Study Tips for Languages
(Adapted from https://studyspanish.com/topten_tips)
1. Don’t expect to be perfect!
Can you remember when you learned to ride a bicycle? Did you ride perfectly from the first time you sat on the seat? When learning a new language, expect that you will make mistakes, and don’t be embarrassed by them!
2. Work on developing an “ear” for the language!
Remember that language is first and foremost oral communication. Try to develop a “good ear” for the language by listening to as much French/Spanish/Latin/ASL as possible outside of the classroom. An easy and fun way to do this is by listening to music, watching movies, watching cable TV, watching the news, or even YouTube videos. Pay particular attention to the vocabulary (words and expressions), syntax, pronunciation, and intonation. It’s okay to use English subtitles!
3. Practice SPEAKING!
The only way to learn to speak a language, is by actually SPEAKING. You can study for years, and master all of the grammar rules, but unless you actually practice speaking, you will never speak well. When you are practicing speaking, remember to do it out loud, at normal conversational volume.
4. Be consistent!
To really learn a language takes time and commitment. Consistency is by far the most important factor. If you can devote a solid twenty minutes a day, nearly every day, you will be far more successful than if you “cram” for an hour or two, but only sporadically.
5. Talk to yourself!
When learning a language, it is common for listening skills to develop more rapidly than speaking skills, leaving the learner in the unfortunate situation of being able to understand, but unable to respond. A good way to surmount this problem is to talk to yourself as much as possible. Because there is no one else around, you won’t be weighed down by the inhibition that so frequently burdens the beginning language student.
6. Use flashcards!
One of the best tips we can give you is to make and use flashcards. Make cards that are small enough to easily carry with you, and write the English on one side and the language of study on the other. Be sure to ALWAYS have some cards with you. This way, you can capture “wasted” time (standing in line, riding the bus, waiting for class to start, etc.) and turn it into productive study time. Even if you only have a couple of minutes, you can use it to study a few flashcards.
7. Label your surroundings!
Make labels for things all over your house. For example: you can label the wall, the door, the window, the desk, the bookcase, the light switch, etc. Remove the labels only after you have mastered the vocabulary.
8. Be patient!
Progress in language learning does not follow a straight-line graph. You cannot expect to make the same amount of progress, day after day, week after week. You may find yourself struggling at times, seeming to make no progress. Don’t let this discourage you. It is normal to reach plateaus in your learning progress. If you find yourself “stuck”, try spending time going back and reviewing things that you already know well. Often this will help prepare you to break through to the next level.
9. Find a partner!
Try to find a native speaker who can be your conversation partner. This can be your greatest asset and perhaps you can also provide assistance to your partner in your native language. You don’t have to practice for hours on end (this would be exhausting and too hard to fit into a busy schedule). Short, regular, spontaneous conversations are easier to fit in and will pay huge dividends in your fluency and understanding.
10. Read out loud!
Try reading out loud. You will get all of the benefits of reading, plus you’ll get really good pronunciation practice. In fact, as a beginner, you should read aloud as much as possible.
11. Read outside of the classroom to grow your vocabulary!
Read anything and everything you come across in your daily life that is in the language of study. This could be anything whatsoever, such as shampoo bottles, cereal boxes, food packaging, washing instructions on clothes labels, websites or social media, product manuals, etc.
12. Read to improve your writing!
The Internet is a perfect source for reading, and ANY kind of reading is good! Search by your own personal interests, or broaden your world knowledge and culture by exploring Francophone sites, blogs, etc... By reading more French, you will be soaking in accurate syntax and vocabulary. Pay special attention to how things are written and phrased - your writing skills will thank you!
13. Try to incorporate the language in your daily life!
Try to do some of the things you normally in the target language. For instance, if you normally journal, do it in French/Spanish/Latin. If you normally read the news, do it in French/Spanish. If you normally play video games, do it in French/Spanish/Latin.
14. Play language games on your phone!
If like playing games on your phone, then try playing a language game, such as Duo Lingo. This is something that you can easily do for a few minutes a day, every day.
15. Take advantage of the opportunities and resources available here at Northern!
Speak to your teacher if you need help or do not understand something. A surprising number of students don't do this! Teachers should be your first port of call for extra help!
Take advantage of the French club, Spanish club, and Latin club to practice and improve your language skills!