Lifehacks for learning a Foreign Language
Learning several languages is possible! Read on to uncover the secrets of polyglots and native speakers. Get inspired by their examples and take advantage of their tips for success.
Tips from a Polyglot on how to Learn Foreign Languages successfully:
1 — Get some speaking practice.
If your goal is to start talking, don't bury yourself in books and avoid getting stuck in the stage of only talking to yourself.
"You learn a language in order to use it, so use it! Chat, even at the most basic level - go to a Greek restaurant and order lunch in Greek. Speak the language while traveling abroad, create a foreign-language environment around you, even at home, in your room. Write songs in the target language- invent, create."
2 — Get out of your comfort zone.
Being willing to make mistakes means being willing to get into awkward situations. It sounds intimidating, but it is a way to develop and improve your skills. Regardless of your level of knowledge, you will never speak a language until you come out of your shell. Talk to strangers, ask for directions, order food, try a joke! The more often you pass these language tests, the wider your comfort zone will become, and the more confident you will feel in new, unexpected or unfamiliar situations.
"At first you will have difficulties: perhaps with pronunciation, grammar and syntax, or you will not understand local proverbs. Every native speaker has a so-called 'sense of language', which is why they are a native speaker - but you can also master the language if you try."
1 — Get some speaking practice.
If your goal is to start talking, don't bury yourself in books and avoid getting stuck in the stage of only talking to yourself.
"You learn a language in order to use it, so use it! Chat, even at the most basic level - go to a Greek restaurant and order lunch in Greek. Speak the language while traveling abroad, create a foreign-language environment around you, even at home, in your room. Write songs in the target language- invent, create."
2 — Get out of your comfort zone.
Being willing to make mistakes means being willing to get into awkward situations. It sounds intimidating, but it is a way to develop and improve your skills. Regardless of your level of knowledge, you will never speak a language until you come out of your shell. Talk to strangers, ask for directions, order food, try a joke! The more often you pass these language tests, the wider your comfort zone will become, and the more confident you will feel in new, unexpected or unfamiliar situations.
"At first you will have difficulties: perhaps with pronunciation, grammar and syntax, or you will not understand local proverbs. Every native speaker has a so-called 'sense of language', which is why they are a native speaker - but you can also master the language if you try."
Are you used to watching movies on your computer (even connected to a TV)? Then search the Internet for subtitles for almost any movie and TV series. In the earlier stages of learning a foreign language, put subtitles in your native Russian and watch the film in the original. The translated subtitles are not always perfect, but the key message is conveyed. If you have a substantial vocabulary and phraseological stock, you can include subtitles in the original language - if the film is in English, try the subtitles in English too.
Try looking like "Game of Thrones" for example. Or watch your favourite movie. The pleasure of acting with their native voice is guaranteed. The number of errors in subtitles has been minimal lately, so you will read what you have not heard; and this happens often, especially when the actors speak with unusual accents (Australian, Scottish, Indian, etc.), or use a lot of slang or professional terminology.
4 — Switch all websites and programs to another language.
This idea is similar to the previous tip, however, it will require more patience and perseverance. Try to gradually switch to using the language you are learning on absolutely every website you can. Include your mailbox, weather forecasts and all computer programs, starting with switching Windows to another language mode.
No, it won't be easy. Yes, many things will run slower at first. But you will see - you will get used to it much faster than you think.
5 — Download an application to your phone to learn the language you want and devote at least 20 minutes a day to classes. You can always find 20 minutes, even in the most busy schedule! Try committing to working at it during your lunch break, drive to the office, or when you're at home cooking dinner.
This idea is similar to the previous tip, however, it will require more patience and perseverance. Try to gradually switch to using the language you are learning on absolutely every website you can. Include your mailbox, weather forecasts and all computer programs, starting with switching Windows to another language mode.
No, it won't be easy. Yes, many things will run slower at first. But you will see - you will get used to it much faster than you think.
5 — Download an application to your phone to learn the language you want and devote at least 20 minutes a day to classes. You can always find 20 minutes, even in the most busy schedule! Try committing to working at it during your lunch break, drive to the office, or when you're at home cooking dinner.
Advice on Learning Foreign Languages from Native Speakers Courses teachers:
CHRIS: Educator, native English speaker (UK).
MICHAEL: German and Italian bilingual teacher.
CHRIS: Educator, native English speaker (UK).
- Remember that when you read the text, you don't need to understand every word. Read it to the end to understand the whole point. Then go back to those words that you do not understand and concentrate on them.
- Watch the video in the original language for each recording. This will give you the opportunity to rewind the video and view again the dialogue that you did not completely understand. You can turn on subtitles and read a part of the video if you're really having trouble.
- Practice, practice and practice again. Practice your English every day as much as possible. Listen to audio recordings by BBC to expand your vocabulary and hear different accents.
MICHAEL: German and Italian bilingual teacher.
- Listening to music is especially important! Besides that, it's also fun, and when you're having fun, it's much easier to learn a new language.
- Speak; communicate as much as possible with as many people as you can.
- Watch movies with subtitles or even cartoons. They have a simple language that children can understand. Plus, it's fun too!
- And most importantly, do not be afraid to make mistakes! Remember how children learn to speak their native language. They are not afraid to make mistakes.
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