Learning a foreign language is quite intimidating. You do not know even an ABC of a language, after all. You need at least an upper-intermediate level to communicate with people in day-to-day transactions. The journey from building a base to reaching that level surely seems daunting.
Most people are put off by the idea of learning a foreign language knowing its numerous advantages for their career. The main reason is that they are not introduced to that language from childhood up to age 4.
According to scientists, in the first four years, the brain is wired into learning a language that enables us to communicate.
Lack of knowledge of a second language in parents is the most common reason why children fail to access the foreign-language-learning atmosphere.
Although the beginning years are the most crucial for developing a base for a language, you can still learn a second language later in your life.
If you have decided to learn a second language, you should follow the following tips:
Make realistic goals
First, it is easier to do it independently if you know the basics. Once you have targeted a language you want to learn, join a language institute. Paying for it could be a bit expensive, but you can take out a loan.
If you want to avoid a credit score check, apply for no credit check personal loans with guaranteed approval. You will probably not need an institute if you already have a basic level. Language learning is best when you break it down into multiple goals.
You could be so optimistic about it that you would want to learn more and more. Remember that the more you try to grasp it, the more quickly it drains your brain. Language is so wide, in fact, endless, that you cannot quickly imbibe it.
Therefore, experts suggest that you set realistic goals. Ask yourself what you want to achieve and by when. Like others, your goal may be to be fluent, but there may be better approaches than aiming for it. For instance, you have grammar topics to read and learn.
You may try to assimilate it wholly but remember that the other three components reading, writing and listening, are equally important. Instead of blindly swotting up grammar topics, you should divide them into parts and see when you can complete them.
Make sure you do not set unrealistic goals; otherwise, you will be overwhelmed and lose interest in the language.
Tackle your doubts
You may need to remind yourself why you are learning a second language. Of course, you know it, but you need to do this when you find yourself overburdened by it. In the beginning, you might be very zealous about learning a language, but after a while, your excitement and craze may let up.
You will likely have doubts about your potential to learn a foreign language, and as a result, you may give up. To keep the momentum going, it is vital to remind why you are learning a language. Take a piece of paper and pen down 10 points.
Turn to them when you are inundated by self-doubts.
Read and read
Not only does reading help make progress, but it also helps learn sentence structure and build vocabulary. Even if you do not intend to master the advanced level, you cannot skip reading.
It will expose you to the vocabulary you will not find people using in daily conversations.
Formal words especially used in academic and email writing, can be learnt through reading. Make sure you use reliable sources to read the text. For instance, newspapers could be a great way to understand complex grammatical structures.
You can choose any of the topics of your interest, like news, health, travel, lifestyle, long reads, etc. Do not read it just for the sake of reading, but you should read what makes you pleased. When you read for pleasure, it will help push you further. You will tend to push your limits further to learn a language.
Learn the context
Building vocabulary is the most essential or challenging thing while learning a language. While you need to have a command of grammar, you must need words to put forth your opinions and ideas.
A great way to build vocabulary is to mug up the meanings of words and understand the context of use. When you read a book, newspaper or other information materials, pick a couple of words to note down in your notebook.
The next step is to look up the meaning of those words in a good dictionary and understand the contexts. For instance, if English is your second language, you should see the following:
Can they be used in a gerund form?
Is it compulsory to use bare infinitives?
What prepositions, articles, or adverbial particles go with them?
By understanding the context, you will be able to use that word correctly. Experts usually suggest learning vocabulary from situations you have experienced. For instance, if you have been or planning to go on a trip, try to learn travel-related vocabulary.
Translation exercises are the key.
There is no fixed way to learn a language, but the translation seems to be the best way to learn it. It is an important exercise that forces you to think but not allows you to paraphrase. However, it could be possible only when you are good at your native language.
Making progress in a second language does not mean that you will put aside your first language. Understanding the context of your first language is equally crucial for understanding a second language.
The final word
Are you looking to learn a new language? If so, it may be a long journey. Getting a command of the language is only possible after a period of time. Set realistic goals and track your progress. Stay motivated and find ways to keep yourself motivated when you have self-doubts.
To learn a language, you should read, write, understand the context, ace your native language and practice with translation exercises.