You want to learn a language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s been on your bucket list for years. You\u2019ve probably made a few attempts before, but it never went anywhere\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But this<\/em> time will be different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, learning a language is hard. It takes a significant amount of time. And you don\u2019t need to take a fancy (and expensive) language course to do it. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to learning languages, some learners thrive in a teacher-led training environment, some self-paced<\/a>. Most find that a combination works best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What you do <\/em>need\u2014the secret to language learning\u2014is to find activities you like<\/em>. If you find a way to learn a language that you like<\/em>, you\u2019ll persist at it even when it gets hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each language learner is different. So, find a language activity that works for your learning process, that you like<\/em>, and that you can stick to for the long haul. Make it part of your routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can do that, <\/em>you\u2019ll learn a new language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But what <\/em>activities can you do? The options are endless. Here\u2019s a small taste\u2014 54+ modern ways to learn a language. Pick a few from this list, try them, see if they grab you. If not, come back and try some others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the best ways to get started learning your language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good interactive language app<\/a> is probably the best way to learn the basics of any language. May we suggest Pimsleur<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are lots. For example, edX<\/a> has many language classes, including this one<\/a> to learn Mandarin Chinese. They typically don\u2019t have the same kind of comprehensive curriculum at many levels as Pimsleur, but they could be a good way to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not my favorite method, but language textbooks work for some people. And they may be one of the best ways to learn grammar rules. Search your favorite bookseller for textbooks in your target language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Language classes aren\u2019t always the best way to learn, and they\u2019re expensive. But if you don\u2019t mind the price tag and you know a good school, a language course can<\/em> help you get going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning a language is all about remembering new words. Here are some of the best ways to do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find lists of the most common words and start studying them. Here are the top 1,000<\/a> words in Swahili<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flashcards are one of the most effective ways to commit what you learn to long-term memory, especially when you use spaced repetition. Pimsleur has built-in flashcards that seamlessly work with your language lessons. You can also make free online language flashcards at Brainscape<\/a> or with Anki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you can try memorizing vocabulary from foreign songs<\/a> you love (Despacito, anyone?).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start in the kitchen and bathroom and post sticky notes with the most common vocab. You can even incorporate phrases like, \u201cClean your room\u201d or \u201cWhat do you want for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possibly the ultimate translation tool, use Google Translate to find the word for anything you can possibly think of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking is scary, but you can do it, and we think it’s essential! Here are some of the best ways to learn to speak a new language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easier than ever to find native speakers to chat with online. You learn your target language and can teach them your own language. Here\u2019s some advice for finding a conversation partner<\/a>. And here are some tips for making your virtual language encounter a success.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Have some friends or colleagues that want to learn with you? Start a conversation club. Just get everyone hooked up on Zoom or Skype and get chatting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shadowing<\/a> is one of the most powerful ways of improving your speaking skills on your own. Just listen to the audio and repeat it as if you were an echo. It helps with all the physical aspects of getting to near-fluency-like pronunciation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Talk with yourself when you’re in the shower or making dinner. Pretend you\u2019re at a Turkish<\/a> cafe and play both sides of the conversation. \u201cMerhaba, bir kahve alabilir miyim l\u00fctfen?\u201d, \u201cEvet. S\u00fct ister misin?\u201d <\/em>And so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the best ways to see your progress over time: record yourself. Do it every day, and after a few months, you\u2019ll really be able to hear the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get your mouth used to making new sounds by reading books out loud. Here\u2019s an example of someone using this method to learn Korean<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are the Best Ways to Learn a Language?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learn the Basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Use a language app.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Take a free online course. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Use a Grammar Book. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Take a Class in Person. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Learn Vocabulary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Study word lists.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Make flashcards. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Memorize words from things you love. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Label all your household items. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Google Translate. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Learn to Speak<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Find a language exchange partner. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Start a conversation club. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Practice \u201cshadowing.\u201d <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
13. Talk to yourself. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. Record yourself speaking. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. Read out loud. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n