How To Teach Yourself a Language? 7 Key Steps You Haven’t Tried Yet

Do you have a dream to visit another country or become a language translator, but the language barrier keeps you from doing so? Why not learn the language? The benefits are profound. Studies show that learning a second language can improve your memory, brain function, and concentration and open up more opportunities.

Learning a foreign language is not difficult, and anyone with a strong desire can learn a second language quickly. If you are a beginner and looking to learn a foreign language, you have come to the right place.

This is a step-by-step guide to how to learn a foreign language as a beginner.

Step 1: Determine your motivation for learning a second language.

There are many reasons why you might learn a foreign language. Maybe it's because you want to understand people and their culture to facilitate relationships. Studies show that people who speak more than one language reason better.

Learning a second language can help you improve your academic success. For example, students from non-English-speaking countries can study English to attend educational institutions in English-speaking countries. In addition, research has shown that children who speak a foreign language learn better at school.

Knowledge of foreign languages is also associated with professional, social, security, and professional interests.

Step 2: Gather All the Necessary Tools for Learning

After you've determined why you want to learn a second language, gather all of the necessary information and tools. Typical examples include:

• Internet: 

Internet sources such as Google search and YouTube are among the many sources where you can learn a second language. You can practice daily conversations and listening skills through YouTube. Google search results can help identify popular foreign language teaching sites. Be sure to search using the right keywords.

• Physical books and digital e-books:

Many authors have written interesting books that teach different languages. Start by buying beginner-level ones and work your way up to advanced levels as you progress in your learning.

• Software applications:

Thanks to advances in technology, software developers have created language-teaching apps that are handy to use on your mobile phone or smart device. Visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to download and install your favorite language teaching app.

Step 3: Create A Study Plan 

Now that you know why you want to learn a second language and have all the learning tools and materials you need, the next step is to create a workable study plan.

Schedule a time each day to learn your favorite second language.  You can write your study plan on paper or print it out and post it where you can see it. Then stick to the study plan. Discipline and commitment are the keys to success in whatever you set out to do.

Step 4: Identify Your Area of Interest

Learning a new language is much easier when you focus on what you love. For example, if you like Japanese culture and want to learn the language, study that language more focused on topics covering Japanese culture.

It would be boring to learn a language through subjects like politics. Focus on what draws you to the language. You can learn the rest after you have learned the basics. 

Step 5: Start the Learning Process

Everything's settled; it's time to start learning. Start by learning one word, a phrase, or a few other words each day. Avoid cramming, as it can quickly disappear from your mind. Understanding the pronunciation and meaning of words is important.

The best way to learn a new word or phrase is to practice writing and saying it as many times as possible. Also, try to use the word or phrase in a fun way several times a day in conversations. Your brain will retain these memories when you say words or phrases over and over again.

When you learn a phrase or word, pick a new word the next day and do the same. Make sure to use the most learned phrases and words each week. After a few weeks, you'll have learned some phrases and words that you won't be able to forget.

Then, start building sentences using the words you've learned. Whenever possible, try to write stories or articles in foreign languages. If you have a friend who speaks a foreign language, you can ask him to evaluate your skills.

Start 6: Keep Practicing

Continue to practice what you've learned as you go deeper than the basics. There are some great ways to practice a new language. For example,

• Establish your mindset: 

Your mindset is important in learning a new language. Accept that you want to learn a second language first. Then kiss it while speaking in the new language. You can speak for yourself to avoid embarrassment as a beginner, but you can join any native speaker you know as you learn words and phrases. They can correct you and motivate you.

• Join meet-up groups:

Joining a local group that speaks a second language will work like magic. Members can be learners like you or native speakers. You can encourage each other and help solve the problems you face while learning the language.

• Certification: 

Take tests to gauge your progress after learning the basics. The final test will show your skill level. Most apps provide a way to test and gauge your skill level.

Step 7: Form a Habit of Using the Language

Don't stop there after learning the language. Make it a habit to write and speak in a foreign language often, if not all the time. You will gradually get better. Continue reading content and watching videos created in that language. By the end, you will be fluent in writing and speaking.

As illustrated above, learning a second language is not rocket science. It also has some advantages, as mentioned above. There are many reasons to learn a foreign language. Whatever your reason for learning something, it's worth it. 

Remember that the more you practice writing and speaking in your favorite foreign language, the more your skills will improve. Finally, you can write or speak like a native in a short amount of time.


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