It’s true that people have different learning styles. But when it comes to learning a language, our team of experts has a few secrets that accelerate how quickly anyone can learn a language and retain the skill for the long term. With these tips, you’ll be speaking a new language in just weeks!
1. Make Learning A Daily Routine
Did you know you can form a new habit in as few as 21 days? Developing a daily routine of practicing your language helps you to more effectively build and retain that knowledge for the long term. And if you think you don’t have the time to pick up a new habit, think again. Having a language-learning app (like Babbel!) you can use for just 10-15 minutes each day means you can build your new habit into your current routine — learn on your commute, on your lunch break at work, or in any of these 50 situations, in which you’re likely wasting time.
2. Absorb The Culture
One of the most exciting parts about learning a new language is opening the door to a new universe of literature, film, and food. In addition to helping you practice your language skills and broaden your vocabulary, foreign books and films give you a deeper understanding of another culture. You can experience so much without buying a plane ticket — all you need is an internet connection to stream foreign language films, listen to music, or discover new book recommendations.
3. Infuse Language Learning Into Daily Life
Whatever it is that you like to do with your spare time, try incorporating your newfound language skills. If you enjoy cooking, learn all the ingredient names and cooking terms in your new language. When you’re out shopping or at a restaurant, narrate the transactions and conversations you’d need to know in your new language. The more you can contextualize the language in things you enjoy and already do — instead of memorizing useless expressions (like asking where the disco is) — the more likely you’ll retain it.
4. Personalize Your Learning
Why would you spend time reciting conjugations of a verb you already know? Or learning expressions you’ll never use? Personalizing your learning experience ensures you are learning effectively. Using an app like Babbel also means you can learn at your own pace — you can take as much or as little time as you need to master a concept before moving on to the next one.
5. Visualize Your Success
Success doesn’t happen by accident. Visualizing the reasons why you are learning a language in the first place will keep you motivated to learn. Maybe you’ll be using your newly acquired language skills on an upcoming trip, connecting with extended family from another country, or simply keeping your mind sharp — imagining the kind of person you’ll become and the experiences you’ll have with a new language can be a powerful tool to keep you motivated when the initial novelty of learning wears off.
6. Just Do It!
Sometimes, self-doubt or nerves can take over when you think about trying something new. If you promise yourself to spend just 5 minutes practicing each day, chances are high you’ll get through your entire 10-15 minute language lesson without even realizing it.
Utilize these tips and you’ll be well on your way to speaking a new language sooner than you ever imagined.