Language Learning a Habit to Learn Fast

Languages are best learned by using them.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Have you failed to learn a language?

You may have studied grammar books for months and yet struggled to communicate. Maybe you even thought learning a new language was not for you.

You are not alone. Learning a new language is tough, and we often choose ineffective methods. As a language instructor, my students sometimes think they must know every grammar rule and phrase.

Language-learning drama!
However, grammar rules should not be memorized. Use a language regularly to learn it. Grammar and vocabulary are necessary. Learning via talking or reading in your target language.

Pimsleur’s language classes evolve gradually and emphasize real-world dialogue. There are additional ways to surround yourself with regular stimulation to include language acquisition into your daily routine.

Here are some of my favorite simple and effective methods to include language study into your day.

8 Easy and Effective Language Learning Strategies

1. Switch Phone Language

What is your phone usage? The top 20% of smartphone users spend over 4 hours and 30 minutes a day, according to RescueTime. Surprised?
Smartphones are great for learning, especially languages. Neil Soni Unsplash photo

Why not study your language?

Set your device’s language to the language you want to study. This simple action will quickly and naturally teach you lots of language. If you are studying Portuguese, picture seeing “Segunda-feira” instead of Monday or “Amanda está ligando” instead of “Amanda is calling” every time you checked your phone. Immersive phone.

Apple and Android language changes are here.

2. Use an App Every Morning

There are many of vocabulary-building apps.

They include language-learning applications, dictionary apps, and word-learning games. Some send daily study reminders at certain times. Pimsleur, for Android and iOS, is our favorite.
Pimsleur teaches language through dialogue. It works better than other apps that match words and visuals. It teaches real speech. Guaranteed!

But browse the App Store on your device to discover one or two that work. Then learn Italian over coffee or French over croissants.

3. Read News in Target Language

Many individuals read news. Internet connectivity makes it easy to follow news in any language you desire to learn. You may even obtain a new perspective.
Google News improves your reading while keeping you informed.

The Google News app provides global publications and reports.

Try these country-specific news sites.

Le Monde is French.
Learn Japanese with Asahi Shimbun.
Portuguese: O Globo
Learn Spanish with El País or BBC Mundo.
Italian: la Repubblica
Koreans should try Dong-a Ilbo ().
Learn German with Der Spiegel.

4. Some Culture?

Learning a language through culture is fun.

Internationalize your playlist if you like music. Look for singers who sing in your target language or regional hits. You may listen to these new bands and musicians while driving, in the gym, in the park, or waiting for your doctor. Fun and ongoing learning.

To enhance your vocabulary and possibly level up to karaoke, look up the lyrics of the songs you are listening to.

Around the world in 80 songs will get you going. Latin music guide.

Follow YouTube channels offering language-learning content. A daily video on your favorite topic (fashion, sports, movies, etc.) might improve your listening abilities.

5. Make Netflix Worthwhile

Immersive language learning does not require a three-month migration to Europe. Movies and TV are great learning tools.

Why? They offer cultural immersion with true street discourse. Netflix offers dozens of languages.

Spanish and Brazilian Netflix series are included below. Find a Japanese TV show.

This Chrome plugin lets you watch shows with two subtitles at once so you can visually correlate translations with conversation. It helps build vocabulary.

Movies improve your cultural awareness, reduce tension, and offer you something to chat about at the bar.
Use Your Commute

Why not study on your commute instead of playing candy crush or thinking about your ex? Any time, especially consistent time, helps learn a language.
Learn a language while commuting. Rathish Gandhi on Unsplash.

Listen to a foreign language podcast while driving. Check TuneIn or this post for 10 great podcasts to aid you on your trip.

Do not drive? Read or write. Read articles, write in your diary, or talk with a local using a chat app. Your commute could be your best language practice time.

7. Address yourself.

Every household has a self-talker. That could be you. Excuse me.

I practiced basic Portuguese conversations in the bathtub when I was studying. I would speak both sides:

Please purchase a bus ticket.

“5 reais.”

Is card payment possible?

… etc. It is awkward at first, but it is an excellent way to practice speaking without a partner and discover terminology you are having trouble with.

A Brazilian acquaintance learning English records herself. She started talking about odd topics alone for several minutes. She can hear herself improve over time.

Voice recorders are likely on smartphones. It can take notes and record extended monologues. I promise it will improve your speech.

8. Use Your Fingers.

You journal?

A password-protected app can now keep a diary. Day One, for iOS and Android, lets you record voice notes, videos, and photographs.

Writing a diary is like therapy—you may vent and practice writing. Diaries allow you to travel through time and explore how things have evolved, even your language.