how to learn a new language process essay

Learning a New Language Essay

Introduction, reasons for learning a new language, problems of language barrier, benefits of understanding a foreign language, methods of learning the new language, reference list.

Moving out to a new geographical area can be very exciting because it provides one with an opportunity to experience new cultures, but on the other hand, it can be difficult to cope with the new environment, especially when the language of that region is not familiar to you. This paper explains the possible challenges and the steps to follow while learning the new language.

When one relocates to a new region, either for business or other reasons, it is important to learn the language of the local people because they are the ones who can be consulted when one needs to know something like directions. Besides, if you have moved into the new location for business purposes, it would be better if you spoke to the local people in their language because that way you will understand each other. This is because there are very few people who understand international languages like English and French. Hence even if you speak the international language in your office, you need to learn how to speak the local language because you need to learn how to converse in the local language because it will ease communication. Again before one learns a new language, he/she needs to identify if there are other languages in that location and identify the one that is commonly spoken (Yule, 2010).

Moreover, it will be easier for the locals to accept you when you speak in their language. McNeil (2004) explains that some communities tend to be hostile towards people who don’t speak their language. Hence if you are establishing a business in a new location, some people may not buy your goods and services because you cannot communicate effectively. For instance, it might be difficult for an individual from Japan to converse with people from another country, such as South Africa. Because of differences in cultures, it is difficult to understand the correct words used in conversation; a person might have some idea about the language, but putting words together can be difficult.

Learning the new language is not only healthy for your business but also for your safety because you need to know what people are reacting to situations, and unless you understand the local language, you won’t be updated on the local events. For instance, my friend Joel was in Rwanda before the genocide took place, and prior to the killings, he was given a hint by one of the local people and later on flew out of the country. If he did not interact with the locals, he would have been caught up in the mayhem because no one would have bothered to brief him.

In this regard, when you first set your feet in the new location, you need to identify people among that community who can help you to learn their language. In addition to that, you need to mingle with the local people and listen to their conversations and see what you can grasp. Bower (2006) explains that the time taken to understand the new language depends on your eagerness and commitment. You need to repeat the common phrases when you are alone and ask for their meanings later on. Repeat as many times as possible and ensure your spellings are correct. The spellings can be confirmed by consulting the native speakers of the new language. Consulting anyone who comes across can be misleading because some of them are not pure speakers. This is also another challenge when trying to grasp important points.

Listening to conversations

When learning a new language, it is important to choose whether you want to know how to write or speak in that particular language, but most people prefer to learn how to speak in the new language. The first thing about learning a new language is to get the pronunciations right. You need to listen to the local people carefully while they are conversing in order to get the exact pronunciation. You can then repeat the pronunciations when you are alone as many times as possible. This is because, initially, it may not be easy for your pronunciation to resemble those of local people, but it improves when you do it frequently. You can repeat the pronunciations in the presence of a local speaker who can help you to identify where you are making a mistake.

Pronunciations

Pronunciation is vital because if you don’t preannounce words correctly, you may not communicate effectively since a given word may have several meanings that are differentiated by the pronunciation. Pronunciation is a great challenge as well because different words might sound similar but with different meanings. The first thing to learn in every language is greetings and names of places. Don’t learn many words in a day because you will be overwhelmed; instead, learn a few words in a day because it would be useless to learn many words that you can’t even remember. You can watch television programs that are in your new language or even listen to radio stations that speak in your new language. You can as well make arrangements with a local speaker to coach you on pronunciations, be it Spanish or any other language, and in fact, this is the best method because you can ask him to speak one word at a time and he/she can adjust the speed when you feel it’s necessary (Bower, 2008).

According to Kalat (2008,) when pronouncing words, you may not have the local accent if you are an adult, but children are easily adapted to a new language faster than adults because they know how to impersonate sounds better. Age is another barrier to learning a new language. So don’t be surprised when your children learn a new language faster than you. Take caution not to miss the tone and mark the words that have high and low tones because these are the basic elements of pronunciation. Identify words that are most difficult to mention and mark them as vocabularies. Once you have selected the vocabularies, find those words whose pronunciation resembles your mother language. This is because it is common to have words from another language that sounds like ours.

People who don’t reside in one location for a long time have to learn a new language regularly, and this could bring confusion when learning a new language because they can mix words from a previous language. To prevent this confusion from hindering the learning process, it is good to always know which language is spoken in which location. In addition to that, ensure that what you learn remains in your mind by revising what you learned in the day in the evening. It is advisable to learn how words are used because if you know their meanings but you don’t know how they are used in sentences, it does not make sense at all (Yule, 2010).

You need to develop a reading of literature that is composed in the new language because that way, you will learn to construct sentences and speak fluently. Additionally, it is recommended that you learn the words that you are most likely to use in your field because if there is no need to learn words that are irrelevant to your field. For instance, if you are a hairdresser, you don’t need to know the words that are used by nurses. Yule (2010) argues that when constructing sentences, you need to place the words in their correct sequence for the sentence to make sense. This is the key to perfecting your grammar in the new language. You need to know how the nouns, verbs, and adjectives sound when they are in singular and plural. Besides, you need to learn the tenses such as the present, future and etcetera.

In this light, learning a new language requires passion in the language and the ability to interact with the people speaking the language. Challenges to learning a new language include culture, identity, and. The elements which constitute fluent speaking are pronunciation, tenses, and gestures. This is because if you are talking about the present while your sentences are in the future tense, there may be confusion. Therefore, understanding cultural activities and frequent words used in a language are vital in avoiding language difficulties.

Bower, D., 2006. You can learn Spanish or any Language No matter Your Age or Disposition ., New York: Lulu Press.

Kalat, W.J., 2008. Biological Psychology . Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

McNeil, A., 2004. How to learn a foreign language: A question and Answer Guide . Washington: Language Experts, LLC.

Yule, G., 2010. The Study of Language . 4 th Ed. New York: Cambridge University Press.

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IvyPanda. (2024, February 18). Learning a New Language. https://ivypanda.com/essays/learning-a-new-language/

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How to learn a new language: 7 secrets from TED Translators

They say that children learn languages the best. But that doesn’t mean that adults should give up. We asked some of the polyglots in TED’s Open Translation Project to share their secrets to mastering a foreign language. Their best strategies distill into seven basic principles:

• Get real. Decide on a simple, attainable goal to start with so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. German translator Judith Matz suggests: “Pick up 50 words of a language and start using them on people — and then slowly start picking up grammar.” .
• Make language-learning a lifestyle change . Elisabeth Buffard , who in her 27 years of teaching English has always seen consistency as what separates the most successful students from the rest. Find a language habit that you can follow even when you’re tired, sick or madly in love. .
• Play house with the language. The more you invite a foreign language into your daily life, the more your brain will consider it something useful and worth caring about. “Use every opportunity to get exposed to the new language,” says Russian translator Olga Dmitrochenkova . Label every object in your house in this language, read kids’ books written in it, watch subtitled TED and TEDx talks, or live-narrate parts of your day to an imaginary foreign friend. .
• Let technology help you out . Dmitrochenkova has a great idea: “A funny thing like resetting the language on your phone can help you learn new words right away,” she says. Ditto for changing the language on your browser. Or you can seek out more structured learning opportunities online. Dutch translator Els De Keyser recommends Duolinguo for its gamified approach to grammar, and Anki for memorizing vocabulary with its “intelligent” flashcards. .
• Think about language-learning as a gateway to new experiences . To Spanish translator Sebastián Betti , learning a language has always been about focusing on the experiences that the new language would open up, from “visiting theme parks, attending air shows, enjoying cowboy poetry and folk-rock festivals, to learning about photo-essay techniques.” In other words, he thinks of fun things that he wanted to do anyway, and makes them into a language-learning opportunity. Many of our translators shared this advice. Italian and French translator Anna Minoli learned English by watching undubbed versions of her favorite movies, while Croatian translator Ivan Stamenković suddenly realized he could speak English in fifth grade, after years of watching the Cartoon Network without subtitles. So the next time you need a vegan carrot cake recipe, find one in the language you’re trying to learn. .
• Make new friends . Interacting in the new language is key — it will teach you to intuitively express your thoughts, instead of mentally translating each sentence before you say it. Find native speakers near you. Or search for foreign penpals or set up a language tandem online, where two volunteers help one another practice their respective languages. .
• Do not worry about making mistakes. One of the most common barriers to conversing in a new language is the fear of making mistakes. But native speakers are like doting parents: any attempt from you to communicate in their language is objective proof that you are a gifted genius. They’ll appreciate your effort and even help you. Nervous about holding a conversation with a peer? Try testing your language skills with someone a little younger. “I was stoked when I was chatting with an Italian toddler and realized we had the same level of Italian,” recalls German translator Judith Matz. And be patient. The more you speak, the closer you’ll get to the elusive ideal of “native-like fluency.” And to talking to people your own age.
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How to Learn a Language by Studying Smarter, Not Harder

Just like most things in life, if you know the tips, tricks and hacks for learning something, the process usually goes much smoother, and much more successfully.

So if you’re looking for tips on how to learn a language effectively, read on. We’ve got seven key tips for you to consider on your language learning journey.

1. Use Visual Elements to Memorize New Words

2. write something every day, 3. watch tv and listen to radio and podcasts in the target language, 4. read books at your actual level, 5. branch out from textbooks, 6. learn what interests you, 7. take initiative and personalize your learning style.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Summary: Using visual elements is the best method to learn new words, as they trigger associations in our head, making it easier to remember permanently, not just learn by rote.

To understand and speak a language, several thousand words will be enough to get by in conversation and while reading modern writing. You’ll need more if you’re going to tackle more specialized or academic writing, or perhaps if you’re going to become a translator or interpreter. But we all have to start somewhere.

How do you know which words to learn and remember?

We live in the digital era when the internet surrounds us everywhere. So, check the list of most widely used words in the language you’re learning or download some apps that show you popular words, helping you to remember them along the way.

Summary: Write blog posts, diary entries, shopping lists, notes to yourself or anything else that is already part of your daily life, but do it all in your target language. Using grammar in practice will improve your skills many times over.

Certainly, grammar is important, and no one is going to say that you shouldn’t learn it. But just writing sometimes, free of grammar concerns, is very helpful for language learning, too.

Regardless of the language, grammar is always tricky for non-native speakers (well, let’s be honest: it’s often tricky for native speakers, too). All those gerunds, tenses, infinitives and exceptions are useful when you write academic essays, do research or write professional emails. You need to build a foundation of great grammar in order to speak and write correctly.

However, if your primary goal is to communicate, prepare for a trip abroad or master just the basics, don’t stress about this too much. If you’re seriously turned off by the nitty gritty of grammar, don’t torture yourself trying to remember all the rules at once.

Many learners get discouraged by the idea of studying grammar and end up avoiding their daily practice. Don’t procrastinate. On days when grammar fills you with dread, treat yourself to some movies, games or music videos in your target language. Keep building familiarity with the language every day, and you’ll start learning grammar naturally.

Some educators recommend starting off with full immersion—constant exposure to the language through a diversity of authentic materials—and never cracking open a textbook or starting formal grammar study until you’ve developed basic proficiency in the language. You can always give this route a try!

Summary: To develop your listening skills, you can watch movies or TV shows with subtitles, listen to a radio show in your target language, play games , try to understand all words from your favorite songs and so on. Keep it fun and casual! Listening to  TED lectures  is always a good decision, too.

