Learning Languages

by Carley Carpenter, Senior

December 14, 2016

Learning a new language can be a difficult task, and while it is fun, there can be times of frustration and self-doubt. This is normal, and it is important to continue practicing to be fluent in a different language. Many sites try to throw “language hacks” at viewers, but becoming fluent is not as easy as as 10 steps, so here are some tips from Mark Manson’s (who has successfully mastered four languages) website.

  1. Accept that you will make mistakes. Learning a new language is hard, and mistakes are inevitable. Know that messing up is okay, and that most people won’t think lesser of you for it.
  2. Practice, practice, practice. Hours and hours of awkward and strenuous speaking is what makes you better. An hour of conversation is as good as 5 hours in a classroom, and you will retain new words better in conversation.
  3. Intensity of study trumps length of study. It is better to study 4 hours a day for two weeks than to study one hour a day for 2 months. Language requires a lot of repetition, and if you can dedicate a period of time to working on it, it will be very beneficial.
  4. Start with the 100 most common words. Learn these words and practice forming sentences with them so that you can survive a quick experience with a person of that native tongue.
  5. After you learn the 100 most common words, focus on conversation. Studies show that the 100 most common words in a language make up for 50% of spoken conversation. Even if you only know 100 words, you will likely be able to understand much of what is being said around you. Don’t try to expand your vocabulary too soon! Focus on grammar and pronunciation so you can feel comfortable in conversation.
  6. Get a pocket dictionary. This, or download an app on your phone. This will help tremendously when you forget a word in conversation. You can easily find and use the word, and because you looked it up while using it in conversation, the word will stick in your brain better.
  7. Practice in your head. Try to make yourself think in a new language and practice fake conversations. It may be difficult or sound silly, but it will prove to be a great help in the long run.
  8. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone! It may be uncomfortable practicing a new language, and you may not feel very confident, but push on. Very few people will judge you, and many will feel honored that you are trying to learn their language.
  9. Figure out pronunciation patterns. For example, words that end in ‘tion’ in English usually end in ‘cion’ in Spanish and ‘cao’ in Portuguese. Knowing this can help you form words that you are not sure of.
  10. When you learn a new word, try to use it a few times in context directly after. It is proven that you will retain the information better if you use the word multiple times after learning it. Even if it is just practice sentences in your head, use that word!
  11. Watch TV shows and movies in the language you are trying to learn. Even if you don't understand everything that is being said, it is good to just hear the language at a normal speed. And while you shouldn’t try to learn the language solely based off English subtitles from a movie, you can use the subtitles as a helpful tool to incorporate extra understanding.
  12. Make it fun! It will be way easier to learn and practice the language if you are having fun. Find someone else that wants to learn the language, or someone who is a native speaker, and practice with him/her as much as possible.

There are multiple benefits that come with the ability of speaking multiple languages. Knowing multiple languages gives a competitive edge in the workplace, and studies show that if two people are equally qualified for a job, the boss will choose the individual that is multilingual. Foreign language study also enhances listening skills and memory, and boosts creativity. Understanding other languages and cultures also provides more knowledge for one’s own language and culture, and a significant expansion of vocabulary. Above all, it gives a sense of accomplishment and self-reliability, and makes international travel much easier.

No matter the language you are learning, these tips will be of help to you. Above all, just remember that language takes time, and doesn’t come easily to most people; it is okay to make mistakes just as long as you keep practicing.