Taking the time and effort to learn a foreign language can be rewarding. It’s great to engage in meaningful conversations in different countries, or even locally. However, the tricky part is mastering the language itself, including pronunciations, translations, vocabulary, and grammar tenses. Luckily, learning a new language is a common practice today, and there are many ways to become an expert speaker. Here are some tips to consider when trying to learn a new language:

Talk It Out

Looking at a piece of paper and trying to memorize a bunch of phrases or words can be effective for some on certain subjects, but learning a language this way is difficult. Since you will be speaking the language more than writing it out, it’s important to practice speaking pronunciations of different words. Talking it out is best done when talking to others, particularly those who are a master of the language. This way, when you are speaking, the receiver of the message can evaluate whether your speaking is comprehensible. You can also receive feedback from the language expert. The more you speak, the more you will remember certain phrases and pronunciation techniques.

Stay Organized

Learning a language can certainly be frustrating at times. There is a lot of dense material to learn, and sometimes in a shortened timeframe. It’s important to stay organized during the process. An example is keeping an organized list/chart of “vocabulary” words and basic tenses to know. They can serve as a reference sheet/helpful tool to learn/study from. Studying visuals can also help you create an effective memory tool for referencing words. Also, when learning new phrases or words, see if they resemble a phrase in English, as this can be a more effective memory tool. Essentially, a word may sound similar in a foreign language as its form in English. For example, a car in Spanish is referred to as “el carro,” thus making it a strong connection to the English form.

Practice

Practice makes perfect. Without taking the time to master all facets of the language, it will be difficult to become well-versed in it. Therefore, exercising your knowledge of the language through writing it and moreso speaking it is the most effective way to master it. Think of it like a test, and you can “pretend” to practice the language as if you will be tested on it. It may motivate you to rehearse more. Practicing daily at first will be essential for helping words and phrases stick to your memory like glue. As you become more comfortable with speaking and understanding the language, then start to engage in longer form conversations and learning slightly more advanced material. It always helps to know a few advanced phrases that may impress someone in the future.

Take a Class

If you are learning a new language, you may happen to be taking a class in college about it. This is one of the utmost best ways to learn a new language. The professor can be a strong resource, in addition to you speaking and writing the language in class two to three times a week. For those of you learning a new language and are not in a class, it’s something to consider if there is any open room in your schedule. Going through a course sequence of a language can allow you to learn dimensions of the language that you otherwise would need much research and time to do. In a class, personal notes, feedback from the professor and others, homework, and constantly speaking the new language are all good resources to strengthen your knowledge.

Learning a new language is a great challenge, but becoming well-versed can be a rewarding experience. There are many reasons to learn a new language, but whatever reason it may be, it’s an excellent new skill to have. You can tell others about how terrific it is, maybe even in a new language.