Want to Learn a New Language? Here Are Some Things to Know

Learning a language comes more easily for some than others, but we have a few tips that’ll help you master the art of speaking and writing a new language in no time, including:

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• Understanding parts of speech.
• Learning the new alphabet.
• Grasping pronunciation.
• Using audio for help.
• Learning practical vocabulary.
• Getting help.
• Using repetition.
• Being patient.

Know how parts of speech work in your native language.
Foreign languages don’t always structure sentences the same way your native language does. Adjectives and nouns can be switched, conjugating verbs can be different, and there can be several words to describe one idea. For example, you wouldn’t say “white house” in Spanish as “blanca casa.” Instead, you would say, “casa blanca.” Not only is the noun swapped to the beginning of the phrase, but the adjective blanca is also dependent on the noun. Rather than saying, “blanca perro,” for white dog, the correct phrase would be, “blanco perro.” Understanding the structure of a sentence in a new language is easier if you know the parts of speech in your language.

Learn the new alphabet.
Not every language’s alphabet exactly the same as your native alphabet. Much of it will be the same, but you’ll find that there are additional characters or some that have been omitted because they’re not used. If you’re learning a language that has an entirely different set of characters, take time to learn and identify these characters while also learning your vocabulary and pronunciation.

Understand basic pronunciation patterns.
Learning correct pronunciation in any language is essential to effective communication. Even in English, you’ll find words that are spelled the same but have different meanings when you put emphasis on the wrong syllable. Learn where to put emphasis on the right syllables, whether it’s with or without an accent mark. You’ll find that most Latin-based languages are relatively easy in this respect.

Use audio to help with pronunciation.
While you might understand pronunciation, getting it down isn’t always easy. You might find yourself reading words in a textbook or dictionary one way, then find out the hard way in conversation that you’re saying it entirely wrong. Lean on YouTube videos, audiobooks, and even TV shows to help with your pronunciation when learning a new language.

Focus on a practical vocabulary.
High school language classes often focus more on building a vocabulary than teaching practical discourse. After learning basic introductions and formalities, a high school Spanish student often learns a phrase like, “¿Dónde está la biblioteca?” Asking where the library is located is a helpful phrase in school, but probably not as much if you’re on vacation in Cancun. Now, learning how to say, “¿Dónde está el baño?” is much more practical and could be helpful if you’d had a few drinks while lounging poolside. Focus on common words and phrases that’ll be most useful to you whether you’re traveling or working.

Get help from a native speaker whenever possible.
You’ll find that there are certain words or phrases that come up in a textbook or translate in your dictionary but aren’t really used in everyday language. A native speaker can help you when the direct translation doesn’t fit the context of what you’re saying. You can also learn more about proper pronunciation and how to hold a casual conversation.

Repetition is key.
One of the most important parts of learning anything is repetition. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to learn how to do a backflip or cook a meal; the best way to learn is to keep trying. Spend time every day speaking the new language either to yourself or somebody else. Even if there’s nobody around to hear you, try to identify objects around your home or work words into sentences here and there. Did you learn a new word or phrase today? Find a way to use it correctly in context during the day.

Be patient with yourself.
How long does it take to learn a new language? It depends on the person trying to learn. Learning a new language is also learning a new skill, so it can take several months to reach a level of basic conversation. Don’t beat yourself up when it takes you several months or even years to become conversational in a new language. Some languages are harder than others to learn based on pronunciation, inflection, and accent. Be patient with yourself and remember that it’s normal to say silly things now and then when speaking a different language than your own.

When you’re starting out learning a new language, remember that you’re not going to understand everything overnight. Give yourself time and follow these tips to help along the way, and you’ll improve your chances of becoming proficient before you know it!