How to Teach Yourself a Language: A Guide for Beginners
It’s never too late to teach yourself something new. Check out these tips on how to teach yourself a language.
Around half the world’s population is bilingual, speaking more than one language. If you feel left out and are wondering how to teach yourself a language, it’s never too late to learn.
There are lots of different ways to learn the most common languages, and if you keep reading you’ll learn a few of them. Maybe you’ll start learning a new language today!
How To Teach Yourself A Language
It might seem daunting, but there are plenty of ways to learn new languages. Have a look at our main tips below to find out more.
Speak (and Listen To) the Language as Often as You Can
Perhaps the best way to learn a language is to fully embrace it. Watch TV series and movies in the language.
Read news in the language. Skype friends who speak the language.
There’s nothing better than spending time in a country that speaks the language, or interacting with native speakers, if possible. But this isn’t always possible, so immerse yourself in the culture as much as you can.
Take Advantage of Free Services
Okay, maybe you won’t become completely fluent with Duolingo. But if you’re beginning to get to grips with how to learn a new language, resources like Duolingo and the BBC’s Languages site are great.
There are so many websites, apps, and videos out there to help you at no financial cost to yourself. If you don’t make the most of them, you’re missing out. If you need more advanced or detailed assistance, consider certified translation services and other more specialized resources.
Learn the Most Common Words
Of course, you’ll come across some words a lot more regularly than others. Whereas at school you’ll often learn how to say a sentence like “I go to the cinema at the weekend and play soccer with my brother” it’s not really something you’ll need in the real world.
You might start off with the most-used 100 or 200 words, and some basic grammar. Make flashcards with each word on and use them to form different sentences, and you’ll be able to get to grips with the basics before going into more complex vocabulary and phrases.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Things Wrong and Ask For Help
There’s no specific point in your language-learning journey where you suddenly find yourself fluent. One of the best ways to learn is to use the language in real life, and you’ll have to accept that you will make mistakes along the way.
Say, for example, that you wanted to know how to learn Spanish, and you went on vacation to a Spanish-speaking country. Almost all of the time, locals would be only too happy to help you out, and wouldn’t judge you for making mistakes, as the effort you have put into learning their language is appreciated.
Have Fun
Yes, it might sound obvious. However, to keep up the motivation to learn it really helps to make it as fun as possible while still learning too. What sort of thing are you most excited about learning?
Are there any events where you can go and practice your new skills? Be as creative with it as you like. The best way to learn a language differs from person to person, so do what excites you.
Remember, there are many benefits to learning a language that you’ll only discover if you keep it up, so make sure you give yourself an incentive to keep going!
Applying What You Learn
Now you have a better idea of how to teach yourself a language, you can go ahead and put these tips in practice! Your language skills will make traveling easier too, and for more travel advice you can check out our other posts.
