HOW TO LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE

Vivian

When I first started learning Korean, I paid a lot of attention to what techniques could help me effectively study my target skill. Then, I thought to myself: “how can I optimize my learning experience? Is there a right way to learn?”.

At first, I thought I just needed to make sure I was steadily improving: after a while, I would start being proficient, right? But as I reflected on how I was able to learn and Spanish, I realised there were ways to make sure I not only was enjoying learning but I was also consolidating skills I could competently use in the future.

Here are 3 ways to improve your linguistic skills.

When we first start learning a new language, we mostly think we have to study through textbooks and practice exams. We want to make sure we aren’t missing anything so we feel more inclined towards the structure and guidance they provide us with and that’s normal!

But even though they help us grasp the main concepts and anatomy of our target language, they often involve passive learning. In fact, when learning new vocabulary, our reflex often is to write it down and review it afterwards. Similarly, when we learn about a new tense or syntax, we first preview the lesson and then use practice exercises to consolidate our skills.

However, research has shown that highlighting and passive learning are not only ineffective, but they can also affect our ability to retain information in the long run.

Active recall offers another perspective. Indeed, as it encourages you to immediately use what you are learning in a concrete situation, it can help you make sure you remember what you are learning in the future.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate, it can be as simple as trying to construct a sentence with new vocabulary or quizzing yourself about the new tense conjugations you just learned about.

For example, every time I learn a new word of vocabulary in Korean, I make sure to promptly use it with words I already know. Hence, not only do I practice pronunciation or writing, but I also get familiar with its daily usage.

I also find active recall helps make you more self-aware as you are responsible for testing yourself and become more cognisant of your strengths and weaknesses.

When I started learning Spanish, I remember making tremendous amounts of progress once I started watching television and listening to songs in Spanish. At first, I didn’t really pay any attention to it because I thought it was because I was finally understanding the intricacies of the language.

But when I talked about it with my teachers, they underlined how immersion had helped me consolidate my speaking and listening skills — both often underestimated when learning a new language.

Indeed, immersion is the most efficient way of making concrete and durable progress in your target language. It is an exterior way of using active recall as instead of quizzing yourself on selected topics, your environment forces you to sort through your knowledge to become more aware of it. It can also help distract from textbooks and usual ways of learning.

What I find to be most enticing with immersion is that it can be done however you like. You can practice by watching a movie without subtitles or by trying to translate a song to the best of your ability without using a translator. Even further, you can immerse yourself by visiting a country that speaks your target language.

In any case, all you need to do is make sure you are actively trying to immerse yourself in your target language.

One of the crucial components of the language learning process is trial and error. Making mistakes but always finding something new to learn is what makes it so hard but so rewarding and beautiful. It also is one of the ways one can make sure you are improving.

This process can be incorporated into an immersion program but it can also be done through proofreading.

Proofreading involves a two-step revision process where a text is first written, then marked by only indicating mistakes without correcting them. It is then reviewed a second time by the student to become aware and revise their mistakes.

It can be done with a teacher or peer but you can also use online websites/apps — such as Grammar  for English or Reverse for French— which have also been developed to spot errors in grammar, syntax, or spelling. In any case, I would recommend waiting a few days before reworking your text as the delay encourages you to take some distance and allows for a more accurate review.

Proofreading is an excellent way of durably improving your writing skills and also practising how to eloquently/accurately convey your thoughts in a new language. In fact, not only does it help you learn and improve your vocabulary but it also is an amazing way of building confidence.

I also think it helps to maintain the authenticity of your writing voice as you are guided through self-growth and introspection.

Learning a new language is beautiful. At first, it can be scary and making mistakes can be discouraging. But as you push through and find ways to optimise your learning, you’ll only get better.

I started applying these techniques and they have helped me make my learning durable. In fact, they can encourage you to constantly check up on yourself as you become aware of your strengths and weaknesses. They give a sense of confidence as you make practice a priority and as you continue, you’ll only improve.

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