Learning a new language: 5 tips and recommendations

Learning a new language is always a challenge.  But it is really necessary if you want to get more job opportunities or success in your profession. Therefore, here are some tips and recommendations that will make this challenge easier. However, you should know that in order for all this to work, you will need to practice a lot.

Talk and practice with native speakers

According to experts, one of the best ways to put into practice everything you have learned about the language is to have at least one hour of conversation with someone who is a native speaker of the language you are learning. In fact, at least 5 hours a week will be enough for adequate practice of the language you wish to learn.

The reason why this practice is recommended is because conversations are a complex process. This is because you need to listen to the person speaking. Understand what they are saying, plan the response you will give them in your mind and say it.

The best thing about this practice is that it allows you to practise the language in a conversational way. So that phrases and expressions are processed, but not memorised. In other words, it allows you to practise using the phrases in a natural way.

Watch series and films in the language

This is another great way to practise what you have learnt in the language. So the best thing to do is to forget about watching series and films in your native language. To start with, you can simply put the films and series in the language you want to learn and put the subtitles in your native language.

Later, when you get used to watching films in this way, remove the subtitles and practise what you know about the language, spotting recognisable phrases in the language you want to learn. Finally, you can replay the film or episode of the series, turning on the subtitles in your native language and checking to see if you have hit the phrases you have recognised.

Read articles and magazines in the language

There are a large number of books and magazines classified by level and this is the right reading material for those who are in the process of learning a new language. However, you can also choose to read any book or magazine that is in the language you want to learn. No matter what its level of complexity.

No matter how complex the book or magazine is, if there are words or phrases you don’t understand, you can simply stick to the main idea of the text. Then, you can write down those words or phrases and look up their meaning, to find out if you have really understood the main idea. In this way, you will realise that you know more than you think.

Find a private tutor

Often, it is better to opt for a private teacher rather than a course with several people. This is because you can have the full attention of the teacher to instruct you individually and quickly detect your learning level. In addition, the learning process is usually faster, because the teachers attend to your needs more efficiently by devoting all their class time to you.

Another advantage is that you can have more conversational practice time with this language professional. It is this constant practice that can make the difference and help you learn the language conversationally, quickly and effectively.

Take notes and write down key words and phrases

If during lessons, classes, conversations, readings, films or series, you spot a word or phrase that you don’t understand, you can write it down on a sticky note or notebook. This can be placed on your study spot or desk so that you remember to look it up the next time you sit down to practise your lessons.

However, it is best to check with your teacher or lesson book and not Google, as their translations may not be completely accurate.

As you may have noticed, learning a new language may not be completely easy. But it is not impossible either, especially if you follow our advice and recommendations. However, remember that it is a process that will take time, so don’t get discouraged and on the contrary, motivate yourself to keep studying your lessons and practising daily.