Learning a foreign language is a cumulative process, like any other subject. What you learn during one lesson or study session will build upon what you have learned previously. If you’re not consistent or don’t keep up with your studies, you won’t develop the building blocks required for a strong foundation of language learning. As you study a foreign language, it’s important that you learn what is being presented day by day. Below, we’ll explore the most effective tips and strategies for learning a foreign language as they relate to the four major aspects of language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Listening and Pronunciation

Listen

Sound is the basis for communication in all spoken languages. Whichever language you decide to pursue, it’s imperative that you (1) learn what to listen for when the language is being spoken and (2) learn how to correctly pronounce the words in the language. Learning to listen when the language is being spoken by native speakers is  key to learn how to pronounce words correctly.

Proper pronunciation

One of the biggest mistakes new learners make when trying to acquire a new language is sacrificing accuracy for speed. Not only does proper pronunciation require practice, it also requires patience. Slow down and learn how to make lip and tongue movements correctly. When you speak, take the time to make sure you’re pronouncing words correctly.

Practice makes perfect

With respect to (1) learning what to listen for and (2) proper pronunciation, there is no substitute for practice. The best way to improve your ability to listen and pronounce words correctly is to listen when the language is being spoken by native speakers in real-life contexts. Listen to native speakers, records, tapes, movies, and television shows. Repeat what you hear aloud, reproducing words, phrases and sentences as accurately as you can.

Listen for meaning

In addition to learn what to listen for with respect to pronunciation, listen for meaning. When you’re able to understand what is being spoken, both your ability to comprehend as well as your pronunciation will improve.

 Listen to yourself while you speak

It’s not enough to listen to native speakers speak the language. You need to listen to yourself while speak the language as well. Record yourself pronouncing words and speaking the language. Compare your pronunciation of words, phrases, and sentences to that of native speakers. Repeat this exercise again and again until your pronunciation is close to that of native speakers.

Speaking

Focus on accuracy

New language learners have a tendency to sacrifice accuracy for speed. In other words, they try to  speak faster than they should. In doing so, they are form a habit of mispronunciation. This habit usually is strongest among those who have just enough understanding of the language to speak it somewhat conversationally.

Slow down, pay attention, and pronounce each word correctly. As you learn to speak correctly, your ability to speak fluently will come naturally.

Learn correct sentence structure

Knowing a lot of vocabulary is useful, unless you can’t use it to form meaningful phrases and sentences. Take the time to learn correct sentence structures and words usages.

Practice speaking

Practice is the key to learn to speak any language. Listening to the language and speaking the language constantly will lead to fluency. When reading the language, read aloud whenever possible. Converse with others (preferably native speakers) as much as possible, exclusively in the language.

Go to the source

If you want to learn to speak like the natives, then you need to speak WITH the natives. There is no substitute for hands-on experience and practice with native speakers. Practicing such way will help you learn correct pronunciation and nuances in speaking, that are difficult to pick up elsewhere.

Reading

Understand grammar

At the core of any language is grammar. Understanding the rules of grammar in your own language will go a long way to help you understand grammar of the new language. For this reason, it’s often easier for language learners to pick up a third language after having already learned the grammar rules associated with the second language. Keep a grammar reference guide handy as you strive to learn a new language.

Read for meaning

While learning a new language it’s tempting to look up unknown words as you read. While you need to have a basic vocabulary to read as a beginner, avoid constantly referring to a dictionary every time you encounter a word you don’t recognize. Instead, attempt to figure out the meaning of the word from the context of the sentence. As you read passages and sentences, read for meaning. Focus on the overall message being communicated by a passage or sentence.

Read and Re-read

Each passage you’re studying should be read three times. First, read the passage in its entirety without attempting to translate it. At this stage you simply want to get a feel for the language used in the passage, the sentence structure, and how the words work together. Second, read the passage again, translating it in your mind or as you read aloud. Finally, read the passage a third time paying closer attention to the meaning behind individual phrases and sentences.

Read the notes

Read and consider any notes accompanying a passage. These notes often provide insight into meaning, grammar, and style that will help improve your language learning experience.

Vocabulary

As you progress in learning a language, you will want to increase your vocabulary. Below, we’ll explore strategies and techniques for improving your vocabulary in a foreign language.

Study grammar

Being able to memorize vocabulary is important, but without proper context and usage it’s difficult to really “learn” vocabulary. Being able to put the vocabulary you memorize into a usable context allows you to recognize, recall, and use what you’re learning. Understanding the rules of grammar in the language will greatly improve your ability to learn vocabulary.

Flash cards

Visual aids, including flash cards, are a great way to pick up additional vocabulary. To develop flash cards, take a 3×5″ card and write the vocabulary word on one side and it’s English equivalent on the other. Review your flash cards once a day until you’ve mastered the vocabulary words. Try to keep the number of vocabulary words you’re working with to a minimum until you’re ready to move on to new words.

Find new words

Find new vocabulary words via your daily activities and write them down in a small pocket notebook. At the end of each day, look up any words you don’t know in a dictionary, write down the definition and memorize them. At the end of each week, take some time to review the new words you’ve written during the week. This is an effective strategy for acquiring new vocabulary and learning a language when living among native speakers.

Focus on each word

When learning a new vocabulary word (1) pronounce it; (2) spell it; (3) find its meaning; (4) use it in a sentence; and

finally (5) write it down with its meaning a few times.

Writing

Make sure you have an understanding of grammar before you start writing, read all the textbook material.

As you write, pay attention to sentence structures, spellings, and overall meaning

. Compare what you write to other texts and writing samples.

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