While learning a foreign language, we usually pay lots of undue attention to vocabulary and grammar. Our goal is to learn how to read, write and speak.

That’s all well and good, but we often forget about listening to a target language despite the fact that it’s key to understanding and communication.

Learners too often discover the hard way that speaking a language and understanding it aren’t the same thing.

Sometimes one can speak but can hardly understand native speakers at all while listening to songs or watching a movie in the target language. Never underestimate the importance of listening skills; you need to practice them on a daily basis.

Summary: If you’re at the beginner level of learning, children’s books would be the best option for you. Intermediate and advanced learners can always try reading simplified versions of classics to learn some new words and grammar rules. If you’re pretty advanced, you can start tiptoeing towards the classics. Start with modern classics.

I bet your past or current language teachers have assigned you the task to read a book in the language you’re learning, make a vocabulary list of unknown words from it, learn them and discuss the book in the classroom afterward.

Such exercises are great unless your teacher asks you to read classic literature in the target language. They often don’t, and instead opt for abridged and otherwise simplified reading material.

First of all, it can be difficult to understand a plot and get pleasure from reading a book if you don’t know the meaning of most words. The “extensive reading” method encourages learners to choose texts where they know 95% of the words on any given page .

Secondly, books of classics may contain lots of archaic vocabulary (let’s take Shakespeare, for example). There’s no real need to learn all words from classics, as no one uses them in everyday language anymore.

However, many language learners make the mistake that teachers strive so hard to avoid—they dive into deep, complex literature and other texts that are well outside their reading level. They want to read what they want to read, even if they can’t read it! As you may already know, it can be very discouraging when you don’t understand most of what you’re reading.

You’re not giving yourself the chance to develop good reading habits. You won’t learn how to get into the flow of a native text if you’re constantly stopping to use your dictionary. You also won’t be able to pick up words via context if most of the language is way above your head (for the time being), and this kind of deductive work is critical for learning a language effectively.

Summary: Use all sorts of resources for learning your target language: newspapers, vlogs, novels, short stories, comments sections, advertisements, grocery lists—anything!

Going by the book is one of the biggest mistakes you can make while learning a foreign language.

The textbook can give you all the essential building blocks, but it can’t take you much farther.

Have you ever heard the people speaking in the audio files accompanying English textbooks? They’re speaking perfectly correct English, but they sound a bit forced and awkward at times. That’s because they’re reading a script designed for learners. It’s easy on the ears, and great for becoming familiar with the basics of language, but you’ll probably never hear a native speaker who talks quite like that.

Slang, idioms, jokes, regional dialects, pop culture references…they usually can’t be learned from standard textbooks. To really understand native speakers, you must learn casual language.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use textbooks at all. Some of them are worth trying, and one can find many reasons to use modern textbooks : They’re well-designed, they provide useful content and a road map for learning, they give lots of practice opportunities and they usually offer audio components.

One thing you could try for learning with audio and video is a language learning program such as FluentU .

Summary: Find materials about subjects that interest you. If you’re an accountant, that might be accounting statements from a large foreign company, or if you’re an art aficionado, read the latest museum exhibition guides in their original language.

Some learners aren’t super passionate about languages, and instead consider reaching fluency just another task to complete. It’s just another task on a life list, bucket list or resume building plan. There are a couple of noteworthy problems with this:

• It’s very difficult to pinpoint the exact moment you reach fluency, so you may never be able to check the “task complete” box.
• You don’t know a language just because you score all A’s and 100’s on your exams.
• You need to find some personal motivation coming from within to really master a language without ever losing focus.

You can’t just study for the test. Fluency doesn’t come until after you’ve put your language skills into action, spoken with natives for hours, listened to native speakers intently and followed their directions. You also need to learn the culture behind the language to a certain extent, or you’ll find a large gap between you and natives while communicating.

Not to mention, you have to constantly be updating your language knowledge. Languages change and develop all the time. Don’t miss a chance to learn the culture of those people whose language you learn, chat with your native speaker friends, watch movies, listen to songs, travel to countries and interact with locals.

Summary: Seek out teachers and fellow students who learn like you like to learn and build a learning community, in real life or online.

This may be the most common mistake made by language learners. They rely on whatever course they’re taking, whether they’re taking it through a college, university or institute online, at home or abroad. This “reliance” comes in two forms:

• Relying on the course to give you all the material and exposure you need to learn.
• Holding the course or teacher responsible for your successes and failures.

When you learn a language, it’s good to have a teacher who will help and support you, but it doesn’t mean he or she can do everything for you. Teachers guide you—they can’t inject the language straight into your brain. It’s only you who’s responsible for your learning.

If you feel like the books and materials your school gives you aren’t effective or sufficient on their own, find a different textbook or other language learning materials to accompany the coursework. If the coursework doesn’t target your preferred learning style, learn how you learn best on your own time. If you learn best through music or visual cues, but simply don’t get enough of that in class, take care of yourself at home later.

Don’t only do your homework, study for tests and call it a day. Read and listen to your target language every day, communicate in it, go to language exchange clubs, make friends with native speakers and seek out new articles, blog posts, YouTube videos and more in that language. Become ravenous. Consume as much of the target language as you can on a daily basis.

Ask your school to assist you where needed, manage your emotions and try to stay motivated and optimistic.

If you don’t study properly and perform poorly on tests, take responsibility for this. If you ace all the reading and writing assignments but can’t speak without a heavy accent, then take responsibility for this and double up on speaking practice. The teacher and coursework can only get you so far.

Take these tips to heart and I think you’ll find your language learning journey moves faster than you ever thought it could. It’ll also be more fun!

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Proven tips to learn a new language

Published: Oct 16, 2022 | By: Lucas Weaver

My name is Thomas Plaatsman, and I went from a complete beginner to a C2-level (near-native) Spanish speaker in 8 years.  In this post, I've put together all of my most proven tips to learn a new language so that I can hopefully help you become fluent in whatever language you're interested in learning. I'll cover everything from the language learning tools I personally used and recommend, as well as all the apps, language courses, and language learning programs that I used to reach fluency and beyond. But first, a bit of background on myself.

I met Lucas (the founder of the Weaver School) back in 2019 when we were working together at the same company in the Netherlands. Aside from being colleagues, as fellow avid language learners we quickly became friends through our shared interest in topics like learning languages , basketball, travel, and many others.

Although he did give me the occasional suggestion to improve my English, at the time we first met, my language learning focus was primarily on studying Spanish .

Back in 2014, I started learning Spanish to prepare for an upcoming exchange semester in Barcelona. I was in my 4th year at university and at that time I had very little knowledge of the Spanish language.

I knew if I wanted to get the most out of my experience in Barcelona learning the language would be a huge help for me . For my first step, I started attending a group Spanish language course at my university and so my journey began.

Fast forward eight years later and I’m now a certified C2 (Proficiency) level Spanish speaker . I’ve traveled across South America from Peru to Ecuador, all the way up to Mexico in North America.

I’ve made new friends, negotiated business deals, I’ve even interviewed Spanish authors and musicians (in their own language!) for my own blog where you can learn about the cultures of different countries by reading about their most important books, films, and songs .

I never imagined just how rewarding my language learning journey would be for me, both professionally and personally. And now, I’m starting a new challenge learning Portuguese for my newest job.

The journey of learning a new language

As you start to learn a new language, I want to share with you my experience, as well as a large amount of language learning tips that I’ve collected over the years for improving your language skills, many of which you can do on your own .

You’ll learn what I wish I knew before I started learning languages as well as which language skills you should expect to have at each new level you reach. 

I’ll also explain which skills you should prioritize at each stage of your journey, which tools will be helpful for you, and how you can most effectively and quickly move from one level of a foreign language to the next.

But first, let’s start with you, and the most important question: 

What is your “ why ” for learning a new language?

What is your why?

Finding your "WHY" is the most important and most overlooked aspect of foreign language learning.

Studying a language takes time. It took me 7 1/2 years to get to the C2 level in the Spanish language, so you need strong motivation to keep learning and studying over an extended period. 

I once read that the five reasons for learning a language are: Work, Love, Living, Family, and Friends. To stay motivated, the author recommended that you need to meet at least four of these five criteria to meet your language learning goals.

Don’t let it discourage you if you don’t meet the minimum of four. Use it to your advantage instead. You can find friends who are native speakers of your desired foreign language, go on holiday in your target country, or find a host family to make up for it. 

The further you get along you get as a language learner the more critical these factors will become.

So ask yourself, what is your WHY?  

Do you want to have basic conversations at a surf camp? Do you want to become fluent for work? 

Write your reasons down on a piece of paper or in a Google Doc. Your WHY will be your motivational lifeline when your language learning experience gets tough.

Key focus per language level

The European framework divides language skills into 6 levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.

A1 is the tourist level

A2 contains the basics

B1 enables you to have short conversations

B2 students can talk about almost any topic, although not always at a high level

C1 means you’re fluent, you can express yourself in your foreign language in complex and high level conversations

C2 is considered proficiency level (about as close as you can get to being a native speaker)

Make your goal clear for yourself in the beginning when you want to learn a new language. Which level do you want to reach and why?

The A-levels | Learning the basics

A1: everything you do feels like progress.

A1 is probably the most fun phase of language learning . Everything is new, and you can make progress quickly. Because you’re building a foundation for the coming years, language learners should focus on two things: 

1. Pronunciation.

If you start forming bad habits now, you’ll probably keep making the same mistakes forever, and it will be difficult to correct them later . 

2. Basic vocabulary words

Master the basic words, such as numbers, colors, food, prepositions , and key verbs and phrases. Because you’re a beginner, you don’t necessarily need private lessons yet. Maybe try a group course instead. It will probably be more fun anyway since you’ll meet other students and share their stories and experiences.

Whether you start taking language lessons in person or start watching recorded online language courses , it's important to start getting exposed to native speakers as early as possible .

Listening to native speakers will allow your brain to notice the patterns and ways they speak. You'll pick up on: the vocabulary words and phrases they use, the rhythm they speak with, and how they make sentences. All of these are crucial in language learning .

A2: Adding in some difficulty

A2 becomes a bit messier. Aside from the present tense, you will have to learn the past tense. At this stage, I would recommend getting a language buddy (look for native speakers if possible). 

Meet up with someone who speaks your target language and wants to learn a new language that you speak. Do this at least once a week for 60 minutes.

You can divide your practice time 50/50 between you and your language buddy's native languages. Continue with group classes and start watching movies in your target language with subtitles in the target language (keep a focus on vocabulary in this activity since the words are written on the screen for you).

Don't forget to make time for a flashcards tool in your practice schedule. The quicker you memorize the vocabulary words of each level the faster your language skills will improve. How many minutes a day can you add in for language learning? Even just a few new words per day will help you later.

Many language learners overlook the value of flashcards because of negative experiences in school, but flashcards are one of the most powerful tools you can use to memorize new vocabulary .

B-levels | On your way to great conversations

B1: starting to feel a bit more comfortable.

Now that you know the basics, you should return to your WHY. What is it that you want to learn? In which situations do you want to use your new language?

Do you want to focus on speaking or writing? Now is the time to consider taking private courses , and if you can fit it into your schedule, you should keep practicing with a language buddy outside of your classes.

