Trying to Learn a Language? Here’s How to Make It Stick

If you're anything like us, "learn a new language" is at the top of your list of resolutions just about every year.

While you might dabble in Duolingo occasionally, eventually, you fall off for a bit (or just get too annoyed with that owl always popping up on your notifications—if you know, you know) and then a bit becomes for good. But if you want to get back into learning a new language and actually make it stick this time, what can you do? We've got a few tips and tricks to help you out:

Get Into a Study and Practice Routine

First, choose a method of learning that you know you'll actually do. Whether it's an app like Duolingo or Babl, using a program like Rosetta Stone or any other practice platform out there, find the one that works best for your life. Then, set aside time each day to squeeze in some studying or practice using that method. Whether it's 10 minutes every night before bed, 20 minutes on your lunch break or even just five minutes in the morning, pick a time and a way, then stick with it.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Also read about: 6 Apps That Make Learning a Foreign Language So Much Easier

 

Try Multiple Methods

Already taking a French class at school, or Spanish lessons on the side? Whichever language you're learning, if you want to learn faster and actually stick to it then you might want to add in some additional homework for yourself. It doesn't need to be too difficult, but adding some time on one of the previously mentioned apps before bed or otherwise into your routine can help. If you aren't learning a language in a classroom or lesson setting, then you can still add in other methods by listening to podcasts or trying to read blogs in the language you're trying to learn—anything to trick your brain into learning through different means.

 

Don't Be Afraid to Mess Up

Most people learn a language through reading first, then writing and finally speaking. However, what's "easiest" typically isn't the best way to learn a language, especially when your goal is to stick with it long-term. Speaking is an effective way to put your language skills to serious use, but most of the time, we're afraid of messing up when actually saying things out loud (vs. reading or writing, when you can take the time to focus on each work and decide on the correct grammar). Don't be afraid of this, though, as practice eventually makes perfect, and every mistake is worth it in the end.

 

Also read about: 4 Ways to Travel Abroad When You're Young

 

If You Can, Immerse Yourself

Immersion is typically considered the "best" way to effectively learn a language. If you can afford to take a trip to a country that speaks the language you're learning, do it—and try your best to actually use the language rather than reverting to English just because the people there might also speak it, too. By fully immersing yourself, you are forced to read, write and speak this language just to successfully live and get around in the chosen destination, which in turn forces you to learn the language faster and more effectively. If you can't afford such an experience, though, you can try to immerse yourself at home by watching movies in the given language, using subtitles in that language when it's an option and finding groups of other learners of native speakers who you can practice with.

(via Unsplash)

 

While learning a language may not be easy for most of us, it's well worth the effort. Plus, there's nothing quite like the feeling of having your first interaction fully executed successfully in that second language—it really is something to be proud of!

Not yet sure which language you want to learn? Don't worry, we have a quiz for that. Click HERE to check it out.