Without naming names, how many people do we know that “started a language”? For those who succumbed and gave up halfway through, The Guardian’s website posted an interesting article a few days ago about motivations to learn a new language while not dying in the effort, compiled from language professors and students through their experience.
1. Set a specific and, above all else, realistic objective.
Learning languages proves more fruitful when it is broken down into objectives that can be attained over a few months. In this way motivation is not lost.
2. Remind yourself why you are learning.
To maintain your drive, it helps to jot down 10 reasons why you’re learning a chosen language and place them on the front cover of your notebook: when you get frustrated they’ll be present.
3. Focus on what you want to learn.
People often lose time on how it is they want to study: whether using books, audio, online methods… there are many ways! But learning takes place on the inside, regardless of whether it’s in front of a computer, a book or teacher.
4. Reading for pleasure.
As obvious as it may sound, reading is not only important for achieving progress, but it’s also one of the most gratifying aspects of this journey.
5. Learning vocabulary within context.
It’s best to ensure that, at least as a beginner, the words or phrases you learn come from day-to-day situations, so that they connect with your experiences and you can better express them.
6. Ignore the myth: Age is no more than a number.
Adults and children can learn in various ways, so pay no attention to the idea that “learning a new language is more difficult as an adult.” As children we learn organically and by instinct, but as adults we can do so systematically.
7. Don’t set your own language aside.
This is essential when trying to apply our expressions in a new language.
8. Don’t underestimate the importance of translation.
Translation exercises do not allow for paraphrasing, they facilitate research on the language, and they help the student to achieve the next level with better preparation. Advancing to a new level of study without proper preparation can be pleasing at the time but may generate future frustration.
9. Do not fixate on becoming fluent.
You have to keep in mind that learning a language never comes to a standstill because it entails building a culture of endless learning, personal growth and progress.
10. Travel to where the language is spoken.
It may be obvious and perhaps not everyone will have the chance, but if you really want to learn the language then it’s necessary to go where it’s spoken. Besides, it’s very comforting to get direct pleasure out of all the dedication placed in the learning process.
Now that you know the key aspects, there’s no better time to restart those studies that you put on hold.