8 Proven Language-Learning Tips To Maximize Your Progress and Results

Whether you’re a first-time L2 (second language) learner or an experienced polyglot, there is no argument that the language learning process is unique and comes with its own challenges. Luckily, you can apply some excellent language-learning tips and strategies to make the journey easier. Keep on reading, and remember to do your best!

Language-learning tip 1 – Accept the challenges and frustrations that come with language learning

It’s always tricky doing something for the first time. There isn’t a person on this planet who was able to become fluent in a new language overnight, and you need to remind yourself that it takes time. Learning a new language means making mistakes, forgetting and relearning things, and making slower progress than you would like.

When this happens, tell yourself that getting frustrated at the process is counterproductive because learning a new language will take as long as needed.

When you feel frustrated, it becomes harder to focus, you remember less, and you are more likely to lose motivation. Accept that it will be a process of remembering and forgetting, making mistakes in front of others, and sounding unnatural. Everyone goes through this process, so have patience and continue because you are doing better than you think, even at the start.

Language-learning tip 2 – Be conscious of your motivations and goals for learning

Being aware and thoughtful of what drives and motivates you is a valuable tool for achieving any goal in life, and it applies to language learning too.

When you feel that your enthusiasm and energy levels are dropping, remember why you chose to learn the language. Go back to what inspired you, and see if you can reignite that spark.

There are two types of motivation that you should understand: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic, like the word “internal,” comes from a source inside yourself. Extrinsic motivation, like the word “external,” comes from a source outside yourself.

Are you learning out of sheer interest in the language/culture? This is intrinsic motivation because it comes from inside of you. Have you chosen to learn because it will help achieve a specific purpose? This is extrinsic motivation because it comes from an external source/reason. The type of motivation you have will influence how you can regain your drive to keep learning.

For intrinsic motivations, what was it that got you interested? Was it related to a culture you wanted to explore? Some literature or music that you identified with? For extrinsic motivation, was it to improve your future career opportunities? Or to be able to communicate with family members where there is a language barrier? Are you learning because of the cognitive benefits of language learning?

When you consider your motivations, remember that motivation for language learning can change over time, so sit with yourself and ask: What exactly do you want to achieve? Picture yourself achieving your goal, reaping the rewards, and know you can do it.

Tip 3 – Your environment is more important than a study book

It’s common to believe that knowledge comes from studying books. While reading skills are essential (especially if your target language has a different writing system), bookwork doesn’t stimulate the areas of the brain responsible for speech production and listening comprehension.

You need to spend as much time with the actual language as possible, not with books about it. The right environment where speakers surround you can teach you more than a book can, and faster. Where possible, surround yourself with speakers of your target language, even if you can’t speak it yet. In time your ears will adjust to the different speech patterns. You will also hear the language in context, learning real-world uses that you can remember much more easily.

These experiences activate the parts of the brain responsible for language, and it’s a lot more fun learning with other people.

Tip 4 – Relax, smile, and be creative

There will be a lot of content to cover, so relax, smile, and don’t worry about it. When you enjoy the task by having fun and finding your way of expressing yourself in a new language, you are more likely to remember what you have learned.

Use your newly learned language at the end of each day (or anytime during the day!) to say something funny, creative, expressive, or personal. Relating language to yourself in a fun, personal way will internalize it and speed up the process.

Tip 5 – Find a personal connection to the language

Expanding on the previous language-learning tip, making your second language personal will help you develop a sense of belonging and identity. Perhaps it is a heritage language whose speakers you descend from or respect, or you have made some new friends who you can only communicate with using your L2. This is perhaps the most important language-learning tip because no matter your motivation for learning, your connection to the language will help you integrate it into who you are.

Your connection to the language could be a deep fascination with the language’s history or for some famous speakers. You can develop and grow this connection through research and by looking at movies and other media types from the language.

Try to strengthen this connection so that someday soon, you feel like this is also YOUR language.

Tip 6 – Build specific vocabulary lists targeting what YOU want

Practice this step after learning some of the language’s basics to ensure you get all the vital things first. Once you have acquired some of the most commonly used nouns, adjectives, verbs etc. (or whichever word classes that exist in the language), try writing a list of 100 words YOU want to learn. Think of your hobbies, preferred professions, favorite animals, foods, music, and more.

One way to approach this is to convert your life, activities, and daily routines into your target language. Once you have learned your list, move on to using these words in phrases and real-life contexts to make the language a part of your everyday experience.

Tip 7 – Don’t expect an app to be all that you need

With so many language learning apps everywhere, it’s hard not to believe their claims of becoming super-fluent in a matter of weeks. The truth is that adequately learning a language takes time and investment, and cutting corners will set you back.

Apps are great because you can take them anywhere and practice anytime; however, just like learning from a textbook, you face to face speaking experience to stimulate the production and reception areas of the brain. It helps if you use mobile apps for reading/listening practice and vocabulary work, but please try to go outside your device for actual practice.

Tip 8 – One-on-one tutoring is the most efficient use of your time

Summing up all of the points made, one-on-one classes with a tutor are the most efficient use of time when it comes to language learning. The relaxing environment provided by a good tutor can make anxiety disappear, and you won’t feel self-conscious compared with group settings.

A tutor can help motivate you by providing a concrete lesson and practice schedule while measuring your achievement and relating lessons to your interests/goals. Having face-to-face classes means learning in a social context without relying just on apps or textbooks.

Finally, after a few lessons together, a good tutor will feel like a friend you can use language with in ways YOU want to, tailoring lessons to your needs while encouraging you through any difficulties that arise.

Although there are numerous language-learning tips, the eight you have just read about are by far the most important. Remember, stay motivated, enjoy the process, and speak your new language with other people as much as possible.