B2: Getting the picture of what confidence feels like

Congrats! All your practice has resulted in some serious progress! When you pass B2, you should master the grammar rules .

Now is also the time to consider living abroad. Most language institutes recommend living abroad for several months before reaching C1. Of course, it depends on your means and your life situation, but consider volunteering, remote working, Workaway , being an au pair, or if you’re a student, an exchange program your school offers.

B2 is the point where you know that you're getting pretty good at your new language, and you're starting to feel confident as a result .

You're not by definition "fluent" like you will be at C1, but when you start to feel this level of confidence, you won't hesitate anymore to start conversations with native speakers, get involved in social situations, and you won't feel uneasy speaking for longer periods with groups.

Upping your game

You can still use helpful tools like flashcards for learning vocabulary , or language apps to practice the grammar, but you need to start thinking about upping your game here.

It's time to start only watching TV shows in your target language instead of your native language. It's also time to start looking for long-form content in your new language like podcasts and audiobooks.

Challenging real-world material like these will help push you through the C levels of languages.

C-levels | “Are you a local?”

C1: hello fluency.

C1 is a level accepted by all companies which shows you have “advanced fluency”. That’s why now would be an excellent time to get an official certificate.

For example, the C1/CAE certificate for English is valid for life, will allow you to study in any English-taught program in universities across the world, and works as proof of language mastery for most English-speaking countries' immigration requirements.

Being able to put a C1 certification in any language on your CV will make hiring managers of potential jobs realize that you are definitely as good in the language as you say you are .

At this point in your learning process, if you haven’t been reading books, you should start now, as this will open a world of new benefits in your language learning program.

Not only new vocabulary but also knowledge of foreign countries and cultures, pop culture references that may come up in conversations, historical information, books you can now read in their original language, as well as the documented neuroscience affects reading has on speaking ability .

And don’t forget, keep practicing by speaking in real-world situations with native speakers as much as you can! 

C2: You're so good you can teach the language

The C2 level is the level you need to achieve if you want to become a teacher of a language that's not your native language. Certified C2 means you're as close to a native speaker as you can ever get.

Do you need a certificate?

C1 certification is good enough for most situations, and very few people ever get the C2 certificate. So if you don't need it, don't worry about getting it. But if you want to go for it, my advice for achieving it is pretty straightforward :

Get a teacher that fits your learning style and helps you prepare for the exam and focus on nothing else. When you want to do an official exam, 50% is about the language, and 50% is about understanding how the exam works.

You'll also need to spend time practicing the types of questions you will have to answer on your exam. Your writing skills will be important here. The writing part of the exam is difficult, and you'll need to write a lot of practice essays to prepare.

If you're interested, Lucas has built an AI tool that grades your C1 advanced practice essays with band scores and feedback. He's also built one for the IELTS exam.

Take as many practice tests as you can and then when you feel ready, register for the exam and take your shot!

What I wish I had known before I started learning a new language

There are many misconceptions about learning a new language . For one, many people think just because they weren’t good at learning a language in school that the situation will be the same now. But things were different back in school.

The learning environment is completely different when you’re an adult out in the world , and you might actually perform much better in a supported learning environment such as a language course.

Others might think that if you’re an adult you’re too old to learn a new language, but that’s not true either. Although it is much easier as a kid, it’s far from impossible to learn a new language as an adult .

In fact, there’s plenty of research that starting a new language learning journey improves your brain functioning in older age .

Misconceptions about language learning 

I had a lot of misconceptions when I started my language learning journey, and the main things I wish I’d known before are these:

You need to start speaking as soon as possible . It’s the single most important activity in the learning process to make progress. The quicker you start speaking the more comfortable you get, the more confidence you build, and the more you can improve.

You don’t need to live abroad to get better . Find someone who speaks your target language in your own city or use one of the many online tools or language courses to meet other people who want to practice. 

Find what works for you . If you’re someone who watches a lot of TV and Netflix, use the same habits and routines you already have, just adjust them! Keep watching Netflix but watch series in the language you’re learning. Are you a bookworm? Start with easier (primary school level) books in your desired language and then focus on slowly improving your reading level.

Keep your learning fun . Do everything you can to feel excited about using your new language skills frequently. Your motivation and WHY are fundamental to this. The best language learning process is the one that works the best for you.

Accept that the process is messy and takes time . It’s cliche, but remember: it’s all about the journey . When you’re fluent in the language you want, you’ll miss those days when everything was new and you made progress quickly. Whichever language learning program you're participating in, try and enjoy each step of the language learning process as much as you can, and be patient with yourself. Mistakes are how you learn, and no one ever learned anything without making mistakes along the way.

The best language learning tools

To help you start, below I’ve listed several valuable tools to learn more efficiently, from traditional flashcards to my favorite smartphone language learning apps.

What is the best way to learn? 

Everyone's learning process is different, and the language learning process is no exception.

The best way to learn is simply the way that works best for you and the one you will actually stick with. You'll need to find activities you enjoy because they'll be easier to continue doing over longer periods. To get better with languages the key is always consistency .

Learning how to learn

Meta-learning is the art of learning how to learn. To study more efficiently, check out the book Fluent in 3 Months or Tim Ferris’ articles on language learning, like the 12 rules , learn any language in 3 months , and fast learning . These can help you find a learning style that works for you.

One trick is to learn the most frequently used words or words that are almost the same in your language. An example is this list of the 1000 most common English vocabulary words, or these Spanish words . Study these words early on in your learning journey so you won't struggle with them later.

Improve your vocabulary

To improve your vocabulary, consider using flashcards. The flashcards tool from the Weaver School can help you learn new vocabulary words 10X faster than other tools because it takes advantage of the neuroscience phenomenon called "neural replay."

Another great and straightforward app with online flashcards is Anki . It uses spaced repetition , a method that repeats difficult words more often than easy ones.

Anki also allows you to upload Excel sheets with vocabulary. Type in the words you want to study in Google Sheets and use this formula to translate them. 

Another trick is to use drawings instead of translations . Instead of translating the word “dog,” put a picture of a dog on the other side of your card. Learning a language without translation will help you reach fluency faster down the road.

Improve your reading

To improve your reading, you can use Amazon Kindle or Apple’s iBooks. These e-readers have built-in dictionaries . You click on words or phrases while reading a book and directly get the translation. 

To translate phrases, check out Linguee . This language learning app provides translations with examples for different contexts. Another excellent tool is the Transover. You can install the Google Chrome plugin, and when you hover over any word online, it will give you the translation.

Improve your speaking

To improve your speaking when learning foreign languages, get live speaking practice and corrections from experienced native-speaking teachers in your target language.

There are also plenty of helpful Reddit forums with many people who will answer your questions. 

Improve your writing

To improve your writing, install the Swiftkey Keyboard on your phone. You’ll get an autocorrect that helps improve your writing and correct spelling of words, improving your written language knowledge. 

If your computer’s autocorrection tools don’t work, consider installing the Chrome plugin Language Tool which will help you learn new words for each different writing situation .

What will change when learning a new language?

Humans think linearly about the future, but that’s not how life or language learning works . 

As you get better at learning other languages, people will start to notice, and new opportunities will arise . Your life may take some exciting and unexpected turns because of it. 

When I started learning Spanish as my second language (English doesn't count ;), I thought about eating tapas and making friends in Barcelona. Little did I know that I would later translate for an Ecuadorian minister, work with the Peruvian Red Cross, or live in a trailer in the Andalusian countryside. 

Learning a new language was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It led to many new friends, work opportunities, and adventures that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

That’s why whether or not you want to learn English , Spanish, Dutch, or any other language, I urge you to embark on your language journey now . If not now, when? There’s no time like the present, and the sooner you start, the longer you get to enjoy all the rewards.

Any questions?

I hope you found this info helpful, and I’m happy to help if you have any questions . You can find me on LinkedIn , Twitter , or Instagram .

You can also find me on Cultural Reads , a blog I started two years ago where you can learn about the cultures of different countries by reading about their most important books, films, and songs. Make sure to check out my newsletter if you want my best content delivered to your inbox every two weeks.

Good luck with learning a new language for yourself! Hopefully, it’s you one day giving tips to your friends asking how you did it ;)

Lucas Weaver founded The Weaver School in 2016. He's passionate about using the latest learnings in neuroscience and education to create the best language learning experience possible for our students, so they can quickly build effective language learning habits that will last for years. Lucas is a graduate of Texas A&M University and after 7 years of living in the Netherlands, he is currently traveling through Southeast Asia while learning their languages along the way.

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Resource hub: how to learn a new language.

Learning how to learn is something everyone needs to do. We might like to think that’s something we covered in school and don’t have to worry about anymore, but all of us are learning how to learn every day of our lives. For some, it’s subconscious, where you take into account what you’ve done and see whether it worked or not. Every college student, for example, can discover on their own that pulling an all-nighter to study for a test might not be the best method for getting good grades. But why struggle to figure everything out on your own when there are experts out there who have done the hard work for you? When you’re learning how to learn a new language, you have countless resources available to you.

In that spirit, we’ve collected everything we’ve ever written about language learning and put it all in one place. No matter where you are in the process of learning, there’s bound to be something here for you. Want to know how to learn a new language? Just scroll to the section that seems the most interesting and get started.

Language-Specific Learning Guides

Most of this article is advice for learning any language, but it’s also good to find resources for the specific language you’re learning. Here are our language-specific resource hubs. 

French Basics: Resources For Language Learners Everything we’ve ever written about French, all in one place.

Spanish Basics: Resources For Language Learners Everything we’ve ever written about Spanish, all in one place.

Italian Basics: Resources For Language Learners Everything we’ve ever written about Italian, all in one place.

German Basics: Resources For Language Learners Everything we’ve ever written about German, all in one place.

Russian Basics: Resources For Language Learners Everything we’ve ever written about Russian, all in one place.

Portuguese Basics: Resources For Language Learners Everything we’ve ever written about Portuguese, all in one place.

Tips And Methods On How To Learn A New Language

Here’s all the tips, tricks and methods for how to learn a new language that we’ve put together, from the very basic (using sticky notes) to the very complex (designing a memory palace). We split them up into a few different categories so you can choose which ones best meet your needs.

General Strategies

4 Learning Methods From 4 Language Masters We challenged four polyglots to learn Romanian in one hour. Here are four tips we picked up from observing the different ways they each approached learning a new language.

The First 5 Steps You Should Take When Learning A New Language No matter what language you’re learning (or why), you’ll set yourself up for success by laying the groundwork correctly.

The 3 Steps To A New Language Learning Habit Language learning is all about forming a daily habit, but how do you do it? The studies are in, and three steps is all it takes.

7 Tips For Learning Languages On Vacation Don’t take a vacation from learning! Here are some tips to learn while traveling, without taking away from the fun of your trip.

Reddit Learning Roundup: The People Of The Internet Share Their Strategies The world wide web isn’t just for wasting time at work! We found some of the best ways people on Reddit are using to learn.

Strategies For Making Language Learning Less Boring We’re not saying language learning is boring, but we’re also not saying it’s always going to be a raucous good time. Work hard, but play even harder.

23 Ways To Immerse Yourself In A Language Without Going Anywhere You can surround yourself with your target language without having to pay for a plane ticket!

7 Strategies To Learn A Language At Home Are you thinking of studying a language on your own but don’t know where to start? We’ve compiled seven of our best strategies to make sure you can succeed.

