How to Learn a New Language
Learning a new language is both fascinating and rewarding. Whether you’re taking on a new language for business or pleasure, there are some simple steps you can follow to ensure that you learn the language of choice as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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Instructions
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How to Learn a New Language
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Enroll in a language class at your local college, community center, consulate or cultural society, many of which offer classes of all levels at very reasonable costs. Depending on the language, classes are offered at a variety of times and locations to make learning a new language as convenient as possible. Not only will you learn from an experienced teacher, but you’ll get the benefit of practicing with other students. Be sure to take advantage of field trips to films, restaurants, plays and outings that will help you practice and appreciate your newfound skills.
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Practice listening. Foreign movies (with subtitles, of course), podcasts, music and CDs all provide a great introduction to a new language. Don’t worry—you probably won’t fully understand what you hear at first—but the more you listen to a language, the more you begin to understand and comprehend it.
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Read as much as you can in the new language. Try foreign language newspapers and magazines (online or print), workbooks, children’s books, dictionaries, even the instruction manual that comes with your new flat screen television. The more you read, the more familiar the language’s words and phrases will become to you, and the more quickly your vocabulary will improve.
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Practice, practice, practice. Find a friend, neighbor, colleague or classmate to practice with you. Meet for an hour each week and practice together. Even repeating the simplest words and phrases will help you learn more quickly.
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Invest in a private tutor. Check your community center, local college, foreign consulate, cultural society or internet classifieds to locate a qualified tutor. Meet as often as you can to practice your new language and become more comfortable speaking it with others.
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Plan a vacation. The best way to learn a language is to visit a place where it’s spoken regularly. So pack your bags, grab a friend or sign on with an exchange program and get moving. There’s nothing like hearing a language spoken by a native tongue and no faster way to increase your comprehension and fluency.
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Tips & Warnings
Immerse yourself in the culture of your new language. Books, plays, concerts, films and exhibits are great ways to practice your new language and meet people who are trying to do the same.
