What is the “best way to learn a language” has become one of the most asked questions among language learners. With over 7000 languages spoken in the world today, it’s hard not to feel the desire to branch out a bit and learn a new language, right?
Learning a new language is exciting, imagine traveling to a foreign country and being able to speak the language, understand the music, and even be able to read books and watch movies without subtitles in that language! Besides all those fun benefits, it could open up many job opportunities for you!
However, it might be a bit tricky to decide which language to learn, and with the sheer number of ways to learn a new language, how and where do you even start? Don’t worry, this article will tell you the 5 best ways to learn a new language. Also, if you have questions about the time you need to invest in learning a language. Be sure to check out our article on how long it takes to learn a language.
5 Best Ways to Learn a New Language
1. Online Tutoring
Among the best ways to learn a new language is by finding an online tutor. The internet is a vast array of information and can help you with almost anything, including learning a new language. Below is a list and some information on the three recommended online tutoring platforms.
- iTalki is a conversation-based language learning platform, it connects learners and tutors through video chat, and it allows you to find a tutor and schedule a learning session whenever it suits you.
- RosettaStone is a language learning software that focuses on practicing vocabulary and listening to audio from native speakers. It also has a speech recognition function that compares your speech to that of native speakers, to help you polish up and perfect your pronunciation.
2. Immerse Yourself
There are few language learning methods that will give you a more “hands-on” experience with the language, than immersion. Immersing yourself in your target language will greatly benefit you, and will also speed up your language learning process. Below are two of the most often recommended methods of language immersion.
- Go to a country where the native language is your target language, this is most likely one of the best and fastest ways to learn your desired language. Travel to a country where the language you want to learn is spoken, you could even live with a host family, this way you’ll be forced to have conversations and convey information to your hosts in their native language. This is sure to make you pick up a few tips and tricks on how natives speak the language. What better way to learn than to learn from native speakers?
- Switch the language of your devices, smartphones, televisions, tablets, and laptops all the devices we use daily, more than half of the hours in a day are spent staring at a screen, whether it be for work or entertainment. With the amount of time spent on electronic devices each day, imagine how many new words you’d learn, simply by changing the language setting on these devices to your target language. This is a wonderful way to simply immerse yourself in your target language.
3. Language Learning Apps
With the sheer number of apps out there, and with the desire for learning a new language steadily growing, you can bet there are many wonderful language learning apps out there to help you learn your target language. Below is a list of the three most used language learning apps.
- Duolingoo is an app where its users can learn vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar with spaced repetition, which makes it easier to take a big chunk of information. The app also makes use of a game-like learning and awards system to make learning a new language fun. Duolingo is free to install and use, however, if you would so choose it does include a premium subscription. Duolingo is however recommended to be used alongside other language learning methods.
- Babbel is a subscription-based language learning app. It offers beginner and intermediate-level grammar and vocabulary courses, some lessons also include tongue-twisters and idioms to teach learners. This range of information taught through Babbel gives learners a better grasp of the language they aim to learn.
- Busuu is a language learning app that allows users to interact with native speakers. The learning material is divided into themed lessons. Lessons contain grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation exercises to give you a well-rounded experience. It is a free app and includes a premium subscription for those who feel like accessing additional learning units.
- AmazingTalker is one of the best online language learning platforms. It offers a wide range of services, including native online tutors, to ensure you get the best and most authentic learning experience. It also offers language learning blogs, like this one, which you can read to help you learn your desired language with ease!
AmazingTalker‘s APP is available on:
4. Speak the Language, Start Practicing from Day 1
You hear people speaking in your target language, or any other language so effortlessly in tv shows and you wish to reach that level. Well, that wish of yours can become a reality through your dedication and effort.
To learn a new language and become fluent in it, you have to be able to speak it! Find yourself a language buddy, someone who is also learning the language or is already fluent in it, to help you navigate the conversational aspects of the language. If you can’t find a language buddy, you can always get an online tutor to practice conversations with.
This method of learning will ensure you learn the language faster and will perfect your pronunciation over time. The more conversations you have the better you’ll become!
Don’t give in to the frustration of making a few mistakes along the way, many native speakers are happy when foreigners try to speak their language.
5. Watch Movies, Listen to Songs and Read Books
Watching movies, listening to music and reading are no longer just for entertainment and relaxation, they can also be used for language learning now!
By watching movies and reading books in your target language you will gain a better understanding of grammar rules, and word combinations. Books and movies are filled to the brim with conversations, sentences, and new and exciting words for you to learn! Keep in mind that it is crucial to choose the material that fits your level.
The lyrics of songs, even in English, rarely mean what we think they do. Listening to music in your target language will help you gain an understanding of how complex and indirect messages are conveyed through music and it’s a great way to expand your music genres.
Let’s Start Learning!
There are many ways to learn a language, and many websites and articles will recommend many other methods of learning. In the end, the best way to learn will be up to you, everyone learns differently. Take the tips in this article, try them out and see which of them works best for you.
Learning a new language is a scary, but brave endeavor. Stay motivated and dedicated to your target language and you will be amazed at how well you’ll be able to speak it.
Why wait? Start learning now, by checking out AmazingTalker. I guarantee you’ll find everything you’ll need right there!
Maybe English or Mandarin is the language you want to learn? If so, read these two articles to get you started: how to learn English, and how to learn Mandarin.