8 Ways To Keep Learning And Developing New Skills While At Home Being stuck inside doesn’t have to mean an end to personal development. Here’s how to keep learning new things while staying at home.

Here’s Why Learning A Language Shouldn’t Be About Fluency Becoming fluent is a noble goal, but sometimes it can discourage you from reaching your potential.

How To Make Your Own Self-Directed Language Learning Plan Every person’s plan is bound to look different, and you should try to make a plan that fits with your current lifestyle and interests.

10 Tips To Learn Any Language From An Expert Here’s some advice from Matthew Youlden, a polyglot who speaks nine languages.

5 Tricks To Learn Any Language Polyglots Matthew Youlden and Luca Lampariello team up here to give you five tips and tricks or learning a language.

How To Start Speaking A New Language In Just 3 Weeks We know, we’ve included a lot of tips on getting into your language journey, but here are eight more that happen to pair well with Babbel.

How To Set (And Keep) A Language-Learning New Year’s Resolution It’s a cliché at this point that resolutions are hard to keep. With that in mind, we’ve put together a guide to creating actionable language learning goals, and also sticking with them.

How To Learn Vocabulary According To Your Learning Style Maybe you’re not bad at flashcards. Maybe there’s just a better way for you. Here are some tips for visual, aural, reading & writing, and kinesthetic learners.

Learn About The Army Method While it’s not in use anymore, the Army Method of learning a language has a long legacy and many of its features are still present in language classes today.

The One Thing Every Successful Language Learner Knows Each learner chooses their own path, but is there one thing that they all have in common?

Nailing Your Grammar

How To Figure Out Grammatical Gender In A New Language When your mother tongue is English, grammatical gender can be one of the toughest challenges in a new language.

What Are The Subject And Object Of A Sentence? We’ll also cover subject and object pronouns, as well as a quick look at word order.

How Does Word Order Work? English puts the subject first, then the verb, and then the object, but that’s not the case in every language.

How To Use Prefixes, Suffixes And Infixes When you’re learning a new language, it can always be helpful to break words down into parts.

What Are Grammatical Tenses And Aspects? Having trouble conjugating verbs in another language? This might help.

What Are The Differences Between Accent, Pitch, Tone And Stress? Turns out when someone says “don’t use that tone with me,” they really mean “don’t use that intonation with me.”

What’s A Cognate? Here’s what it takes to be a cognate, how to skillfully use cognates to your advantage, and what to remember when you invariably get them mixed up.

What Are The Grammatical Cases? Don’t let the words nominative and ablative intimidate you.

Improving Your Memory

How To Remember A Language You Forgot Think all is lost? Think again — and then, most importantly, start retraining yourself.

5 Tips For How To Memorize Vocab When Learning A Language Committing new words to memory can be a challenge, but we’ve got some helpful methods for you to try.

How To Use A Memory Palace To Improve Your Language Learning You may have heard of a memory palace before, but have you ever considered using one? We’ll tell you how to get started.

Why You Forgot Everything You Learned In School (And How To Change That) Tired of forgetting all that vocabulary you just crammed? Here are some memory training techniques to help you actually remember what you’ve learned.

What To Do When You Forget A Word In A Foreign Language Forgetting a word (or not knowing it in the first place) doesn’t have to lead to a communication breakdown. Here are some tips to keep the conversation flowing.

How To Use Spaced Repetition In Your Language Learning It’s a simple enough idea, but it’s one of the most important concepts for retaining information.

Fitting Learning Into Your Day

How To Fit Language Learning Into Your Day When You Barely Have Time Who isn’t busy these days? Here’s how you make headway on a language if you only have 1, 5, 10 or 15 minutes to spare.

23 Times You Could Be Learning A Language On Your Phone You’re already glued to your phone 24/7. Why not learn a language at the same time?

How To Fit Language Learning Into Your Work From Home Schedule We promise it’s not nearly as overwhelming as it sounds.

42 Things You Can Do In 5 Minutes To Improve Your Language Skills Much like a baguette, language learning is easier to handle if you break it into pieces.

5 Simple Language-Learning Exercises You Can Add To Your Routine Here, we have some exercises that can inject a little extra language in your day-to-day life or help you explore a language more deeply.

Learning Languages With Other People

How To Involve Friends In Your Language-Learning Journey Your best language-learning resource could be one phone call away.

How To Use Video Chatting To Practice A New Language You don’t have to leave your home to fine-tune your speaking skills in another language.

Finding A Language Learning Community Online Just because you’re learning a language on your own doesn’t mean you have to learn it alone.

Using Learning Tools

20 Ways To Use Sticky Notes For Language Learning If you’ve never used sticky notes to learn a foreign language, this article will change your life.

How To Turn Auto-Translation Into Your Language-Learning Friend Tools that translate for you automatically might be hurting your ability to learn a new language, but they don’t have to be!

How To Make Your Own Language-Learning Journal Need a fun, creative idea for your language-learning endeavors? Look no further.

How To Use A Dictionary When You’re Learning A New Language You may already have a foreign-language dictionary lying around that you haven’t touched in years. Here’s how to get your money’s worth out of it.

How To Use Flashcards For Language Learning There are so many high-tech options for language learning these days. But have you considered the flashcard?

6 Language-Learning Tools To Put On Your Shopping List Whether you’re still in school or just want to recapture the magic of learning, you can indulge your nostalgia for back-to-school shopping.

Avoiding Bad Habits And Mistakes

6 Bad Habits To Avoid When Learning A New Language, And How To Break Them Are you a binge-learner? Or maybe you’re a rut-walker? Have no fear, whatever your bad habit is it can definitely be broken.

Debunking The Learning Styles Myth (And How To Learn Instead) There’s some irony in it, but learning how to learn a new language is perhaps the best thing to do before learning anything else.

5 Popular Myths About Language Learning, Debunked There’s a lot of bad information about language learning out there. Let’s clear the air on these oft-repeated myths, once and for all.

Using More Specific Strategies

6 Ways You Can Take Your Language Learning To The Kitchen Cooking is the perfect time to multitask, and it can help you combine delicious food, language learning and cultural exploration.

How To Improve Your Learning By Stimulating Your Senses Did you know that engaging with multiple senses at once makes learning something easier? Here’s how to learn a new language efficiently by stimulating your senses.

How To Use Your Right Brain For Language Learning New research suggests your creative mind may play more of a role than previously thought in your language studies.

How Improv Can Help You Learn A Language Believe it or not, theater techniques have a place in foreign language learning.

How To Passively Learn A Language Also, is passive language learning even a thing?

4 Ways To Learn A Language While Exercising Did you know studying while exercising is linked to more effective language learning?

Improve Your Accent With These 5 Simple Tricks Here are some practical tips to improve your accent in another language, no matter which language you’re learning.

Media In Other Languages

One of the best ways to supplement your language learning is using the movies, books and other media all around you. Here are our guides on how to find what’s out there and how to learn a new language using media as a supplement.

How To Use Movies To Learn A Language Netflix and chill? More like ‘Netflix and drill…your vocab.’

How To Use TV Shows To Supplement Your Language Learning Let’s be honest, you were gonna watch Netflix anyway. Here’s how to make that time a little more productive.

How To Use Music To Help You Learn A Language Jamming to Shakira or Andrea Bocelli can help make your new language stick.

How To Improve Language Learning With Podcasts You’ll want to do more than just press play on your podcast app. Here’s a guide to learning with podcasts, along with recommendations on which ones to listen to.

How To Use Video Games To Learn A Language Tips for how to learn a new language with video games, whether you’re a hardcore gamer or like to dabble on your phone from time to time.

A Guide To Foreign Language Reading Whether you’re starting out or are an advanced learner, here are tips for making the most of reading books in another language.

5 Games To Help You Learn A New Language Whether you’re a board game afficionado or don’t know Monopoly from Clue, we rounded up five language games to help you learn a language.

6 Comics To Read When You’re Learning A Language Foreign-language comics are a fantastic resource when you’re learning a new language. Here are a few famous examples from around the world!

How To Use The Internet For Language Learning There’s more ways to learn a language online than you probably think! Here’s how to learn a new language on the internet.

Why Poetry Is Useful For Language Learning As the poet Paul Engle wrote, “Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power.”

Learning A Language While Sleeping: Just A Dream? In this article, we look at our relationship to sleep and the notion of hypnopaedic learning. Is it really possible to learn a foreign language while sleeping?

How To Use The News To Learn A New Language Using the news to learn a language can be a little tricky at first, but it’s ultimately very rewarding.

How To Use Social Media To Help You Learn A Language Using social media for language learning can be a great way to supplement your studies and to test out your skills in the “real world.”

How To Use Quora To Learn A Language A question-and-answer site could be the perfect place to fill in the gaps in your language learning.

Learning Motivation And Inspiration

Perhaps the most common roadblock for learners is losing motivation. Here are our articles that will keep you inspired to learn, even when you’re hitting a momentary plateau.

The Many Benefits of Being Bilingual Looking for some motivation to learn a new language? Look no further! Here’s your complete guide to the benefits of being bilingual.

How To Get Past Your Language Learning Plateau Does it seem like you’re making no progress in learning a language? You’re definitely not alone.

How Learning A Foreign Language Makes You Richer Among the many benefits of learning a second language: cold, hard, cash.

Can Learning Languages Get Rid Of Our Prejudices? We all have prejudices in one way or another, but we can work on getting rid of them. Here’s how learning a language can help.

How Learning A New Language Can Help You Learn About Your Native Tongue It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to understand your native tongue better is by learning an entirely new language.

How Learning A Language Helps You Stay Mentally Sharp As You Age Concerned about dementia and other mental symptoms of getting older? Bilingualism could be the solution.

Can Language Learning Help You Relax? Drilling pronunciation may not be everyone’s idea of a relaxing time, but hear us out.

How Learning A New Language Makes You A Better Person Looking for another reason to start speaking a new language? As it turns out, language learning can positively influence your personal growth!

Sharing Everything, Even Language: Stories Of Couples Learning For Love Love makes us do crazy things. And not so crazy things, like learning a language.

10 North American Polyglots Who Will Inspire Your Language Learning Polyglots learn languages for all kinds of reasons, but they all love sharing their passion for language with others.

5 Ways Learning A Language Can Make You Happier We’re all on the pursuit of happiness, and language learning may help us get there. Here’s a look at how you can boost your mood, according to psychology.

How Learning A Language Benefits Your Brain This is your brain on a new language.

7 Language Learning Excuses Debunked You have no time, no money and isn’t the language you want to learn too hard anyway? Nope! These are just excuses getting in your way. Let’s demolish them!

Does Learning A Partner’s Language Increase Your Odds Of Staying Together? Will the lifespan of your love hinge on your ability to learn a new language? Also, at what point in the relationship does it make sense to download that language app?

18 Unexpected Perks Of Learning A New Language Sure, you’ll become more worldly. But you probably weren’t expecting to get better at saving money.

How To Reignite Your Passion For Learning A Language We have some tips for translating your burning-hot desire to learn into a more sustainable relationship with your target language.

Why Encouragement and Positive Reinforcement are the Keys to Language Learning Success Have you ever wondered why your teachers always made a point to congratulate good work? We sit down with two of our learning experts to dive into the psychology behind positive reinforcement.

