4 Different Ways Of Learning Languages

Wondering about the different ways of learning languages? You’re not alone! In fact, many people are interested in learning a new language, but they often don’t know how to start or don’t think they have the skills to do it. It can indeed be challenging to know where to start, which is why we’re writing this guide!

To help you on your language learning journey, we have collected some of the most effective methods and language learning resources perfect for all beginners out there. The idea is to make learning fun and exciting, not stressful! If your journey to mastering a foreign language is stressful, you’re more likely to give up before you’ve mastered it.

So, you’re probably asking, what are the different ways of learning languages, and which one am I? Let’s find out!

Determine What Kind Of Language Learner You Are

different ways of learning languages

First and foremost, it won’t help to know the different ways of learning languages if you don’t know what kind of language learner you are. There are so many ways to help you determine what kind of learner you are, even online quizzes. No matter how you do it, taking some time to decide on your personal learning style will play an essential role in whether or not you are successful in your language learning goals.

The 4 Different Types Of Learners

Below are the four types of learners. While reading over the different types, try to think of which one you might be!

  • Visual: learn through images and other visual mediums
    • Most Effective Language Learning Resources: videos, media, cultural immersion
  • Aural: learn by simply hearing information
    • Most Effective Language Learning Resources: audiobooks, podcasts, movies, private tutoring lessons
  • Verbal: learn through conversation and writing
    • Most Effective Language Learning Resources: private tutoring lessons, group classes, conversation partner
  • Kinesthetic: learn through personal experience
    • Most Effective Language Learning Resources: travel, cultural immersion, intensive private lessons

As you can see, each learner is very different! Keep in mind that no type of learner is better than the other; it all just has to do with how our brains process information. We just want you to realize that when you have a variety of learners, the language learning methods will change between each one, which we’ve also laid out above. For example, a kinesthetic learner wouldn’t use a podcast to learn a new language, right?

So, make sure to determine what type of learner you are before moving on to the next part!

4 Different Ways Of Learning Languages

different ways of learning languages

Nowadays, there are so many ways to learn other languages, but we’ll just be covering four different methods.

Traditional: Language Lessons

Although this is a traditional way to learn a new language, keep in mind that there are many different types. You can join large size language classes, small language classes, or private tutoring sessions. These can also take place in-person, online, or both.

We’ve laid out some quick pros and cons of this language learning method for you:

ProsCons
Instant feedbackRigid lesson plans
Ask questionsSpeed might be too fast or too slow
Practice with othersCan be expensive
Make friendsNot very flexible with your schedule
(ex. if something comes up, you have to miss the class)

Best For: aural and verbal learners

Individual: Self-Taught

This is a rather broad method, but it covers everything from watching movies, listening to music, reading material, using flashcards, watching Netflix, and other online resources to learn a language. This method certainly isn’t for everyone, but it’s a great choice if you are highly motivated and enjoy being creative in your learning styles.

Here are some pros and cons of using this method:

ProsCons
Can choose what you want to learnRequires a high level of motivation
Convenient learning schedule (no set hours)Can’t get feedback on your speaking skills
Can learn at your own paceNo interactions with others who speak/are also learning that language
Vocabulary will always be up to dateNot always free (ex. Netflix membership)

Best For: visual and aural learners

Adventurous: Total Immersion

Of course, when some people think of learning a language, they immediately want to study abroad to learn it! That’s certainly one option! For some, going abroad and immersing themselves in the country, culture, and language is how they learn best. But, just like the others, there are cons to this way.

ProsCons
Pick up the language fasterCan be expensive
Real-life practiceNot easily accessible for everyone
Instant feedbackThe country might not be what you expected
Easy to make new friends with native speakersHomesickness

Best For: visual and kinesthetic learners

On-The-Go: Language Apps

Our final method is a newer and more modern way to learn a target language through language apps! With so much of the population nowadays owning smartphones, there’s an app, or hundreds, for everything.

Here’s our take on language apps.

ProsCons
Can learn anytime, anywhereIt might take longer to build all five language skills
Can learn at your own paceNot much feedback on pronunciation
Easy to useCan be repetitive
Can track your progressRequires a high level of motivation
Free (depending on the app)Too many apps to choose from

Best For: visual learners

Now that we’ve gone over the main ways of learning languages, let’s look at a specific example that could help your language learning experience!

Language Learning Is Fun With The Ling App

different ways of learning languages

If you want to learn a foreign language and you like using apps, you can use the Ling App for a successful language learning experience!

No matter what your native language and target language is, Ling is there for you every step of the way. With over 60 languages to choose from, you’ll be able to find that language you’ve been looking for! The app also features engaging lessons, retainable and relevant vocabulary, and the opportunity to get feedback on your pronunciation thanks to the chatbot!

Another fantastic feature of this app is that you can practice writing in real-time. This is especially helpful if you’re learning a language that has a rather difficult written script. For example, English learners might find learning Khmer difficult due to the Khmer script, but Ling can help with that! If you have any questions about a language, you can probably find the answers on Ling’s free language blog, which is full of useful language tips and language posts!

The app is also designed for all language learners, whether you are a beginner or require more advanced lessons. Download Ling from the App Store or Google Playstore today to discover more great features!

Happy learning from Ling!

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What makes learning with Ling special

Interactive exercises

Improve your pronunciation by starting a conversation with our app’s interactive chatbot

Engaging activities

Practice your skills with mini-games and track your progress with fun quizzes

Mix of languages

Choose from over 60 languages, both big and small, and listen to audio from native speakers

Proven results

Backed by linguistic research, our learning methods can help you achieve fluency in record time