The Best Way to Learn a New Language is…

To speak it and speak it often. Make friends with native speakers of the language you’re trying to learn. They don’t need to know your language, they don’t need to be bilingual. Better when they only speak the language you’re trying to learn so that they won’t be tempted to speak to you in your native tongue.

You will stumble and that’s OK. Don’t worry about how you sound. Don’t worry about making mistakes. You are learning and you’re making an effort. People will respect you for it. With practice and repetition, you will improve.

The best way to learn is to throw yourself to the wolves. Travel to another country, go out every day and force yourself to communicate with the public. Have a translator app downloaded to your phone as a backup, but don’t use it as a crutch.

#languagestudy #learnlanguages #language #learnspanish #portuguese Lapa

2025/2/14 Edited to

... Read moreSo, you’re ready to teach yourself a new language, and my article highlighted the power of speaking and immersion. But how do you actually do that, especially if you can’t just pack your bags and move to Lapa tomorrow? Don’t worry, there are tons of practical ways to teach yourself a language, even from home, and complement that crucial speaking practice. First, consistency is key when learning any new skill. Dedicate a small but regular amount of time each day. Maybe it's 15 minutes before work, or 30 minutes during your lunch break. Use language learning apps like Duolingo or Babbel for structured lessons, or Anki for creating personalized flashcards to master vocabulary. These tools can help you build a solid foundation of grammar and common phrases that will make your speaking attempts much smoother. Next, immerse yourself without leaving your couch! Change the language settings on your phone, computer, and social media. Start watching movies or TV shows in your target language with subtitles – initially in your native language, then switch to the target language, and eventually try without any subtitles. Listen to music and podcasts in the language you're learning. Even if you don't understand everything, your brain starts to pick up on sounds, rhythms, and common expressions. This passive immersion trains your ear and makes the language feel less foreign. But the real magic still happens when you *speak*. If traveling isn't an option, seek out online conversation partners. Platforms like italki or HelloTalk connect you with native speakers who are also learning your language. Don't be afraid to stumble or make mistakes – remember, people will respect your effort! I remember a trip to Rio de Janeiro, and trying to order a sandwich at Subway. It sounds simple, right? But suddenly, you're faced with questions like 'What's the large size?' or 'Thirty FOOTLONGS!' and you have to quickly translate 'Centimeters' or 'quê?' It’s those moments, even small ones like trying to figure out if Rio has Subway or if you've ever used it there, that truly make the language stick. You stumble, you laugh, and then you say 'tchau' feeling a little more confident. Those real-world interactions, even if you’re just trying to remember what you asked last time, are invaluable for solidifying what you’ve learned. Finally, don't get discouraged! Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories, like understanding a new phrase or successfully ordering a coffee. The most important thing is to keep showing up, keep practicing, and keep throwing yourself into opportunities to use the language, no matter how small they seem. You’ll be amazed at your progress!

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