6 Ways Learning A Language As An Adult Is Different Than Learning It In School Don’t let memories of the dreaded conjugation tables hold you back. Learning a language as an adult might actually be easier — and more fun — than you think.

Language Quizzes And Personality Tests

Not sure how to start learning? Maybe a quiz could help. Personality tests are definitely fallible, but they could at least point you in the right direction. Here are all of our learning quizzes — some of which are slightly less scientific than others — along with how to learn a new language based on your Myers-Briggs type, Zodiac sign and Hogwarts house.

Quiz: What Bad Learning Habit Have You Fallen Into? The first step to breaking a bad learning habit is to recognize what it is. This handy quiz might be able to point you in the right direction.

Quiz: Who Is Your Celebrity Language-Learning Soulmate? Sure, the person you match with might be unattainable, but you should still find out who your language-learning soulmate is.

Quiz: What Should You Reward Yourself With After Your Language-Learning Milestone? One of the most important parts of learning anything is rewarding yourself for a job well done.

Quiz: Which Dog Breed Should Be Your Language-Learning Partner? We already know dogs are our best friends, so it only makes sense that we would learn with them.

Quiz: Discover Your True Motivation For Learning A New Language When the initial buzz wears off, you’ll need a reason to keep going. Understanding your real motivation will be the key to following through on your language goals.

How To Tackle Language Learning Based On Your Myers-Briggs Type Whether you’re ENFJ, ISTP or somewhere in between, here’s some advice on how to learn a new language based on your personality.

How To Learn A Language Based On Your Enneagram Type A good way to get started on a new language is figuring out what method works best for you.

How To Approach Language Learning Based On Your Hogwarts House Are you a Gryffindor or a Slytherin? A Hufflepuff or a Ravenclaw? Here’s how your sorting hat placement can guide your approach to language learning.

What Your Zodiac Sign Can Tell You About Your Language-Learning Habits Do Geminis approach language-learning differently than Leos? You may or may not think astrology is dumb, but admit it: these things are fun to read.

Quiz: Which Foreign Language TV Show Should You Stream? There has never been a greater quantity and quality of TV shows and movies available for you to watch than there are right now.

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How to learn a new language fast: a comprehensive guide.

Learning a new language is a rewarding and enriching experience, but it can also be challenging. With the right approach and strategies, however, you can significantly speed up the language learning process. In this article, we’ll explore some effective techniques for learning a new language fast, with a focus on immersion, vocabulary learning, studying with movies, comprehensible input, and real-life practice.

1. Set language-learning goals

Setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals is crucial for staying motivated and making progress in your language learning journey. Break down your language learning goals into short-term objectives, such as mastering a certain number of vocabulary words per week or being able to have a basic conversation within a month. Regularly review your progress and adjust your goals as needed to maintain motivation and focus on your desired fluency level.

2. Embrace immersion

Language immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language quickly. By surrounding yourself with the language in various forms, such as listening to music, watching movies, reading books, or even participating in foreign language immersion programs, you can accelerate your language learning and improve your fluency. The more you expose yourself to the language, the faster you will develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

3. Learn the “right” words

Focus on learning the most commonly used words and phrases in your target language to maximize your communication abilities. Prioritize vocabulary learning by creating flashcards or using apps that help you memorize and practice essential words and phrases. By concentrating on the most useful vocabulary, you can quickly build a solid foundation for more advanced language learning.

4. Study with movies

Watching movies in your target language can be a fun and effective way to improve your listening and comprehension skills. Choose movies that interest you, and use subtitles in your native language or the target language to help you follow along. As you become more comfortable, try watching without subtitles to challenge yourself and further develop your listening abilities.

5. Utilize comprehensible input

Comprehensible input refers to language exposure that is slightly above your current level but still understandable. Engaging with comprehensible input, such as reading texts or listening to podcasts, can help you acquire new vocabulary and grammar structures in context, making it easier to remember and use them in real-life situations.

6. Participate in language exchanges

Language exchanges are an excellent way to practice speaking and listening skills with native speakers or other learners. By engaging in conversations, you can gain valuable real-life practice, receive feedback, and improve your fluency. Many language exchange platforms are available online, allowing you to connect with people from around the world and practice your target language in a supportive and engaging environment.

7. Stay consistent and persistent

Consistency is key when it comes to learning a new language fast. Dedicate time each day to practicing your target language, and make it a priority in your daily routine. Be patient with yourself, and remember that language learning is a gradual process. With dedication, persistence, and the right strategies, you can achieve fluency in your desired language more quickly than you might expect.

8. Use language learning apps and websites

Technology has made learning a new language more accessible and enjoyable. There are numerous language learning apps and websites available that offer lessons, quizzes, and games to help you learn and practice. Some popular options include Duolingo, Memrise, and Babbel. These tools can be a great addition to your language learning routine, as they provide interactive and engaging ways to improve your skills.

9. Join language clubs or meetups

Another effective way to practice and learn a new language is by joining language clubs or meetups in your area. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity for real-life practice, as you can converse with native speakers and fellow language learners. Additionally, these social events make language learning more enjoyable and help you build a network of like-minded people who can support and encourage you on your journey.

10. Break down complex grammar rules

Language learning can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding complex grammar rules. To make it easier, break down these rules into smaller, more manageable pieces. Focus on one grammar rule at a time and practice using it in different contexts. As you become more comfortable with each rule, your confidence and proficiency in the new language will grow.

11. Focus on pronunciation and accent

Having a good grasp of pronunciation and accent is essential for clear communication in any language. Spend some time each day working on your pronunciation by listening to native speakers and repeating after them. You can use resources like podcasts, YouTube videos, or language learning apps with audio components to fine-tune your pronunciation skills. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t shy away from mimicking native speakers as closely as possible.

12. Keep a language learning journal

Maintaining a language learning journal can be an effective way to track your progress and stay motivated. Use the journal to document new vocabulary, grammar rules, or interesting phrases you come across during your study sessions. Reflect on your learning experiences, challenges, and achievements. This journal will not only help you monitor your growth but also serve as a valuable resource for future review and practice.

13. Experiment with different learning methods

Everyone has unique learning preferences and styles. To find the most effective language learning techniques for you, experiment with various methods, such as visual aids, audio resources, or hands-on activities. For example, some people may prefer using flashcards to memorize vocabulary, while others might find it more helpful to associate words with images or actions. By trying out different approaches, you can discover what works best for you and tailor your language learning strategy accordingly.

14. Learn from your mistakes

It’s natural to make mistakes when learning a new language. Instead of getting discouraged, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. When you make a mistake, take the time to understand why it happened and how you can avoid it in the future. This process will help you develop a deeper understanding of the language and improve your skills more rapidly.

15. Celebrate small wins and milestones

Finally, remember to celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your progress can help boost your motivation and keep you engaged in the language learning process. Set milestones for yourself, such as mastering a certain number of vocabulary words or holding a conversation for a specific length of time, and celebrate when you reach these goals. This positive reinforcement will encourage you to keep pushing forward on your language learning journey.

What are the best ways to learn a new language quickly?

The best ways to learn a new language quickly include setting clear goals, creating a consistent study routine, immersing yourself in the language, focusing on vocabulary learning, engaging in real-life conversations, and using various learning resources like language apps, podcasts, movies, and books. Experiment with different learning methods to find the ones that work best for you.

How long does it take to learn a new language?

The time it takes to learn a new language varies depending on factors such as the learner’s dedication, learning methods, language complexity, and the similarity of the new language to the learner’s native language. According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), it can take between 24 and 88 weeks (600-2200 hours) of study to become proficient in a new language, depending on its difficulty level.

Can I learn a new language on my own, or do I need a tutor?

It is possible to learn a new language on your own using self-study methods and resources like books, apps, online courses, and multimedia content. However, having a tutor or participating in a language exchange can be beneficial for providing personalized guidance, feedback, and opportunities for real-life conversation practice. A combination of self-study and interaction with native speakers or tutors can lead to faster progress.

Are language learning apps effective?

Language learning apps can be an effective tool for learning a new language, especially when used in conjunction with other resources and methods. They offer a convenient and interactive way to practice vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills. However, apps should not be the sole method of learning, as they may not provide enough real-life conversational practice or immersion in the language.

How can I stay motivated when learning a new language?

Staying motivated when learning a new language involves setting clear, achievable goals, maintaining a consistent study routine, celebrating your progress, and finding engaging ways to practice the language. Connect with other language learners or native speakers, participate in language exchange programs, or join language learning communities to share your experiences and stay motivated. Additionally, focus on the reasons why you want to learn the language, such as career opportunities, travel, or personal growth.

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Home — Blog — Study Tips & Tricks — How to Learn a New Language: Effective Strategies and Best Methods

How to Learn a New Language: Effective Strategies and Best Methods

Learning a new language can seem daunting at first. With thousands of vocabulary words, complex grammar systems, and different rules of syntax to memorize, students often don't know where to start. As an educator with over 10 years of experience teaching English, Spanish, French, and Italian, I've developed effective techniques to make language learning more approachable. This comprehensive guide breaks down proven methods tailored for students to master vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, listening skills, and real-world speaking ability in any new language. You'll learn strategies used by polyglots, tips to stay motivated, programs that accelerate progress, and the framework to reach fluency even with a busy schedule. Follow these research-backed steps, immerse yourself in the language, internalize patterns, and you'll unlock a whole new world of cross-cultural connections and career opportunities through language learning.

The Importance of Learning a New Language

In an increasingly globalized world, learning a new language unlocks immense value as a student. Language skills allow you to connect with speakers from various cultures, understand media and literature from other countries, and study abroad to immerse yourself in places you've only read about. Fluency opens doors for international internships, expands your university options, and gives a competitive advantage for jobs in tourism, journalism, marketing, diplomacy, and more. Language learning also provides cognitive benefits - from improved memory and decision-making to enhanced critical thinking abilities. As a language educator, I've witnessed thousands of students thrive from embracing bilingualism or multilingualism. In both your academic studies and interpersonal relationships, being able to speak multiple languages will enrich your perspectives and allow you to participate fully as a global citizen.

Why Learning a New Language Matters

As an educator who has taught languages for over a decade, I've seen the profound impact fluency can have on a student's life path. Though it demands dedication, learning a new language is one of the most rewarding skills you can develop. It directly boosts job prospects in fields like business, tech, and law as employers increasingly seek bilingual applicants. It also unlocks the ability to study and travel abroad to countries you’ve always dreamed of experiencing. But above all, it forges connections and understanding between cultures in an increasingly polarized world. Students who master a second or third language have a powerful advantage - they can experience the media, literature, customs and bonds of global friendships to which monolingual peers simply don't have access. In today's landscape, learning a new tongue is no longer optional - it's essential to open your mind, expand horizons, and reap both professional and personal rewards.

Benefits of Multilingualism

• Standing out in the job market, as demand grows for multilingual applicants in tourism, business, government and tech sectors.
• Building critical cognitive skills by challenging your brain to recognize different language patterns.
• Boosting overall academic performance on standardized tests like the SAT.
• Connecting and traveling more easily by being able to communicate with speakers of the most widely used global languages.
• Broadening cultural awareness and ability to exchange ideas, make friends abroad and experience media beyond what any one culture offers.

