Ever dreamt of teaching yourself a new language but find yourself getting stuck at the first hurdle? Don’t worry! Learning a language isn’t as daunting or difficult as you may first think. Whether your goal is just want to add it to your skillset or for the purposes of travel, these 12 super simple tips will have you speaking like a true local in no time!
Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission when you make a purchase through one of our links.
12 effective ways to learn a new language fast
1. Download a language app
I’ve always said the first step to learning any language is jumping in and downloading a language learning app. They lay down a structured foundation for your learning journey offering flexibility and customized lessons tailored to your level, at your own pace and style.
2. Set your language goals
Setting clear, achievable goals is vital for anyone who’s beginning their journey of learning a new language. These could be anything from mastering basic greetings within a week, to holding a a full blown conversation within three months. Make sure to opt for targets that stretch your abilities yet still remain attainable. By doing so, it’ll transform the daunting task of learning a new language into a series of manageable milestones, keeping you motivated and on track at the same time!
3. Create a realistic schedule
Like any thing, learning a new language requires a structured schedule that fits perfectly into your lifestyle and daily routine so you don’t feel overwhelmed! Set aside manageable chunks of time each day to do a little bit of learning to ensure steady progress without the burnout. Remember, consistency reigns about all. Don’t try to do it all in a rush, your brain won’t even absorb as much as you think – that’s a fact!
4. Study pronunciation early on
Think of pronunciation as being like the seeds to your language bloom. Mastering it early will have you sounding like a local quicker than you imagined. That’s where a good language app can come to your rescue, offering drills and audios to make your tongue efficient! Ignore pronunciation and you risk a shaky foundation that can hold you back from speaking like a true native (or whilst you’re conversating with one, and that would just be disastrous!)
5. Learn the basics first
If you really want to advance in your language skills, the best place would be right at the beginning with the basics. That is, common phrases and essential vocabulary. It’s said that basic words covers a huge percentage of conversations for most (if not all) the languages of the world! With that said, you’ll be able to quickly pick up more of the lingo, making it easier to follow and understand basic conversations and navigate everyday situations.
6. Start speaking the language straight away (no matter what level you're at)
Don’t hold back! The quickest way to learn a new language is to just dive headfirst into the deep end by speaking it straight away. Sure, you’ll make a few mistakes (or a lot) along the way, but they’ll be your stepping stone (more on that further down). I know it’s scary, but what have you really got to lose? Practical conversations will cement your learning faster than any other technique.
7. Immerse yourself in the language
If you’re trying to learn a new language fast, you’ll want your environment to accommodate to that. Think digital platforms and resources for this. The magic lies in making the language a part of your daily life.
Here are a few ways to do just that in your chosen language:
• Listen to music, podcasts and news
• Read a book – start with a simple book first!
• Watch a movie or TV shows (with or without subtitles, whatever you’re comfortable with at the moment)
• Ask Siri questions
• Change your satnav language settings (if you dare!)
• Add an extra keyboard to your phone’s settings if the language uses different alphabets
Infusing these things into your day-to-day life will prove invaluable; setting the stage for rapid and deeper learning and understanding. Plus, it’s super fun, engaging and challenging!
8. Get a language buddy
Speaking with a native speaker or even a fellow language learner buddy will help thrust you into real-world conversational scenarios. Whether you find a language buddy online or in person, by engaging with them, your journey will feel more personal and fulfilling. It will also help you stay upbeat and motivated, and help you detect and learn from any mistakes much faster!
9. Make mistakes and learn from them
And speaking of mistakes, let me tell you now, you WILL make them and you SHOULD make them! Don’t let mistakes dishearten you. As weird as it sounds, they’re essential stepping stones that will actually teach you more. The more you fumble through your words, the more potential there is for growth. The more you realize you can get past these mistakes and still progress, the more your confidence will grow.
10. Master the spaced repetition technique
Spaced repetition is a smart (evidence based) learning strategy and a complete game-changer for vocabulary retention. This technique involves reviewing words or phrases at different (spaced) intervals, helping to drastically improve your ability to recall them (later on). In basic terms? It puts them at the front of your brain so you don’t forget them!
For example: you’d be better off learning (and remembering) a new set of vocabulary repeated 10 times every day for a week rather than 100 times in one day. Get the gist?
11. Travel (even if only virtually)
What better way is there to skyrocket your language skills (and get a much needed vacation) than by travelling to a country that speaks the language?! You’ll be bang in the middle of all the action; cultural engagement? Tick. Enriching encounters? Double tick. Getting stuck in with the locals and traditions? Sign me up! It’s the perfect way to truly deepen your learning in every aspect.
And if you’re only able to travel virtually for the time being, don’t let that stop you! There are so many platforms offering immersive travel experiences that can still deliver (atleast) half the impact at your fingertips.
12. Talk to yourself
I know it sounds crazy and you probably weren’t expecting this, but stay with me here! Think saying your grocery list out load, talking to yourself in the shower, or just thinking out loud. Do not underestimate the power of this simple method. It allows your brain to adapt, helping you to process thoughts naturally in a different language all whilst perfecting your fluency!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Learning a new language can be both a satisfying and difficult journey. But with these language tips you’ll be able to embark on it without it feeling overwhelming and stressful, making it much easier (and quicker) to hit your learning goals.
Don’t forget to download the Babbel language learning app to help you build a strong foundation to perfect your language skills from the get go!
Like this post? Pin and share it!
