Tips for Learning a Language

"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way" - Frank Smith.

You've probably heard a million times before that being able to speak more than one language fluently is a valuable skill to have in life. "Why?" you may ask. The reasons are far too many to list, but some include being able to meet new individuals of different cultures and keeping your brain healthy and energised. But I'm not here to tell you that it's a straightforward, effortless process - because it's quite the opposite. Several hours on end are spent trying to improve in the language, and although you may get frustrated with yourself and it'll be a lengthy task, never give up. Hang in there, the results are 100% worth it, I promise.

Understand why you're doing it. This may sound fairly obvious, but having a straight idea of why you want to learn a language will make it more enjoyable along the way. Once you have your genuine reason, commitment is crucial. Tell yourself: "I've willingly made the decision to learn Spanish, so I'm going to try my best to learn the language and achieve exactly what I want." If you keep reminding yourself of this, you will be able to maintain your motivation for much longer and the path will become more clear as you go along.

You are inevitably going to say a lot of stupid things - learn to accept it. Whilst learning a language, not everything you are going to say will make sense. You might mix up the words for "ass" and "neck" in French, and at the time it will definitely be so mortifying that you will want to bury your head deep into the ground. However, it is universally known that people learn from their mistakes, so next time you will know the difference, which will undoubtedly help you in your development of the language. Don't be discouraged if you make a tiny mistake - embrace it, and continue your wonderful journey of language learning.

Know basic phrases. The phrase that should be forever stuck in your mind is "How do you say ...?" in the language which you aspire to learn. Remember it, and use it whenever it is required. Other useful phrases include "Where is...?" or "What is...?" - they will ensure that your experience of speaking to people is a little less of a hassle and simple instead.

Conversation, conversation, conversation. If there is anything that anyone should understand about learning a foreign language, it's that conversing with a native speaker will greatly benefit you. Of course it is ideal that you are confident in the basics of the language, otherwise it won't really be a conversation. Yes it will be awkward, and yes you may find it challenging to form a sentence, but as previously mentioned, you'll learn from your mistakes. Whether it be over Skype or in person, it is a vital part of improving in the language. A good idea is to find a partner who is trying to become competent in your language; that way, one time you can have a conversation in their language, and another time in yours. The experience strengthens the bond between you, and makes it entertaining at the same time.

Carry a pocket dictionary. An app or an actual dictionary will be perfect. It truly makes a huge difference, and saves you the struggle of not being able to keep the conversation going. Having it on your phone will take a total of three seconds to search the word you need, and thus the conversation will continue almost seamlessly.

Movies, TV shows and books are a great supplementation. However, they should not be replaced for the actual practice of learning the language. At first, it will naturally be demanding and a challenge to understand what is being said. But with time, it should become more uncomplicated. Particularly with movies and tv shows, you will find that you pick up slang expressions which aren't taught in textbooks or language learning sites, therefore improving your knowledge of the language, Subtitles should be turned off, otherwise you'll be dragged to read them, instead of listening to what is being said.

Once you learn a new word, use it often. I don't mean mentioning that word a countless number of times in every sentence you make. But you should aim to use it a few times, for example in some sentences as soon as you learn it and then later on throughout the day, in order for it to definitely stick in your mind. In this way, you will already know the word incase you need to use it again, and if you continue to do this, vocabulary will accumulate in your mind, adding to the confidence you have when speaking and improving in the language.