How to Start Learning a New Language

Learning a new language is an exciting journey that opens doors to new cultures, opportunities, and connections. For students eager to embark on this linguistic adventure, here are ten key steps to kickstart your language learning process effectively:

• Choose Your Language. Begin by selecting the language you wish to learn. Consider your motivations, such as career prospects, travel interests, or personal passions. Research the language's demand and relevance to your goals.
• Set Clear Goals. Define your language learning objectives. Are you aiming for basic conversational skills or complete fluency? Establishing clear goals will guide your study plan and keep you motivated.
• Gather Learning Resources. Invest in quality learning resources. This includes textbooks, online courses, language learning apps, and dictionaries. Explore both free and paid options, and select materials that suit your learning style.
• Create a Study Schedule. Consistency is key. Develop a study schedule that integrates language learning into your daily routine. Allocate specific time slots for practice, and stick to your timetable.
• Learn the Basics. Start with fundamental aspects like the alphabet, pronunciation, and basic grammar rules. Building a strong foundation will make the learning process smoother.
• Immerse Yourself. Immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Watch movies, listen to music, and read books in your chosen language. Surrounding yourself with the language's context aids comprehension.
• Practice Speaking. Language learning isn't just about theory; it's about communication. Find a language exchange partner or join conversation clubs to practice speaking regularly.
• Expand Your Vocabulary . Gradually build your vocabulary by learning new words and phrases each day. Flashcards, vocabulary apps, and language games can be effective tools for this.
• Keep a Language Journal. Maintain a journal to track your progress. Document new words, phrases, and experiences related to your language learning journey. Reflect on your growth and set new goals.
• Stay Patient and Persistent. Language learning can be challenging, and progress may seem slow at times. Stay patient, stay persistent, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Celebrate small victories along the way.

The Best Ways to Learn a New Language

• Set Realistic and Achievable Goals. Establish clear and attainable goals to provide direction and motivation throughout your language learning journey. Instead of aiming for overnight fluency, set incremental objectives, such as mastering basic conversation skills or achieving a certain level of proficiency on a standardized language test.
• Prioritize Conversational Fluency. Focus on developing practical communication skills rather than solely memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. Engage in active language usage by practicing speaking and listening regularly. Find opportunities to converse with native speakers or fellow learners to apply your language skills in real-world situations.
• Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities. View errors as stepping stones on your path to fluency rather than impediments. Embrace mistakes as opportunities to identify areas for improvement and refine your language skills.
• Seek Out Additional Learning Resources. Supplement your studies with a variety of language learning resources, such as online dictionaries, grammar guides, and cultural insights websites. Explore language learning communities and forums to connect with fellow learners and gain valuable support.
• Never Stop Learning. Language learning is a lifelong journey of continuous improvement. Embrace the process, enjoy the challenges, and relish the satisfaction of mastering a new language.

Tips for Learning a New Language

Learning a new language is an enriching and transformative experience that opens doors to new cultures, expands career opportunities, and enhances cognitive abilities. While the journey to fluency may seem daunting at first, with the right approach and consistent effort, anyone can achieve linguistic proficiency and unlock the power of multilingualism.

• Create a clear study plan to cover vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading and listening skills on a regular schedule that fits into your life.
• Surround yourself with sticky notes, smartphone alerts and other tools to incorporate language practice into your daily routines.
• Make learning fun by incorporating activities, games, contests and rewards into your study sessions whenever possible.
• Journal or blog in your target language - writing extensively advances fluency quickly.
• Stay motivated by setting mini-goals, tracking growth, discovering media you love, and realizing how each step gets you closer to fluid conversations.

How to Learn a New Language Fast

Accelerating your journey in acquiring a new language pivots on a blend of strategic learning and immersive experiences. Initially, set realistic, measurable goals—aim for daily vocabulary acquisition and gradual mastery of grammatical structures. Embrace active learning: engage with native speakers, utilize language learning apps for structured progression, and immerse yourself in the language through movies, music, and books in your target language. This multi-sensory approach reinforces retention and comprehension. Crucially, practice consistently; even brief, daily sessions are more effective than infrequent, prolonged study. Remember, language acquisition is not linear; embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. With persistence and the right strategies, fluency is an achievable milestone.

Though learning a new language is a complex process requiring diligent practice over an extended time horizon, it remains one of the most enriching skills a student can cultivate. The cognitive, social, career and cultural benefits of achieving proficiency justify the effort it demands. By following an incremental yet immersive approach, being patient through plateaus, and incorporating evidence-backed techniques tailored to your learning style, students can systematically chart a path to fluency. Use the framework, tools and motivation strategies outlined throughout this guide to set yourself up for success.

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8 Ways Writing Can Help You Learn a Language

It is said that if someone knows what they want to write, they will figure it out. But what we forget in the process of learning how to write is whether or not we’re sharing the best version of our writing?

If we are learning a new language or polishing the ones we already know, writing can be as important as speaking. 

Picking up a language is definitely a skill and the best way to do it is to maintain a balance. While you speak, you write, and as you write, you speak - this could be the magic formula to learn a new language. 

Let us go through a few reasons why:

The 8-Fold Idea to Learning a Language

1 increase fluency ‍.

A language is a two-way road. It is primarily about comprehension. Written and spoken skills are equally essential for anyone learning a new language. When trying to learn a language, you’ll often start with speaking, but you don’t want to forget about writing and spelling to increase fluency. 

Since practice is the key to learning a language, a good sense of written and spoken language is important. There can be a number of ways to achieve this, for example writing with dictation, working on short passages, or reading exercises that involve noting down new words. These small exercises can help boost your writing skills and help increase fluency in a language.

2 Boost Vocabulary ‍

The key to any strong language skill is a good vocabulary. One key to building a good vocabulary is to write more because this encourages the usage of new words in new types of sentences. Vocabulary in new languages can be tricky and often confusing. So, when stuck with a new word, always refer to resources like Drops and then use them in your writing. These resources can also include online resources, textbooks for beginners, and valid translator apps that are available. This way, the learning process remains interesting from the beginning and helps boost self-confidence from the very beginning.  

3 Activate Language Learning Centers of the Brain ‍

One of the most scientific reasons to develop writing as a practice of learning a language is that it has a direct effect on the human brain. Writing by hand stimulates a part of the brain known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS), which is the most crucial memory area. 

When you write, you remember. And when you remember, it becomes easier to speak out and present ideas in a clear manner. In terms of learning a language, it helps the brain to retain new words and use them in conversations.

4 Better Reading Skills ‍

You would not want to learn a language and only be able to speak basic sentences. When you learn a new language, you might also want to read, write or even sing in the language. When you are writing, the words become more familiar to you, because they tap into your visual senses. 

Visualizing something has always proven to be more effective in learning. In terms of language, when you write regularly, you learn words quickly and this helps a lot when you’re reading more. 

5 “Slow-Learning Approach” ‍

The process of written learning can often feel slow. It can be time-consuming since the brain takes some time to get used to new words and their use in sentences. 

However, instead of a fast-paced learning system where you can only be half-sure of what they are learning to speak or read, writing helps the students to be sure of their strengths and weaknesses. There is more time to point out and correct mistakes and gives the new learner a chance to explore new aspects on their own. 

6 Learning from Mistakes ‍

We live in a time when everything is readily available. Hitting a few buttons on our devices puts the whole world at our doorsteps. While this is a huge advantage, it can also be a negative aspect for learners. 

There are various online services that can provide writing solutions for students of any discipline. Some of the best essay writing services online can provide excellent written work when anyone requires help. What’s more, it gives people a chance to get a sample of high-quality writing to look up to and thus develop their written skills, especially when it comes to a new language they are learning. 

When we write and rewrite something, there are better chances of us not repeating the same mistakes. Therefore, writing - and rewriting - becomes crucial to develop proficiency in any language. Along with this, another important task for any new learner is to revisit their previous works and improve upon them.

7 Tracking Progress ‍

When it comes to picking up a new language, there are a number of resources available that help language students pick up speaking skills very fast. Most language learning apps that are available to students have a tracking system (like Streaks in Drops). These progress trackers can help new learners maintain a record of what they are learning and what they need to work on. 

How do you assess your progress with your consistent study? Reading exercises and timely quizzes with scores are the best methods of assessing one’s progress. For example, you can jump into the Drops Review Dojo after you’ve learned 50 words to see how well you remember what you’ve learned. 

Beyond this, when one starts writing, they can pinpoint their weak points and what else they need to know to polish their language skills. If there are mistakes, one can see them rather than just depending on auditory senses, something that goes a long way to pick up a new language.   

8 Feedback Friendly ‍

Want to know one of the best ways to check in on your writing and speaking skills? Get feedback! Feedback is an excellent way to recruit the help of an outside source that is already an authority on the language. Tutors on platforms like italki or Preply are great places to start.

Bring Out the Notebooks 

There was a time when having a pen pal was a fashionable thing to do. Today, the pens we once used to craft letters to our friends abroad have been replaced with instant messages, text messages, and e-mails. But it is never too late to go back to something. 

If you are a language student who wants to polish the rough edges of your skills, the best idea would be to pick up a pen every day and write at least a few sentences that help you remember how to construct sentences and add a new word every day. After all, learning a language and writing can be one of the best ways to boost your creative brain cells. 

About the Author: Jessica Fender is a professional writer and educational blogger at GetGoodGrade , an aggregator for useful college resources and websites. Jessica enjoys sharing her ideas to make writing and learning fun.

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Learning A New Language

Learning a new language is always an exciting experience. There could be many reasons that lead to the need to learn new languages but, the advantages are vast. Learning a new language gives you a chance to see the many things that are around you in a different aspect. You will thus broaden your way of thinking and in the end as you learn you will enhance your intelligence. However, you need to understand that learning a new language is not an easy task. You need to invest your time and energy in it so as to achieve results. There is a lot of stress associated with it, bearing in mind that in most cases a new language will revolve around a culture that is different from what you are used to. Enthusiasm to learn is all that you will need so as to get the first few steps done. After the first few words, you will like the experience and will be hard for you to stop. It is always interesting to communicate with natives of a foreign language comfortably.

How to Speed Up your Learning Process

The most important thing is to have positive thoughts. You may find the first initial stages of real stress. You may even feel like giving up. Encouraging yourself that you can work perfectly well for you. To speed up the learning process, you need to read many comic books in the language that want to learn. I will be hard to understand everything that you read but the pictures in the comic books will help you. In time, you will get to learn many new words. You also need to choose books of your favorite authors. This is important because you understand their way of writing and will be easy to understand. Enrolling in different forums that are in the language you want to learn will be of great aid to you. However, you need to choose forums with eloquent speakers as it is the only way you will gain much.

Coping with Stress of Learning a New Language

Having positive thoughts will not only help you to learn fast but also to reduce and suppress stress associated with trying to learn a new language. The other important thing is to make sure that you get a firm solid foundation in the new language. Make sure that you learn the basics well. If you do not get the basics right, you are likely to have stress throughout your learning. You also need to revise regularly to make sure that you do not forget what you have already learnt. You do not have to worry so much about mistakes. Through these mistakes, you are bound to learn a lot.

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Personal Narrative Essay: Learning A New Language

It’s difficult to learn a new language. It needs more effort and perseverance, especially when that learner knows nothing about its rules and way of pronouncing its words. But the most important thing is not to feel despair and frustration. The learner must do everything possible to reach his goal (learning the language). Learning English has been, for me, learning to understand and integrate successfully into the culture of the United States.

