How To Learn A New Language

Languages and especially the grammar side have never been my strong side. But I have always been curious about people, cultures, and learning new things. To do that on a deeper level, languages have come well in hand.

First, think about the reason and the goal of why you are studying. Make sure it is a good one. It's a lot of free content out there, but investing money in what you want. Can be a great motivator to jump-start your learning. Books, private teachers, schools, master classes, etc.

Second, absorb as much as possible from the language, even if you don't understand all of it. Move to a country where they speak the language, take classes, listen to music, watch movies, read books, go to websites, use apps and soak your brain full of it.

Third, get to know yourself and figure out how you learn the best. From a teacher? Listening? Watching? Writing? Speaking? I study in a silent and clean environment, when I have a high energy level (A sofa position with a movie in the background, is probably not a smart move). Trying to activate as many senses as possible at the same time. This together with putting me in situations where I have to speak the language. Can be school, work, sports, friends, etc.

Fourth, think about what kind of person you are and what words you actually use in your first language. Words that are closer to your heart and more relevant will be easier to learn. Deepening your knowledge about the culture and history is also a wonderful way to connect to the language.

Fifth, if you want it to stick you have to use it, use it, and use it. Of course, a lot will come back if you take it up again, but we forget faster than you think.

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."

~ Ludwig Wittgenstein

Thank you.