Learning a second language
Learning a second language when you are an adult can be difficult, but there are some techniques to adopt to reduce the difficulty. There is no magic formula for learning a foreign language, but you can surely become fluent with diligence, practice and right techniques. Regardless you go to school or buy software to learn at home, you need to use proper techniques.
7 simple techniques to use when learning a second language
- Do not be afraid of making mistakes
When you are leaning a second language you will surely commit mistakes at the beginning, even if you are smarter than satan. Don’t feel embarrassed; it’s normal. Your instructor or partner will not be annoyed if you make mistakes when you are talking. If you just begin practicing with him, you can tell him you are a student and explain you need to practice. Most people will respond with encouraging words and patiently help you. The BIG mistake is not to speak.
- Leave Your Comfort Zone
Once you admit to make mistakes, you will feel less embarrassed when that happens. This can be intimidating at first, but it is the only way to really progress. No matter how many hours you spend studying or learning new vocabularies, you will not be able to express yourself in a second language without practicing. Practice is key. When you meet foreigners who speak your target language, open a conversation with them. Whenever you interact and put your skills to the test, your comfort zone widens and you gain some confidence in your learning process.
- Speak to yourself (monologue)
If there is really nobody around you with whom to practice, why not talk to yourself? This may sound weird, but dialogue with yourself (monologue) in the language that you are learning can greatly help you. This is a great way to try using new words you have learned If you don’t have the opportunity to practice regularly. This helps you to remember vocabularies and boosts your confidence, waiting for the next opportunity to talk with someone. It is kind funny but it is helpful when learning a second language
4. Have a Keen Motivation
You will always meet obstacles when learning a foreign language. If you do not have motivation or a reason to persist, you will be less likely to stay motivated over a long period of time. For example, you can set your goal to learn French in order to be able to communicate directly with native French speakers when you visit Paris. This is an excellent reason to learn the language if you are planning to visit France. Whatever your motivations, once you have chosen the language you want to learn, it is crucial to stick to it and never let go.
5. Find a language exchange partner
It is good to have a partner to practice when learning a second language; It motivates each other. You will push each other to do more and more effort. If one of you realizes that the other is better, he can become a little envious and seeks to surpass him, and vice versa. It is a fair competition that leads to progress. If you do not have a sibling to partner with, you can find another person who is willing to help you. There are plenty of websites where you can find language exchange partners; just open a free account and post your request. Before you know it, you will find too many people to talk to.
6. Have fun while learning
learning a second language does not have to be boring. Be creative in increasing your knowledge. For example you can write and record songs in the language in order to practice it more easily. It is easier to remember things we learn in singing. Find funny ways to use the language you are learning. If you are an artist, you can create a radio play or a cartoon with a friend. You can also write a poem, a short roman, etcetera. When you find plenty of ways to entertain yourself, it becomes more difficult for you to give up, as it is often the case.
7. Watch others Talking and Listen carefully
As you are making progress and able to hold a conversation, it is now time to reduce your accent. The mobilization of our tongue, lips and throat varies depending on the language that we speak. The pronunciation has both physical and mental implications. A good way to work on your pronunciation is to carefully observe the native of the language speaking, and then imitate that sound. It may not be obvious at first, but this technique will tremendously reduce your accent. If you do not have the opportunity to observe a native speaker face to face, you can watch movies in the foreign language you are learning. This can also help you.
As you can see, learning a second language is not that difficult; you just need the right techniques. Now you have them, go put them to the text. Before you know it you will become a polyglot, speaking all the languages you always dreamt to.
