If you’re trying to learn a new language, and you find yourself struggling, and maybe you’ve started to think that learning a new language is not really “your thing”. Well, then you definitely need to hear this: stop worrying, keep trying, and find your own preferred learning method.
Continue reading to learn about a few reasons why you should follow this important advice. You will also find a few useful tips that will help you understand your difficulties and how to overcome them.
Content
Hide- 1.Learning a new language is challenging for anyone
- 2.Accept the difficulties: learning a new language takes time
- 3.Keep a positive attitude and find your motivation to learn a new language
- 4.Finding the motivation to begin a new language is hard, here are some tips to help you get started:
- 4.1.Choose a language you really like
- 4.2.Think about the reasons why you want to learn the language
- 4.3.Focus on the journey, not the destination
- 5.Explore your options and find the best way to learn for you
- 5.1.Language courses
- 5.2.Abroad experiences
- 5.3.Online means and apps
- 5.4.Private tutors
- 6.Consider getting a private language tutor: classes tailored to your needs!
- 7.Make it more fun
- 7.1.Watch movies/series
- 7.2.Listen to music
- 7.3.Read books you like
- 7.4.Find friends online
Learning a new language is challenging for anyone
Learning a new language is a big challenge. It requires time and patience:
- You have to dedicate the right amount of time: do not demand it of yourself to be fluent in just a few months
- Your brain needs to adapt: it will actually modify its structure and improve some of its functions
Avoid comparing yourself to others, each one of us has a different way of learning. Never think that it's impossible. The difficulties you’re facing are more common than you think.
Accept the difficulties: learning a new language takes time
Learning a new language is no piece of cake. It is about learning a whole new way to communicate your thoughts and experiences, describe the world around you and establish relationships with other people. There’s a lot to learn and practice.
You should accept the difficulties, they're completely normal: they are part of the journey. If you really want to learn a new language, you need to be patient, dedicated & committed.
Keep a positive attitude and find your motivation to learn a new language
The way we approach things can really make a difference. That’s why it is important for you to always keep a positive attitude, this will help keep you motivated. Never forget that making mistakes is normal and doubt is good, doubt keeps you alert: that’s how you learn!
Finding the motivation to begin a new language is hard, here are some tips to help you get started:
1) Choose a language you really like
Everything is tougher when we don’t like it. So, finding a language that you’re passionate about can be crucial. The language classes will become pleasant to follow and the time will pass without you even realizing it!
2) Think about the reasons why you want to learn the language
Another way to keep your motivation high is to think about the reason why you started in the first place. Is it because you want to travel? Is it because you want to boost your career? Or is it because you met a new friend? Whatever the reason is, it will surely keep you motivated if you think about it before class.
3) Focus on the journey, not the destination
Learning a new language is a process: you start with the basics, and then you move forward, step by step. Don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t come all at once.
Explore your options and find the best way to learn for you
There are many ways to learn a language. If you feel like you’re stuck, it’s probably just because you still need to discover a learning method that works for you. It’s not about talent, it is about the dedication and the learning method. Remember that there’s no one perfect way to learn a foreign language, just try to find the best method working for you.
1) Language courses
Following a language course is the most common and easy way to learn a language. They normally provide a complete overview of the language goals, focus on different aspects (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and differ according to the various language levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced). They can be both in-person and online.
2) Abroad experiences
The great advantage of this option is the possibility of doing a full immersion of the language and culture. Overall, this is a faster and more effective way to learn, but if you really want it to last on the long term, you need to put in the work.
3) Online means and apps
Internet is a wonderful tool, so let’s use it! On the web you can find lots of useful information: text explanations, videos, exercises and so much more. There are also many platforms and apps especially made to facilitate in language a foreign learning.
4) Private tutors
What’s wonderful about learning with a private tutor is that you will benefit from classes tailored to your needs. This option might be ideal if you’re studying a language, and you’re already struggling to face the difficulties you've encountered. In the next paragraph, you will find more information about private classes.
Consider getting a private language tutor: classes tailored to your needs!
As mentioned before, getting a private language tutor is a great way to effectively learn a language, especially if you run into unexpected difficulties, and you would like to address them specifically and in detail. In fact, a private tutor will be able to easily adjust his/her classes according to your needs and requests, thus allowing you to work on the points that you find difficult.
Other advantages of private classes are a flexible schedule, a more comfortable situation and a closer relationship with the teacher. However, they do tend to be more expensive.
Make it more fun
Who said that language learning has to be boring? Luckily, there are many ways to make learning a new language more fun and engaging.
1) Watch movies/series
Watching a movie or series in the language you want to learn represents a great tool to improve your language skills. Without even realizing it, you will learn new words, understand the context better and strengthen your listening skills.
2) Listen to music
Every one of us has that one song that we can’t stop singing. Looking up the lyrics is a great way to memorize new vocabulary and common expressions with almost no effort.
3) Read books you like
Find a good book, one that interests you and grasps your attention. Reading in your learning language is a very effective way to learn about grammar and vocabulary.
4) Find friends online
Language exchange sites allow you to meet with other people who, just like you, want to practice a foreign language. Make new friends while learning a new language!