In 2017, my family and I came from Jordan to the United States. When I was in Jordan, English was hard for me to read and write, since my first language is Arabic. And then after I got here to America, I struggled because of the language. I thought that maybe if I go to the library I could find some English books and dictionaries to help me learn. I read and read, focus on vocabulary, write the word and its meaning, then memorize it. I was wondering the whole night how I’m going to learn English and live. I started watching TV in English; however, I failed to recognize whatever that they had been saying. A week after, my brother applied for me to go to school, So I could finish high school, which made me more nervous.

Six months later, I started high school in New York. At first, I felt despair because everybody speaks English. The teacher tried to talk to me, but I met her with shy silence. Because I couldn't speak English. I moved to ESL classes to learn easier and faster. Despite that, I failed many times, until I'm about to have a language complex. I reminded myself: I must not despair or become discouraged, as most people fail in their beginnings, but they innovate with time. I used to say to myself: I must learn, must speak, I have no other choice. What can I do? What should I do? This internal dialogue was confusing me. Today, I trusted myself somewhat. I feel much better. I can speak and write in English. I feel that I have developed myself. It’s true. Although I have not reached the level of a citizen yet, I feel somewhat incomplete happiness.

In one year, I could speak English with a good accent, and I could learn English within a year. With hard work and good quiz grades, they took me off the ESL program, which was a program for students that speaks English as a 2nd language. The school took me out because I had improved on all of my studies. Also, I could be on the honor roll. I’m so proud of myself. And I'm thankful for everything that has happened to me. Now, I can speak English very well. ESL helped me a lot, and because of this, the teacher took me to a higher level. My language improved. Now, I'm thrilled, I can live, I can look for a job, and translate between Arabic and English.

Finally…

I can say the reason for every success is a lot of failures, so no one can feel the pleasure of success. This is how I learned English. I feel proud and confident because of my perseverance and diligence. Now I can say that the English language has become - for me - the same as the Arabic language and is better.

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6 Ways to Make Learning a New Language Easier

At many high schools, studying a world language for one or two years is a requirement for graduation. And often these classes can make us feel awkward or even completely lost as we struggle to roll our Spanish R’s, make a perfect French “oooh” sound or just figure out what the teacher is saying as she chatters on in a language we don’t understand.

Despite all these hurdles, there are lots of benefits to learning a new language. In fact, studies have shown that it can improve your reading and writing skills in English, boost your standardized test scores and even increase your general intelligence. Not to mention the fact that knowing another language can help you get a job and travel the globe!

Sean Francis, who tutors students in Spanish with Educational Endeavors, says learning a new language can truly open up a whole new world to you. “It’s food, it’s music, it’s literature, it’s romance,” he says. “Plus, this is the one thing you’re studying that if you take it seriously, it can guarantee you a job. What else do you learn in high school that you can say that about?”

Unfortunately, many students get discouraged when they’re studying a foreign language because they don’t get it right away. If that’s true for you, here are a few tips to make learning a new language easier:

• Listen to the Language Being Spoken A big part of learning a new language is getting used to how it’s supposed to sound. One fun way to do this is to watch TV shows or movies in another language. For Spanish, turn on Univision or tune in to a Spanish radio station like 106.7 FM. For French, Chinese or other languages, look up some videos on YouTube to get a feel for the sounds. And if you can find a native speaker to talk to, all the better!
• Talk to Yourself You might feel silly doing this, but talking to yourself in another language is a great way of getting used to its structure and sound. If you do this at home in the privacy of your own room, you can really let loose and have fun with the accent, too! Francis says to improve your speaking, you can even try saying English words in a foreign accent. “Just pretend you’re playing a Spanish-speaking person in a movie,” he says.
• Make Flashcards Memorizing vocabulary is another big part of mastering a foreign language, and one of the best ways to do that is by making flashcards. Try putting the foreign word on one side and the English word on the other side. Start by looking at the English word first and trying to come up with the foreign word, and then reverse the process. Once you’ve nailed a certain word several times, take it out of the stack so you can focus on the ones you still don’t know.
• Use Mnemonic Devices Another way to memorize new vocabulary words quickly is to use mnemonic devices. To do this, create a story in your head that connects the meaning of a word to its sound or appearance. For example, if you know the words cuchara and cuchillo mean “spoon” and “knife,” but you always forget which is which, just remember that the two L’s in cuchillo look like a pair of knives. You’ll never get those words mixed up again!
• Don’t Worry About Making Mistakes Learning a new language can be a lot of fun — if you give yourself permission to play and the freedom to make mistakes. “You can’t be self-conscious and you can’t be afraid,” Francis says. “It’s not going to come right away. You just need to jump in and give it a try.”

The organization was established over 50 years ago and works “to change the trajectory of high-potential Black youth by providing unique programming in the classroom and beyond.” Their scholars complete a four-year fellowship that includes academic enrichment, leadership development, career exposure, mentoring and college access.

Students must maintain a grade point average near 3.0 to remain in good standing with the organization — a bar the organization sets knowing full well that access to scholarships and grants for college will be the only way that most of its students can afford to go. Not all students meet this threshold despite mentoring from caring adults and strong support from administrative staff. Thus additional academic supports are needed.

Over many years, EE provided programs to help get students back on track if they started to flounder and to establish academic habits that put them on a trajectory for success. We started by offering weekly group tutoring events at the organization’s facility that not only helped students with homework completion and exam prep but also provided lessons on learning strategies, goal setting, and self-advocacy. However, traveling to the facility after school was a burden for some scholars, so EE tutors also met students at libraries and other public locations to provide support in specific subject areas where students requested help. Year after year we met with administrators and added additional resources: a summer school study skills workshop for freshmen and final exam prep workshops for all grade levels. Our unique array of programs allowed the organization to support their scholars at every stage of their academic journey.

The mission of the organization is to fight for economic mobility among highly motivated, first-generation college students by providing mentoring and intensive career development. The agency was founded on the belief that socioeconomic status should not be a barrier to college persistence and career success. 

Their staff found that many of their participants were struggling with writing assignments of all sorts in college. From essays in English class to writing cover letters for potential summer internships, many students were not effective writers. The organization provided various career development workshops throughout the academic year, but they lacked a writer’s workshop to specifically address this area of weakness. 

We met with program managers and the executive director to discuss their students’ needs and what type of program would be beneficial. The Writer’s Practice Workshop was an ideal fit for them. The course allowed students to understand that everyone is a writer even if they don’t think of themselves as such. Over the course of four sessions students assessed their own writing process; discussed the tools of a good writer’s practice; considered the audience, purpose, and the needs of any piece; and produced writing on topics that were important to them. Students left the workshop with a greater understanding of how to start assignments and follow steps to revise, edit, and polish for best results, giving them confidence in their writing. 

The organization’s mission is to provide opportunities for underserved youth to achieve academic and personal success via financial, educational and personal support during their high school years. They provide tuition assistance to attend a high-quality school along with the guidance and commitment of caring, adult mentors. They aim to serve an often overlooked segment: academically “average” students from the city’s most challenging and underserved neighborhoods.

Program staff wanted to help their students prepare for final exams and train mentors to more effectively support students in their exam prep efforts. Volunteer mentors were available to give support, but the organization lacked a consistent approach on how best to help students and make them better learners.

EE met with program administrators and board members to plan and implement a Final Exams Workshop in the lead-up to final exams. The 3-hour workshop was attended by students and their mentors on a Saturday morning. The curriculum helped students create DIY study guides for any class, plan a study schedule, prioritize final exams by difficulty and need, assess and discuss their strengths and weaknesses in regards to learning strategies, and share with peers their successes or concerns. We also facilitated a conversation between mentors and mentees as to how they could best support their students in the coming weeks. Students and mentors left the workshop with a blueprint for attacking finals week in the most efficient way — a plan they could use for high school and college.

The organization supported immigrants and their families by connecting women from over 60 countries who share a dedication to the pursuit of global understanding and universal human rights. As part of their philanthropic arm, the organization supported a local elementary school they had identified as highly diverse with a large number of immigrant students. Before engaging EE, the organization relied mostly on volunteers to provide reading support to students during school hours. 

After discussions with the organization and the school principal, teachers, families, and other stakeholders, we developed a school year calendar of after school programs that would help students develop the skills needed to succeed in elementary school and beyond. We provided courses for grades 5-8 in the spring and fall, greatly expanding the enrichment opportunities the NFP was able to provide. In doing so, we developed a close relationship with the school administration and their teaching staff, who saw the positive impact the program was having on their students. Additionally, the NFP was able to expand their mission to areas where they saw a great need: improving study skills, raising test scores, and increasing access to high school opportunities for immigrant youth. 

A scholarship foundation funded by a suburban country club was disappointed with the caliber of student who typically applied for their college scholarship offerings. Knowing that the skills needed for success in college must be cultivated from an early age, they wanted to establish a summer enrichment program for students entering 9th and 10th grade that would serve as an early intervention and better position the pool of applicants when the time came a few years later to apply for the college scholarships.

We collaborated with the foundation to identify areas of strength and weakness in their applicant pool and listened to their personal beliefs about what it takes to succeed in college. With that understanding, we customized a version of the Summer Learners’ Workshop that lays the foundation for college-level skills and caters to the learning styles and academic backgrounds of the particular students at this organization.

The resulting program has gained a reputation as one of the top summer enrichment experiences in that community with parents routinely reporting that the results exceeded their expectations. The program is now attended by an even wider array of students than those who were first targeted by the foundation.

A charter school network was seeking to implement a test prep program across eight campuses to prepare their 8th grade students for the Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment entrance exam. The high school admissions process is highly competitive, and it was the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic when students were learning from home. The schools did not have expert knowledge about the contents of the test, and finding staff at their schools to cover a program outside of school hours would be challenging. Administrators knew how competitive the admissions process was and that even their strongest students were not guaranteed a spot. For equity, they wanted to offer the course to all of their students – even those who were very unlikely to be admitted to a selective enrollment school. 

Given the wide array of students, the EE team worked with individual school counselors to create ability groupings, determine a process for reporting attendance, progress, and behavior issues, and create a curriculum that would be effective in a remote learning model. We knew that remote engagement for an after school program would be a challenge, so we incorporated competitive team games, a leaderboard of accomplishments, and other incentives to encourage maximum participation. EE provided all management and instructional staffing to deliver the test prep course successfully while freeing up teachers and counselors at the charter school to focus on their daily workload. Students received a robust course focused on strategies, practice tests, and concept review that put them in the best position to maximize their potential on test day. 

A leading scholarship fund that provides financial assistance for highly qualified, low-income students knew that financial aid alone would be insufficient to ensure their students’ success at rigorous private and parochial high schools. Therefore, they sought an intensive summer program to prepare scholars for what lay ahead. 

EE worked with the organization to determine the biggest challenges scholars would face. We landed on a wide array of non-cognitive skills that are not necessarily taught in middle school: time management, organization, self-advocacy, focus, growth mindset, etc. Inspired by this challenge, we developed our Ideal Student Workshop, which would later become the basis for our Learners’ Workshop.

Over a decade later we are still delivering the program to students at this scholarship fund and others. The program works to develop the three dimensions of successful students: character, learning strategies and habits. We update the program yearly to keep up with changes in student needs and the educational landscape. Our fun and research-based curriculum continues to be a popular summer bridge for various organizations. 

