Language Learning
Learning another language is thought to have many benefits; through language you are free to learn about other cultures and other ways of life, as well as being able to impress those around you. Psychological studies have found that speaking two or more languages actually improves your cognitive function, memory retention and can even stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s. The reasoning for learning a language is clear, so what are the best tips for learning?
Be confident
Confidence is a key issue in learning a new language. “A lot of people don’t make progress if they don’t open their mouths” remarked Michael Geisler, a US language school president. One of the reasons that many have a hard time with their secondary school language courses is that they have difficulty with public speaking in their own language, let alone a brand new one. But one of the best ways to learn is to make mistakes, and you can’t do this without being confident enough to try in the first place.
Immerse yourself
There are now a plethora of ways you can go about learning a language such as mobile apps, online websites, textbooks, worksheets as well as tutoring, and you’d really be getting a round education if you used every medium of learning available to you. On top of that, small lifestyle changes like setting aside some time every day for your education and watching movies or learning recipes in your chosen language can help speed up the process.
Visit the country
Once you understand the basics of a language, most experts will agree that throwing yourself in the deep end and living in the country of your target language can be hugely beneficial, if only for the fact that you won’t have much of a choice! Another benefit of spending time in the country is that you begin to understand the culture, and you hear words and phrases in their most natural environment.
And remember, practice makes perfect!
