HOW TO HABIT-HACK YOUR LANGUAGE LEARNING

We all had that bilingual dream: you land in Tokyo, Berlin, or Mexico City and figure out how to get a train into the city. Instead of struggling with the habit iPhone Translate app at the information desk, you easily consult with personnel in their native language in the dream. Grammatically correct, easygoing, and beautiful accent!

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

That may be all the scenario is for you—a pipe dream too scary and remote to be actual. What if learning a language is easier than you think?

Language learning takes time and effort, but you can habit-hack your way to a smoother, more integrated learning process that fits into your daily life. Efficient habits make language learning faster, smoother, and more confident.

Let’s begin,

The Unofficial 7 Habits of Highly Effective Language Learners:

1. Set little linguistic goals and remind yourself constantly.

Your why should be your initial step in learning a new language. Why do you want to learn this language? You may choose to speak with family in their native language or vacation abroad. Whatever your why, keep it in mind and create goals along the approach.

Being proactive about your education is the #1 most crucial language-learning habit.

Internal motivation makes it simpler to keep working and stay focused on your goal (getting on that train without iPhone Translate!).

2. Did we mention review?

We know reviewing old material can be tedious. How often must you certify that you know amarillo naranja?

Review work is unfortunately the mainstay of language learning. Even if you stopped speaking your language for months or years, you might still recall key vocabulary and grammar principles from years of review.

Successful language learners reread previous examinations, notes, books, etc. throughout study sessions. Reviewing regularly will help you maintain improvement. Spending effort on a lesson only to forget everything in two weeks is pointless!

3. Make language study a habit.

While infinite time to learn a new language is ideal, most individuals don’t have it. With everyday obligations, even 30-minute intervals might be difficult. How can we practise and acquire exposure on busy days?

Combining a new language with hobbies or activities you already enjoy is the answer.

That could mean listening to podcasts, watching your favourite TV episodes with subtitles, using Spotify’s lyrics option while singing reggaeton, and more! If you prepare most meals, try creating authentic foods in your new language for practise.

This method lets you practise the language for brief durations without feeling like it, which builds up throughout the day. Next time you’re too busy to learn, try optimising your leisure time!

4. Fail often and see it as growth.

Successful language learners recognise that making mistakes, especially while speaking, is essential for progress. Immersion is uncomfortable, but it’s the best method to absorb a language’s everyday intricacies.

Introducing yourself to native speakers might be scary. You’re not being judged for trying to learn their language; most people appreciate when others desire to understand their culture.

Learning a language is like learning anything else: you can’t improve unless you start. Accept growth mistakes and use them to improve. Giving up is the only way to fail.

5. Talk to yourself!

Trust us, we get how this sounds. People often overfocus on learning linguistic norms and neglect to use them out loud.

Speaking a foreign language requires continual practise to improve pronunciation, sentence structure, conjugation, and more. Even when you’re alone, practise speaking words and sentences in class.

You can do this at home, on a walk, or in public (though we don’t advocate this unless you’re alright with stares!).

The key is to get used to new sounds and inflections, and self-talk is a great tool to track your development.

6. Practise variety.

The best way to learn a language well? Get a broad education.

People sometimes confuse improvement in one language talent for growth in all the others, but each skill is different, and being a great speaker doesn’t make you a great reader.

Attempt to balance input and output to vary your education. Try to write one or two sentences about every article you read. Try to describe each sounds you hear. Language is an art and science, therefore learn as much as possible.

7. Celebrate little wins, but keep your goals in mind.

Develop the habit of acknowledging your achievements! Learning a language is difficult. To avoid discouragement, focus on your progress rather than your distance.

Don’t overlearn and then fall behind. Learning a language takes time, repetition, and commitment, and it’s easy to burn out if you don’t pay it enough attention. Success requires accepting that learning in short bursts won’t work and enjoying the trip!