4 Tips for Learning a Language
There are almost as many ways to study a language as there are people who are studying. Different strategies work better for different people, so a lot of finding useful study methods involves trying things out and seeing what works for you. However, there are definitely some tips that are more useful than others.
Here are four things to keep in mind while you’re learning a new language.
Listen to Media Just Above Your Level
When you’re studying a new language, it’s tempting to dive right in by listening to music or watching movies in the language you’re learning. The problem is that you won’t understand anything that’s happening, and that has the potential to get discouraging fast.
Instead, it’s generally recommended that you listen to media that is just above your level. Such videos can give you a challenge, but you’ll still be able to understand the gist of what is happening. That makes it easier for your brain to fill in the gaps and figure out the rest, which helps you learn without being completely lost.
Shadowing
I knew next to nothing about shadowing before I moved to Japan to teach English. There, we incorporated it into most of our lessons and also encouraged students to do it at home. We probably did do shadowing once or twice in my Spanish classes in high school, but it was never really promoted as a good study strategy, which is a shame.
Shadowing is listening to audio and repeating what is said while the audio is still playing. So, instead of listen-pause-repeat, you are speaking at the same time as the audio with a slight delay.
Even as a native English speaker, shadowing more complex English audio requires a lot of my focus. Trying it out in your own native language gives you a good idea of why it’s effective for studying a new language.
Just listening is great, but it can be passive, especially since it’s easy to zone out when you can’t understand what’s being said. With shadowing, because you’re speaking at the same time, you can’t zone out. It’s one of the best ways I know of to simultaneously practice listening and speaking. I’ve had many students over the years who have loved it as well.
Just like with regular listening practice, choosing the right level of audio to practice with is important. Like I said, even as a native speaker, shadowing complex audio requires focus. Shadowing audio that’s at a natural speed, with complex sentences and vocabulary, takes time, so for your studying to be most effective, take the time to find the right materials to use.
Actually Devote the Time
This one seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remind yourself of it sometimes.
I fully understand that studying every day isn’t doable for many people. In the end, studying whenever you’re able to is better than not studying at all. At the same time, if you’re able to study every day, even if it’s only for a short amount of time, then you’re probably going to improve faster. I have had students in the past who crammed all of their studying into the weekend and still improved quickly, but they’re definitely the exception rather than the rule.
It seems tempting to study a lot all in one day, but at a certain point, most people are going to find it harder to focus. If you find yourself getting frustrated with something challenging or not being able to focus, then you’re not going to gain much if you keep pushing yourself, and it’s better to take a break.
Splitting your studying up throughout the week lets you retain more information in the long run than you will from cramming the same amount of study time into the weekend. However, everyone’s different, so you have to see what works best for you with the schedule that you have.
Use the Language in Real World Situations
I left this one for last because I do realize that it’s the most challenging. Of course, actually using a language in a real world context is helpful. It lets you learn practical vocabulary, grammar, etc., and it forces you to deal with the language outside of the controlled environment of your studying.
The most effective way to learn a language is always going to be to visit the country where you’re studying the language and actually use it to get around and talk to people. But that’s not doable for many people, and even if you can take a vacation there, that’s not the same as staying long-term.
Of course, taking lessons with a teacher helps as well, but you’ll still most likely only talk to them in a controlled classroom. (From my own experience teaching English as a foreign language, I can also say that we learn how to interpret what students are saying in English even when their message wouldn’t be clear to the average English speaker.)
With the internet, though, this is easier than it ever has been. There are often communities online for people learning languages. Depending on your level, you may even want to join online communities for your personal hobbies and interests that just happen to be in the language you’re studying. Talking about things you enjoy can motivate you more, but it can also be challenging since people won’t be talking for the benefit of someone learning the language.
Again, a lot of this depends on what works best for you, but it’s worth looking into what communities are out there that could connect you with real people to talk to.
Hopefully these tips will prove useful as you continue on your language learning journey.
