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Being able to learn a new language is a huge accomplishment for many people. The only problem is that learning a new language can be a long and daunting process. It would even take years for some people to learn some essential words. If you are motivated to learn a new language but you don’t want to wait for years before mastering it, you need some techniques that will help shorten the process.
1. Choosing the Right Language. It takes a long time for many people to learn a language since they jump into an unfamiliar language right away. English speakers for instance would not find it easy to learn tonal languages such as Mandarin or Thai since they are not familiar on how it works. The best option is to choose German or Spanish as it is somewhat related to English. Research about the family of languages in which your native language belongs and find a language that is in this group.
2. Following the Immersion Technique. There is a unique method used by some educators in teaching a new language. They remove the traditional way of learning grammar and following exercises in a book. The Berlitz education founded around the 1950’s introduced a strategy wherein the students experience the use of the language. They are brought to places where they will see the objects and know how they are said in the foreign language. Say for instance, they are brought to a restaurant. They see the actual food and they are told the correct way of pronouncing the word in the foreign language.
3. Using the Repetition Method. According to Alexander Arguelles, a linguist who can speak over 50 languages, the best way to learn a language is to constantly say the words. Learn how to write the words and while writing, you have to say the words out loud. You need to pronounce the words correctly before, during, and after writing them. He believes that doing it constantly will enhance the brain and make it easier to memorize the new words.
4. Selecting the Most Important Words First. You can’t expect to learn hundreds of words in just a few days. Yet, you can start conversing with the native speakers of the language when you are on the streets if you know the basics. Learn some words that are used in daily conversations. You can practice how to say “Thank You” or “Please” first. You should also learn how to use certain verbs. Words that are not used most often can be learned later on.
5. Memorizing a Few Words Each Day. It won’t take much of your time if you master at least 10 words a day. You can bring a dictionary to double check what you are memorizing. It is also suggested that you learn phrases or sentences so you can memorize many words faster. You can also read some words in billboards or ads while you are traveling so you won’t waste your time while hitting the road.
6. Learning the Native Speakers’ Culture. In order for you to appreciate more the language that you learn, you also need to understand the lifestyle of the native speakers. You need a deeper connection with them. Expose yourself to their books and movies. Constantly watch movies without subtitles so you will hear how the words are used in a context. You can also correct your pronunciation while listening to the speakers. Most of all, you learn a lot about their culture and tradition while watching the movie.
Learning new language could be difficult if you think of it that way. If you deem it as a fun thing to do and you are totally motivated, you can master a new language in no time.