At first, learning a foreign language may seem difficult, but if you have the determination, you will succeed. There are lots of fun ways to help you learn a foreign language in no time.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Choosing Materials
Step 1. Use language learning software
There are many soft sets to learn foreign languages independently. In Europe, many use Assimil. The method uses audio dialogue and the material is in the form of books and CDs. Another popular method is Teach Yourself which uses live translation as well as level-by-level audio exercises.
If you're an audio learner, the best way to learn a foreign language is to listen to people speaking that language
Step 2. Choose a language textbook
Purchase a grammar guide as well as a dictionary of the language you want to learn. You'll also need a bilingual book to see translations from the original to the target language. In addition to textbooks, choose several books such as novels or nonfiction in that language.
If you are a visual learner, reading the language in question may be the best way to learn it
Step 3. Enter the language environment you want to learn
In this method, you enter the environment where the language is spoken. This does not mean going to a foreign country, but it can be in a class or even at home by listening to music and television in that language. You can also visit parts of the city that use it a lot (for example, Chinese villages, Arab communities, or places where expats hang out).
If you are a kinesthetic learner, this may be the best way to learn a foreign language
Step 4. Download the language learning app
There are many apps that help you learn a foreign language. Read the reviews and pick one or two that you find both helpful and enjoyable. That way, you can study on the bus or train, during school or work breaks, and anywhere.
Duolingo and Busuu are great language course apps. LiveMocha is a fun chat app and social language. Memrise uses mnemonic tools to help learn foreign languages. Mindsnacks is an educational game for learning languages
Part 2 of 4: Learning the Basics of the Language
Step 1. Learn the grammar rules
Most likely, the rules of the target language you want to learn are slightly different from your own native language. So you have to learn sentence structure, such as wording, division of nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., as well as subject and verb adjustments.
Step 2. Start with general vocabulary
Words that will be used every day must be learned first. Try starting with personal pronouns (I, you, he, they, etc.) and common nouns (male, female, chair, table, city, teacher, bathroom, school, airport, restaurant, etc.) continue with adjectives (green, thin, fast, beautiful, cool, etc.) or verbs (go, do, take, leave, offer, meet, etc.) that require changes according to conjugation.
Step 3. Learn basic phrases
You may want to know how to ask a simple question, like “Where is the bathroom/train station/hotel/school?” or “How much does this (coffee, newspaper, train ticket) cost?” You also need to learn to say, "My name is …", "What's your name?", "How are you?", and "I'm good/bad." Think of a few dozen phrases you want to know and start there.
Step 4. Create associations
One word may remind you of another. Try to form a mental picture based on the connection. Even if it's vague or silly, word associations will help you remember.
Step 5. Don't forget to practice
Repetition is one of the best ways to learn vocabulary. Make word cards and study them every day. The card can also be pasted in the room or house so that it is always visible. You can also use an automatic card generator (for example, lingua.ly).
Part 3 of 4: Learning with Fun
Step 1. Listen to foreign language music
Listening to music is a great way to learn a language. There may also be a song you like in another language, and that will make it easier for you to recognize the words because you know the lyrics by heart. You can also select unheard songs and print out the lyrics, then translate them.
Step 2. Read the daily news in the target language
Choose a topic you usually read about (for example, tech news) and read the story in another language. Look for sections of online newspapers or blogs that cover the topic. Try reading it in the target language only.
Step 3. Listen to foreign language internet radio broadcasts
The BBC World Service is a great place to start. You can also turn on the television and watch foreign language news and programs. This will be much more fun than just reading a grammar book.
Step 4. Watch movies or TV with audio or subtitles in the target language
You can select the option to switch languages to a foreign language or choose a translation in the original language. So you can hear foreign language words and read them in your own language. Or, listen to your native language while reading foreign translations. After a while, try watching a foreign language movie or TV show without subtitles.
Step 5. Try a foreign language podcast
The advantage of internet radio is that it can be downloaded. You can listen to the same broadcast over and over again until you understand. Don't be afraid to choose a specialization, especially once you understand basic vocabulary and grammar. For example, if you like technology, listening to podcasts about technology is a great start because many tech terms are adapted from English that you may already be familiar with.
Step 6. Play your favorite game in the language you are learning
Many games provide a choice of commonly used languages. If that's the game you're used to playing, change the language. Since you are already familiar with the game, you can play it intuitively. You'll also see new words and in some cases, be forced to understand what was said in order to move on.
Step 7. Get acquainted with native speakers face to face in forums/chat rooms
Through it, you can correct mistakes and learn tips and tricks for mastering the language.
- Once you're fluent enough, join a foreign language social network, such as VoxSwap, Lang 8, or My Happy Planet.
- You can also change the language of your internet browser, and many sites change the language automatically according to the browser language.
Part 4 of 4: Keeping Motivated
Step 1. Vary the method
Using the same material or method is certainly boring. So, vary it by watching videos, reading scripts, and playing interactive games. Incorporate foreign languages into your daily routine of reading, writing, and entertainment to refresh what you've learned and promote fluency.
Step 2. Create a goal
You can decide to learn five new words each day, or five new phrases. You can also choose to read a few pages in the target language each day, watch a TV show, or listen to some songs. Maybe you need to make it a goal to speak the language several times a day. Set realistic goals based on your learning style.
Step 3. Don't be discouraged
Learning a foreign language is quite difficult. Don't punish yourself if you're still not fluent after a few months. Focus on what you've learned, and keep trying. Remember the reason you learned the language so that motivation is always maintained.
