Language is not learned in a day, it’s a long process that requires commitment and motivation. Think of language learning as more like learning a new type of sport - you have to practice it over and over before it becomes second nature. And even if you have an Olympic medal you will still have to practice if you want to stay in shape.
We asked language learning experts for the most important tips to help you learn and improve your language:
We asked language learning experts for the most important tips to help you learn and improve your language:
- Find opportunities to get exposed to the language in your everyday life - learning a new language requires time and effort, when it blends with your schedule you do not have to set extra time for it. Let's face it no one has any extra time these days.
- Listen and then listen to some more just like babies learning their native languages you need to hear the language before you can utter your first word.
- Practice your tolerance for ambiguity - Learning a new language confronts you with unfamiliar sounds, new vocabulary, and grammar rules full of exceptions and irregular forms. What do you do when you’ve learned a rule and all of a sudden discover it has an infinite list of irregulars? Take it from Elsa and just let it go.
- Understanding from context: When you are listening to the language, focus on the words you understand, they will help you get the gist of what’s going on and hint at the meaning of those words you don’t know.
- Remembering new words - We forget every new word we learn within a few days if we do not get exposed to it again. In order to retain the new vocabulary you’ve learned, find a way to practice it again by either making flashcards, using them in context, or writing them down again.
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