Tips to learning a language efficiently and effectively
by Ayame Kaikawa
Learning a language can be very difficult and it makes many people give up or get bored of learning the language when they cannot see the progress. So here are step by step tips when you are struggling to learn a language or thinking of starting learning.
Learn vocabulary
The first thing you have to do is to know words in the language you want to learn. To do this, you can buy a book, where you can keep safe in your Lancaster student accommodation or go on a languages website where you can learn easy words. Also, having small goals can help you become motivated. For example, you can set a goal such as '10 words a day' or '50 words a week'. If you are worried about forgetting the words you learnt before, try to think of the word every time you see the thing. For example, if you learn the word 'milk' you should say milk in your head every time you see a carton of milk. This stage can be tough as you might feel that you still have a long way to go but this is the most important part of learning a language.
Watch videos, films, or TV shows, or listen to songs
This is a very fun way to learn a language!
Once you learn some basic words in the language you are learning, the next step is to get used to the pronunciation or the accent of the language. One thing many people struggle with when they try to communicate with others in a new language is not being able to understand what other people are saying.
In the films, videos, or TV shows, they speak faster than language teachers or videos made for people that are learning languages. So, watching something in the language allows you to get used to pronunciation used by native speakers. At Bailrigg our student accommodation in Lancaster, we have a cinema room, perfect for this type of learning. Listening to songs in the language and singing to them will also allow you to practice speaking the language. Try to sing the song like the singer does so that you can get used to speaking with a proper accent.
Communicate with others
Communicating with others in the language you are learning can be very educational and efficient. Many apps allow you to talk to other people that are learning the same language, or you can join online groups. Talking to others gives you confidence and helps you understand your weaknesses. The best thing about communicating with others is that you can ask them questions for free whenever you are not sure about the language. Most people on the apps or in the groups are learning languages too so you can motivate each other. Try practicing with. housemate in your Lancaster student housing, we’re sure they’d be up for helping you practice.
Talk to yourself
This might sound a little bit strange, but this is the easiest and most effective way to learn a language. Once you can speak basic sentences in the language, try to say what you are thinking out loud in the language. When you get used to doing this, you will find sentences or words that you use regularly. If you don't know how to say it, it is a great opportunity for you to learn a new word. Just look up the word or sentence you want to say, and you can say it next time. Knowing what you normally say and being able to say those words will help you communicate with others more easily.
There are many ways to learn a language and some ways might not fit you. So, try many different ways and find the best way for you to practice. The most important thing while learning a language is to have confidence in speaking the language so the more you practice, the easier it will become. All of these learning styles can be done so easily from the comfort of your student accommodation in Lancaster.
