new language!

14 The Path to Mastery

According to research, when learning new abilities, there is a definite progression curve that you should be aware of. Your knowledge will follow a precise pattern as long as you put up the consistent effort. The first stage will be a smooth improvement, then it will gradually level out, then it will appear like you are getting nowhere or even worse, and then you will have a breakthrough. This process will repeat many times as you learn; you'll have days when you feel like you're not getting any better, but then you'll have breakthroughs that make you feel great about how far you've gone. As a result, never quite up while you're feeling disheartened since a breakthrough is just around the corner.

15. Have a good time every step of the way

Learning a language can be challenging and time-demanding, but it can also be quite rewarding. Every new acquaintance you make because of your new language proficiency will make all of your learning worthwhile. Don't be too hard on yourself during genuine conversation; have fun with it, and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself when your thoughts aren't coming over clearly, and remember to be proud of yourself every time you effectively use what you've lately learned.