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4+1 Tips to Become a Master of Foreign Words!
Learning a foreign language is unfortunately not easy. Some manage to get to the language exam during high school, while for others, it takes years or even decades of effort without success.
If you want to learn a new language, remember that, as a child, it didn’t happen overnight either: be patient with yourself because, as an adult, the process is completely different from when you learned new words from your parents. Here are a few tips from our student union team!
Why are you doing it?
Before you buy language books and invest a small fortune in language courses, clarify why you want to learn a new language. Is it necessary for your diploma? Is it a requirement for your dream job? These might not be strong enough motivations to commit to the task. Find an activity that you enjoy and tie language learning to it. The key is that YOU want it, and not start something because of external pressure!
Find your method!
You can listen to music or podcasts, translate lyrics, read books or articles, but the good old highlighter and flashcards haven’t let any language learner down yet. If you watch a series, it’s worth starting with subtitles in your native language to connect the spoken language with the meanings. If you’re at a more advanced level, add a twist: watch a show in your native language with subtitles in the target language, reversing the mental processes and making learning even more effective!
Have a routine!
We know that as a student (especially if you’re working alongside), you have a tight schedule. However, in language learning, you’ll reap the benefits the fastest if you engage with the language daily. Daily practice is worth two to three times more than sporadic long sessions. Use idle times: listen to a couple of songs or a podcast on the bus or watch a YouTube video during breakfast.
Ask for help!
You don’t have to think of a language school right away, as you might have a friend or family member who speaks the target language. Ask them to spend a little time with you daily, go over the latest grammar rules, recite vocabulary, and practice speaking on selected topics. If you want to take it a step further, seek a professional tutor! Your high school teachers would likely be happy to help you if you ask for some extra practice.
Be brave!
Many people get nervous when they have to speak a foreign language in front of others for the first time, but don’t let this discourage you. Everyone understands that a budding language learner’s pronunciation isn’t perfect and that they might not use grammar rules correctly. The key is that you try!
Finally, the most important advice is not to rush the process: learning a language is a long journey that requires a lot of perseverance, patience, and determination. Without enough motivation, it will be very difficult to achieve your goal. But believe me, there’s nothing more satisfying than understanding the signs around you and expressing yourself in the newly learned language during a trip abroad. So keep your head up!
And if you feel ready to try out your knowledge in practice, click and check out our current student jobs!
