Maybe you need to learn a language so you can speak it on an upcoming trip.
Or so you can take on new job responsibilities.
Or so you can read your favorite novel in the language it was first written in.
Or you would like to spend time studying at a university outside, or trying an exam to access a carreer overseas ?
Whatever your reason for learning a new language, you can probably agree it’d be ideal to learn it as fast as possible.
1. Set your language-learning goals.
The first step to learning a new language fast is to set goals for what you want to achieve. If you don’t set goals, how can you know what you want to achieve and measure whether you have achieved it?
Research shows that people who set the right kind of goals are more likely to achieve success.
2. Start using the language all day, every day
As a beginner, it can seem overwhelming to try to use the language all day, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. There are many easy and even fun ways to make the language a part of your regular life
First, make use of every moment you have to learn new words. Take flashcards with you, and study them during your train or bus commute (but not while driving, please!) or when you’re waiting to meet a friend.
When you start to feel tired, switch from active learning to passive learning by doing what you would normally do in your native language in your target language. Try watching a video or TV show, or streaming radio broadcasts in your target language.
There are many online resources to access entertaining audio and video clips
3. Seek out real-life practice
Some of the best learning happens in real-life situations, particularly when you have no choice but to use a foreign language.
The easiest way to gain real-life practice is to travel or study abroad. Going abroad creates opportunities to be surrounded by people who speak the language you want to learn, many of whom don’t know your native language.
4. Learn about the culture
Understanding a language is about more than understanding words on a page. It’s important to learn about the culture and history associated with these words.
Knowing something about a country or culture’s history, current events, religious beliefs and common customs can help you understand a lot about what people say and do.
Researchers have found that children learn to read in a second language better when they understand the culture and context behind the pieces they read.
As you begin to study a new language, take some time to learn about the culture of the people who speak that language. Don’t feel this is a waste of time, even if it involves reading and watching videos in your native language. It will help you enormously and can even prevent you from making embarrassing and potentially offensive mistakes.
5. Test yourself
Knowing that you plan to take a test is a great way to motivate yourself to learn faster.
Planning to take a standardized test several months to a year after you begin learning a new language can also keep you motivated, and having the results can help you “prove” your language level to potential employers, schools or even just yourself.
6. Have fun!
Make your learning process a unique experience !
We tend to learn best when we’re enjoying ourselves, so don’t forget to make language learning fun !
Live your community, share with friends, meet people, join social activities
You will become fluent in lessa time that you can imagine !
