Each person’s language learning journey is unique to that person, but there is one thing in common with all learners: you need motivation and drive to successfully learn a new language.
Whether you’re dreaming of speaking Spanish fluently or eager to explore the intricacies of Mandarin Chinese, establishing a language learning routine is key to your success. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the benefits of having a successful language learning routine and share valuable tips for beginners to accelerate their language learning progress into quantifiable results. Let’s go!
Why Do I Need A Language Learning Routine Anyway?
A language learning routine provides structure and consistency to language routine, enabling you to make steady progress in your target language. It helps you build good habits, stay motivated, and make the most of your time available to learn. By integrating language learning into your daily life, you’ll find that regular exposure to the language enhances your comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills, leading to better retention and actual results of you being able to speak the language!
Yeah yeah yeah, you already know this. But what are some ideas so that I can actually stick with a routine?
7 Tips On How To Create An Effective Language Learning Routine
#1: Start With Realistic Goals
Setting achievable goals is crucial when starting this journey. Don’t think you’ll be fluent in 2 weeks … that’s almost impossible, and then you’ll feel bad about yourself when you can’t do it.
Instead, be realistic and break down your goals into smaller milestones. For instance, aim to learn 20 vocabulary words each week, or commit to watching a Youtube video in your target language every day (with subtitles to help you understand). It also helps to write these goals down on a piece of paper, and paste it to your mirror. This way, you’ll see the goals everyday, and remember to do them, even on hard days!
#2: Create A Dedicated Study Space
Designate a specific area in your home, or your favorite coffee shop, or a spot in your public library, as your language learning zone. This could be a cozy corner or a quiet room where you can focus and immerse yourself in the language. Make sure the space is free from distractions, especially technology. You have to be hard on yourself so you know you won’t be distracted by the endless scrolling on TikTok.
#3: Schedule Regular Study Sessions Into Your Life
Consistency is key to language learning. Read that again! Like a coffee date with a friend or a workout class, scheduling something into your day makes you more likely to do it. So, establish a regular language study schedule that suits your lifestyle. Again, be realistic.
Whether it’s 30 minutes every morning or an hour in the evening, block out dedicated study time in your daily routine. Treat it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself.
#4: Find Engaging Resources That Work For You
Make language learning enjoyable by exploring resources that suit your language learning schedule and style. Here are some examples to get you started!
- Language learning apps: Ling is a great app for more niche languages like Tamil or Thai, that offer interactive exercises and games to keep you entertained.
- Online language courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy provide structured lessons taught by experts in the language!
- Podcasts: Listen to podcasts to improve your listening skills and pronunciation. They can be anything from news outlets to pop culture podcasts, as long as you’re interested and listening in your target language!
- Language exchange platforms: Connect with native speakers for language exchange sessions. A great place for this is Facebook!
Want more tips? Check out how to use Youtube as a language learning tool.
#5: Make Vocabulary Building A Priority
Expanding your vocabulary is vital for effective language learning! You can find tons of online blogs for any category under the sun, so pick some categories like everyday words, foods, and funny phrases to learn more vocab.
Dedicate 15 minutes a day Monday-Friday to learn 5 new words, and you’ll be surprised how much it adds up over a month.
#6: Embrace Language Immersion
Have you ever thought about truly immersing yourself in a region that speaks your target language? Do you want some adventure, and to move abroad for a little while? You could move to South America to teach English, or do a Masters degree in the Netherlands. The options are limitless.
Check out different foreign language jobs abroad that you could try out!
Besides moving to a new country, there are other ways to immerse yourself in a foreign language. Change the language settings on your phone and social media accounts. Listen to music and podcasts in your target language, and try to think in the language whenever possible. The more you surround yourself with the language, the faster your progress will be!
#7: Review and Reflect
Regularly review what you have learned to keep the neurons firing. Consider using spaced repetition systems like Quizlet to create flashcards and review vocabulary and grammar rules. Reflect on your progress, identify areas that need improvement, and celebrate your successes. Learning a language is a journey, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the process! You’re on your way to becoming bilingual, or trilingual, or even a polyglot!
To Conclude
Establishing a language learning and study routine is a game-changer for anyone striving to learn a new language. By setting realistic goals, creating a dedicated study space, and embracing new learning methods, you can optimize your language learning journey in the right way for you. Remember, consistency and perseverance are key. So, dive in, stay motivated, and enjoy the exciting adventure of mastering a new language!
If you feel the fire to learn a new language, then download the Ling App to further your own language progression in a fun, interactive space. Language learners, download it on the App Store and Play Store for free today!
