Learning a New Language for Someone Who Has No Idea Where to Start

Recently I’ve been trying to learn Swedish, and the only way I’m getting any farther is because I’ve been using techniques that help me stay motivated but won’t lead to burnout. Here, I’m going to share some tips that might help you on your språkresa.

Learning a new language can seem hard, and it definitely can be (and probably will be), but even just a slight add-on to your daily routine can help you learn one seemingly without trying. It will take a while, possibly many years, but it’s possible, and it begins with this:

1. Work to a Goal

If you randomly decide you’ll start learning German because you heard your friend speaking it, you’ll lose interest the second something gets hard. Without a personal motivation, learning a new language can seem fun at first but then studying can turn into what feels like a chore. This could lead to feeling that you have made no progress, and are working hard for nothing.

Whereas, if you have a specific reason to learn a language, such as moving to a new country with a different language or connecting with a family member, then that can act as a reward you work up to.

Learning a new language works best when you choose a language relevant to you and a goal you can work to.

2. Have Patience

Like I said in the caption, becoming fluent in another language will take a while. So being patient is a big part of it, especially when you start to learn words that are completely different than you know them or if you choose a language with a whole different alphabet. When words get increasingly harder, you’ll forget them a lot.

This is normal.

An important part of language learning is understanding that sometimes it will words or phrases with take 5 tries while others will take 50 or even 500.

3. Consistency is Key

All it takes is 10–15 minutes a day for 7 years and you’ll be bilingual or even become a polyglot. If you blend 15 minutes of learning your language into your daily routine it will transform into long-term memory and prevent it from fading.

Consistently learning every day will turn learning a language into as daily a habit as brushing your teeth. This can help you learn better than a long session every week because spacing out your sessions and shortening them can make learning more enjoyable and maintainable.

Photo by Hayley Murray on Unsplash

4. Choose a Method Best for You

Personally, I like using DuoLingo as my main tool, but there is a lot of conflict about if it really helps. I think it works well and is organized in a way that is very helpful and rewarding. But, the only problem is that the best quality may cost a bit. Like, for unlimited energy you need to pay gems or buy a subscription. Although, if you do choose DuoLingo as a learning resource, doing the legendary lessons will help a lot. It makes sure you remember what you just learned, without giving you many hints.

If you don’t want to choose DuoLingo, there are still many options. Such as Quizlet which is another online app. I don’t personally use it often because sometimes it focuses more on memorizing individual words versus phrases. But Quizlet is a good option and can be a great resource to practice some words that are trickier.

If you want to be old-fashioned and not use any online apps, I have a few ideas if ways to learn:

• Reading a book written in your chosen language. Even a picture book. A book will usually contains lots of normal words and phrases, and if you like reading, it can turn learning into something fun.
• Listening to music in your chosen language. Even if you’re just on a walk around town, when you naturally memorize the song, you will also be memorizing the words in your chosen language.
• Translate an old book you have into your chosen language. In case you don’t want to buy another book, just write your chosen language above the words in your old book. Or even just say it in your head as you read. Actually, if you want to work on pronunciation and speaking your new language, then reading the book out loud can help.
• Watching a show with subtitles on in your chosen language. It might seem small, but you might catch a few words here and there.
• Finding a language partner or tutor. This can help you learn it, listen for it, and speak it.
• Think in your chosen language. If you see a stray cat while on your way somewhere, just think to yourself katt or whatever cat is in your chosen language.
• Going to a place that speaks this language, if you’re ambitious enough. This can especially help with the speaking part of learning a new language, which is usually the hardest part. This is the best way to learn a language, but it’s also the hardest since other people might not speak your current language.

Photo by MW on Unsplash

5. The Real World

When I learn the basics of Swedish, I’ll want to go start talking to others immediately. So, I’ll take a flight to Sweden and the second a driver asks for my bus pass after I step out of those airport doors, I freeze.

I have no clue what they just asked.

And how do I respond?

I thought I was ready.

This is why besides learning the actual language, you have to learn real-world scenarios and how to respond. This requires moving out of textbooks and into a group with other people. Practicing real-world scenarios works best and most effectively when you are practicing with other people. This is one reason why many people join learning classes for the language they are learning.

“To have another language is to possess another soul.” -Charlemagne