A prominent sports-based youth development organization wanted to improve one of the core elements of their program: providing educational enrichment programs to their participants.

Their goal was to offer a continuum of services for 9th-12th graders that would support students in their schoolwork, provide a pathway to college, and create a culture of learning amongst players. EE was uniquely positioned to offer a variety of services to meet this need: private tutoring, study skills classes, writing courses, high school admissions test prep, SAT/ACT prep, and college readiness seminars. We listened to the players, parents, and other stakeholders to determine which programs were most effective, established expectations for participants, and decided on the best timing and format to deliver the courses.

Since 2017 we have successfully delivered these services allowing their administrative team to focus on their primary coaching responsibilities. Ultimately, the best praise we have received is that we have provided a wide circle of caring adults to support students academically and emotionally and that we have listened to their needs and adapted our offerings to suit their participants.

Learning a new language process

ANSAN - / 1   Aug 2, 2014   #4 Learning a new language it is a difficult process. Recently found this language exchange website: languageforexchange It's especially for those who are willing to exchange their language knowledge in advance of their partner's.

How to write a process essay

• August 25, 2023

Process essays are one of the most common types of essays . It’s simply explaining a process of how to do something. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to write a process essay in steps with interactive examples. 

Process essay definition

Let’s take a look at the steps outlined below to write a clear and effective process essay. 

Choose a topic

You should start by choosing a topic that not only interests you but also attracts your target audience. 

Whether it’s brewing the perfect cup of coffee or conquering the art of origami, your topic should be engaging and well-defined.  Let’s have a look at topic examples:

• Crafting Exquisite Miniature Bookbindings
• Building a Sustainable Vertical Garden
• Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee

So for this guide, I’ve chosen “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”. Now let’s continue with the next steps.

Create a process essay outline

Now that you’ve your topic at hand, it’s time to create an outline to present the steps chronologically. Outline will also help you organize your thoughts and ideas so you won’t get lost during the writing process.

Let’s examine this step with an example of a process essay explaining “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”.

Process essay outline example

• Thesis statement
• Provide safety precautions if necessary.
• Address to the reader
• Provide any variations or customization options if applicable.
• End with a memorable concluding thought or call to action.

By presenting the steps in chronological order, your readers can follow the process smoothly. 

During this step, just make sure to:

• Expand on each step you outlined earlier.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Make use of bullet points or numbered lists to make the process visually appealing.

After completing the outline, it’s time to write an interesting introduction.

Write an introduction

• Hook the reader's interest with a hook sentence
• Offer a brief overview of the topic and its significance
• Introduce and explain the process with a thesis statement at the end of introduction

Process essay introduction example

Introduction

Now that we have an intro on our hand, you need to tell what materials you need to finish the process.

Write the materials needed for the process

Listing the necessary materials for the process is a best practice for process essays. Typically found just after the introduction, this paragraph is devoted to outlining the necessary materials.

Here, p rioritizing the list is important; the more influential a component is, the higher its position on the list should be.

Example material list for process essay

Body paragraphs

Materials needed

• High-quality coffee beans that align with your flavor preference.
• A grinder for optimal flavor extraction.
• Equipment for brewing methods, such as a pour-over apparatus, a drip coffee maker, a French press, or an espresso machine.
• Fresh and clean water for brewing.
• Optional additives like milk, cream, sugar, flavored syrups, or other preferred elements.

Start writing the process

Right after listing the materials needed, it’s time to start writing the process itself.

When describing your process, be careful not to make it too complicated. To keep your readers on track, use transitional words like “after,” “eventually,” “first,” “then,” and others help you maintain an understandable tone.  

Or simply use a 1,2,3, bullet point structure as seen in example below to remind readers of their step during the process.

Body paragraphs - Process writing example

Materials needed ...

• Grind the beans just before brewing for optimal freshness. Use a burr grinder and adjust the coarseness to match your brewing method (coarse for French press, fine for espresso).
• Weigh your coffee grounds using a scale. A standard ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, but adjust to your taste.
• Ensure the water is heated to the ideal temperature, typically between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Water that's too hot or too cold can affect the taste.
• Pay attention to the brewing time. Generally, 4-5 minutes is suitable for most methods, but again, adjust based on your preference.
• After finishing, regularly clean your coffee maker or French press to prevent rancid oils and residue from affecting your coffee's taste.

As seen from the example above, using an imperative language structure is generally preferable. It makes total sense as you’re describing a process in steps and usually don’t need a full sentence structure. 

Give tips and supporting details

After explaining the process above, it’s now time to provide tips and supporting details. Here, make use examples, tips, and even warnings if necessary. 

In other words, anticipate the questions your readers might have and address them as you go along. 

Body paragraphs - Supporting details

Supporting details & tips

• Ensure safe handling of hot water and coffee-making equipment.
• Water that's too hot can result in over-extraction, while water that's too cold won't extract enough flavor.

Write a conclusion

At this step, you simply need to write a conclusion paragraph to end your process essay. First summarize the key points, and restate the process in a concise and short sentence. And finally, finish your process essay by a memorable sentence or a call-to-action. 

Process essay conclusion example

Revise and polish your essay.

Now that you’ve written your essay, take a breath, and then come back for some editing. Check for consistency, correct sentence structure, efficient transitions , tense selection , and other linguistic issues that may arise. 

If possible, make use of proofreading tools like QuillBot or Grammarly . 

• Think about potential reader misunderstandings and address them. If needed, explain what should be avoided.
• Offer explanations for steps that might seem unusual or complicated.
• Define any unfamiliar terms or materials that the reader might not understand. This ensures clarity in your essay.

So  you’ve successfully learned how to write a captivating process essay. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you’ll become.

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Essays About Language: Top 5 Examples and 7 Prompts

Language is the key to expressive communication; let our essay examples and writing prompts inspire you if you are writing essays about language.

When we communicate with one another, we use a system called language. It mainly consists of words, which, when combined, form phrases and sentences we use to talk to one another. However, some forms of language do not require written or verbal communication, such as sign language. 

Language can also refer to how we write or say things. For example, we can speak to friends using colloquial expressions and slang, while academic writing demands precise, formal language. Language is a complex concept with many meanings; discover the secrets of language in our informative guide.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. a global language: english language by dallas ryan , 2. language and its importance to society by shelly shah, 3. language: the essence of culture by kelsey holmes.

• 4.  Foreign Language Speech by Sophie Carson
• 5. ​​Attitudes to Language by Kurt Medina

1. My Native Language

2. the advantages of bilingualism, 3. language and technology, 4. why language matters, 5. slang and communication, 6. english is the official language of the u.s..

“Furthermore, using English, people can have more friends, widen peer relationships with foreigners and can not get lost. Overall, English becomes a global language; people may have more chances in communication. Another crucial advantage is improving business. If English was spoken widespread and everyone could use it, they would likely have more opportunities in business. Foreign investments from rich countries might be supported to the poorer countries.”

In this essay, Ryan enumerates both the advantages and disadvantages of using English; it seems that Ryan proposes uniting the world under the English language. English, a well-known and commonly-spoken language can help people to communicate better, which can foster better connections with one another. However, people would lose their native language and promote a specific culture rather than diversity. Ultimately, Ryan believes that English is a “global language,” and the advantages outweigh the disadvantages

“Language is a constituent element of civilization. It raised man from a savage state to the plane which he was capable of reaching. Man could not become man except by language. An essential point in which man differs from animals is that man alone is the sole possessor of language. No doubt animals also exhibit certain degree of power of communication but that is not only inferior in degree to human language, but also radically diverse in kind from it.”

Shah writes about the meaning of language, its role in society, and its place as an institution serving the purposes of the people using it. Most importantly, she writes about why it is necessary; the way we communicate through language separates us as humans from all other living things. It also carries individual culture and allows one to convey their thoughts. You might find our list of TOEFL writing topics helpful.

“Cultural identity is heavily dependent on a number of factors including ethnicity, gender, geographic location, religion, language, and so much more.  Culture is defined as a “historically transmitted system of symbols, meanings, and norms.”  Knowing a language automatically enables someone to identify with others who speak the same language.  This connection is such an important part of cultural exchange”

In this short essay, Homes discusses how language reflects a person’s cultural identity and the importance of communication in a civilized society. Different communities and cultures use specific sounds and understand their meanings to communicate. From this, writing was developed. Knowing a language makes connecting with others of the same culture easier. 

4.   Foreign Language Speech by Sophie Carson

“Ultimately, learning a foreign language will improve a child’s overall thinking and learning skills in general, making them smarter in many different unrelated areas. Their creativity is highly improved as they are more trained to look at problems from different angles and think outside of the box. This flexible thinking makes them better problem solvers since they can see problems from different perspectives. The better thinking skills developed from learning a foreign language have also been seen through testing scores.”

Carson writes about some of the benefits of learning a foreign language, especially during childhood. During childhood, the brain is more flexible, and it is easier for one to learn a new language in their younger years. Among many other benefits, bilingualism has been shown to improve memory and open up more parts of a child’s brain, helping them hone their critical thinking skills. Teaching children a foreign language makes them more aware of the world around them and can open up opportunities in the future.

5. ​​ Attitudes to Language by Kurt Medina

“Increasingly, educators are becoming aware that a person’s native language is an integral part of who that person is and marginalizing the language can have severe damaging effects on that person’s psyche. Many linguists consistently make a case for teaching native languages alongside the target languages so that children can clearly differentiate among the codes”

As its title suggests, Medina’s essay revolves around different attitudes towards types of language, whether it be vernacular language or dialects. He discusses this in the context of Caribbean cultures, where different dialects and languages are widespread, and people switch between languages quickly. Medina mentions how we tend to modify the language we use in different situations, depending on how formal or informal we need to be. 

6 Prompts for Essays About Language

In your essay, you can write about your native language. For example, explain how it originated and some of its characteristics. Write about why you are proud of it or persuade others to try learning it. To add depth to your essay, include a section with common phrases or idioms from your native language and explain their meaning.

Bilingualism has been said to enhance a whole range of cognitive skills, from a longer attention span to better memory. Look into the different advantages of speaking two or more languages, and use these to promote bilingualism. Cite scientific research papers and reference their findings in your essay for a compelling piece of writing.

In the 21st century, the development of new technology has blurred the lines between communication and isolation; it has undoubtedly changed how we interact and use language. For example, many words have been replaced in day-to-day communication by texting lingo and slang. In addition, technology has made us communicate more virtually and non-verbally. Research and discuss how the 21st century has changed how we interact and “do language” worldwide, whether it has improved or worsened. 

We often change how we speak depending on the situation; we use different words and expressions. Why do we do this? Based on a combination of personal experience and research, reflect on why it is essential to use appropriate language in different scenarios.

Different cultures use different forms of slang. Slang is a type of language consisting of informal words and expressions. Some hold negative views towards slang, saying that it degrades the language system, while others believe it allows people to express their culture. Write about whether you believe slang should be acceptable or not: defend your position by giving evidence either that slang is detrimental to language or that it poses no threat.

English is the most spoken language in the United States and is used in government documents; it is all but the country’s official language. Do you believe the government should finally declare English the country’s official language? Research the viewpoints of both sides and form a conclusion; support your argument with sufficient details and research. 

Check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays .If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, check out our guide on how to write an essay about diversity .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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