Mastering
a foreign language really can take years of hard work, but it is surprising how
much can be picked up with even a small amount of regular practice such as with
tutoring. Language skills tend to
deteriorate quickly when they are not used. Make sure to practice any language
that you learn regularly if you want to keep your ability. Ask us how a tutor can help.
1 Label
your stuff. This is a good step to start with because it's fun, plus it
will help you pick up some vocabulary quickly and build your confidence. Using
sticky notes or something else that won't damage anything, look up words in
your dictionary and make small labels for anything you see regularly. If you
don't like having labels all over everything, you could also make labeled
posters or picture books with common objects.
2
Learn some grammar. This is
an unfortunate part of studying foreign languages, but it's hard to avoid
unless you can immerse yourself in daily life around the language of your
choice. Otherwise, get a simple grammar book and start doing exercises.
Learning to conjugate verbs is a particularly important skill.
3 Make
specialized vocabulary lists on topics that interest you, for example words
relating to your career or hobbies. These are words that you are most likely to
actually use in conversation, plus they may be more interesting for you to
study.
4 Make
flash cards of your vocabulary lists and verb conjugations, plus any other
words you find that you need. Write the English Word on one side and the
foreign equivalent on the other side. Carrying the cards with you and pulling
them out whenever you have a few minutes of down time can be a very convenient
way to study foreign languages. Practices guessing the English word first, then
when you’ve mastered that, guess the foreign word from the English.
5 Whenever
you think about it, try to construct sentences in your mind describing what
you are doing or thinking about.
6 Practice writing short compositions. If you get stuck you can look
for hints in your dictionary or grammar book.
7 Try to
find a partner who speaks the language you are learning or at least someone
else who would like to learn that you can practice with. There is no substitute
for real conversation.
8 Immerse
yourself in media in the language of your choice. Watching movies is a good
way to hear the correct pronunciation of words. Reading is also an important
skill. Starting with children's books can be the easiest way to do this,
eventually working your way up to magazines and eventually full-length books.
