20 helpful tips if you’re trying to learn a new language

Immersion is the best way to learn a new language. Unfortunately, that’s not feasible for many people. An alternative that may work is studying in big chunks of time. Experts have found that it’s more helpful to practice a language for long stretches at a time rather than a few minutes each day for several months.

Although big chunks of time are better for practicing, you still need to practice a new language every day. Listen, read, speak, and write in the new language you’re learning every day to yield the best results.

It can be quite difficult to learn a new language, especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. Use a program with a structure and flow, rather than leaving yourself to your own devices.

It’s especially helpful to watch movies and TV shows in the language you’re learning. You get to hear how the language is spoken, and you pick up on basic and colloquial vocabulary. 

To make even better use of your time when watching a TV show or movie in a language you’re learning, keep the subtitles on. This will help you learn even more words and improve your reading and spelling skills.

You should start speaking the language you’re learning on day one. It’s easier to understand a language than to speak it, so make sure you’re flexing the muscles of your brain that are responsible for translating and speaking.

You’ll of course read as you’re actively learning a new language, but it’s also helpful to read outside of your lessons. Start with translations of works you’re already familiar with and expand your range from there.

If possible, speak with native speakers of the language you’re learning. There are many online programs you can look into for a safe, more formal way to interact with native speakers.

When learning a new language, try to immerse yourself as much as possible. One way to do this is by listening to music written in the language.

If possible, visit a country where the language you’re learning is spoken. It may seem like an endpoint, but it’s better to visit while you’re still learning, as it will help you pick up on the language faster.

Find a safe and structured way to have a pen pal who speaks the language you’re learning. Writing letters will help you learn the language more quickly and better understand how native speakers communicate.

We can control our thoughts to a certain extent, and when learning a new language, we should do so by thinking in that new language. When you’re being intentional about your thought process, try thinking in the language you’re learning.

Every language has thousands of words, and it’s a major undertaking to learn them. Commit yourself to learning a new word every day to help your command of the language. 

Visuals help. Post notes around your home with vocabulary words in the language you’re learning. Start with words that correspond to the item (i.e., the word for mirror on your mirror) and change them once you’ve got them down.

Learning a language is similar to learning any other new skill, and it goes better when you set goals for yourself. Set goals in vocabulary words learned, tenses you’re able to speak in, and more to keep you motivated and on task.

If possible, change the language of certain apps that you use to the language you’re learning. It’s another way you can immerse yourself.

Add a keyboard to your phone in the language you’re learning. That way, you can practice writing in it, and you’ll have the help of autocorrect as you learn how to spell. 

If feasible, get a one-on-one tutor to help you learn the new language. You’ll be able to speak in the language to that person, and you can make mistakes without feeling too embarrassed.

That being said, you’re going to make mistakes when learning a new language. Accept that fact and move on. It’s okay. You make mistakes in the language you already speak. No biggie.

Keep working at the language you’re learning. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It took you years to learn your native language, so expect it to take that long to become fluent in a new one.