Knowing a couple of languages apart from the native one enriches mental life and broadens cultural horizons. Each language one learns opens a whole new dimension of common sense, meanings, and tools for understanding others. Every language offers a unique perspective to look at the world from. Learning a new language, however, is always a challenge and requires much time and effort to be invested into it. In order to be successful in this endeavor one has to take the correct approach. While foreign language is commonly regarded as knowledge one can possess, this account is not very precise. You cannot read extensively about French and start speaking it later. Foreign language is rather a skill one has to regularly exercise to achieve mastery. With language, like with any other skill, the more you practice the better you become.
Set a goal that motivates you.
Learning a new language is by no means a chilled walk in the park. It is a slow process loaded with difficulties and requires consistent effort. In order to remain motivated and keep going you goal for learning a language has to constantly remind you why is this worth the struggles. A correctly set goal inspires you to keep practicing and going an extra mile every now and then.
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"Learning a New Language".
Start with basic grammar and vocabulary.
It is no wander that most of language courses have you start with very basic sentences about yourself and your daily life. Starting out with simple everyday words and primitive grammar serves two purposes. Firstly, this technique yields first results fast. Within a week a two the complete beginner goes from being unable to say anything to knowing how to tell about themselves. This is important for maintaining motivation. Secondly, once you know the very basic grammatical constructions and most commonly used words, you start to understand what you read and/or hear at least a little bit and the new language no longer seems incomprehensive. These simple things serve as basis for you to build a further competence by adding more advanced grammar and vocabulary.
Communicate with native speakers.
Find a friend who is a native speaker of the language you are trying to master. If you cannot find a person like this near you, turn to the Internet. Social media as well as specialized services for learning languages should make this easy. Talk to them about anything you find interesting and ask questions. Read and listen carefully to what they say, what slang phrases they use, what grammatical constructions are prevailing. Human brains a wired for socializing and pick up the new things most effectively during social interactions. Real life communication will give you a feeling of how does the new language function in every day life and not just in the textbook. Do not be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand something. Native speaker is the best person to explain the meaning of the words and recommend the most commonly used way to express something. As a bonus, this will help you soften your accent and hopefully make a good friend along the way.
Practice every day.
Every language is a very complex system with multiple dimensions, its own principles, rules, and common sense. In order to master this new world you have to dive deep into it while making sense of one thing at a time. Doing this is not possible if you extensively practice it couple of times per week and have nothing to do with it the rest of the time. Instead, you have to make learning the language a part of your daily life. Spend at least half an hour every day reading articles, watching podcasts, listening to music in the language you are trying to master. Even this little time every day will help you get accustomed to the new language and learn something new. Regularity yields results.
