2 Simple Tips for Learning a Foreign Language
Learning a foreign language is like unlocking a new world. Everything seems so different…
If you are reading this, probably like me, you also are enthusiastic of learning foreign languages. For me, learning a foreign language is like unlocking a new world. Everything seems so different from the perspective of other words, from different sounds and expressions.
Since I was a child my parents pushed me to learn English. —they didn’t force me at all. Then when I was in college I felt curious about the French culture and enjoyed watching French movies. That is how I started studying French.
A few months later I broke up with my boyfriend and I had more free time, therefore I decided to start studying German as well. — How bored was I, eh?
Now, I can say I’m fluent in English, I was fluent in French — I kinda lost the practice but still understand it. — And I can also say I know a few words in German.
Having all these experiences as a foreign language student I can tell you 2 tips that will help you to improve in an impressive way your speedup for learning. Soon you will feel fluent!
1. A REASON WHY
This rule could apply to almost any interest and skill that you would like to develop. Nothing could be achieved without a little bit of passion or real interest at least.
I remember my first French class and you know, the presentation in the form of all your classmates. Everybody was telling their personal goals and the reasons why they decided to learn French, some of them said: “because I need the credits for my study program”, others said — “because French is a tool for what I’m studying” — , either Gastronomy, Tourism, International Business, or Chemistry. Me, for example: — “I love French movies and I want to watch them without subtitles”. — Then my interest changed and became more ambitious: I wanted to study aboard in France.
You MUST have a purpose and it doesn't have to seem so big, but it does have to be REAL. For example, maybe you feel curious about Japanese culture and want to read manga, or you feel an attraction for Latin American and would like to travel to Mexico. Having a genuine interest will push you every morning to wake up and have the courage to keep learning. It becomes an everyday challenge.
2. MAKE IT YOUR PERSONAL INTEREST
Without personally know you, I know you have a favourite music genre, type of movies that you enjoy and that you prefer certain entertainment topics than some others. When you are learning a foreign language, you have the huge opportunity to open a new window and explore that new world.
You might discover music, artists, movies, books, writers and everything you already know in your first language. You just have to find your best fits and don’t feel obligated to like it because it’s in your learning language but because it genuinely fits in your personal interest.
You can read my last entry where I can tell you how you can improve your English skills from watching international movies — non-spoken English movies. Cheers!
