3 tips to stay on track learning a new language in 2024
When it comes to New Year’s Resolutions, there are a few items that seem to be on your list every year: eat healthier, work out more, find time to rest, etc. Another item that makes appearances year after year is learning a new language.
The reason learning a new language appears on these lists so often is because most people don’t take language learning seriously. Yet, they know how important it is, so they include it in their lists each year.
The truth is, being bilingual has never been a more desirable skill to have. Not only will it help you in your personal life, but with the continued globalization of the workforce and more remote working opportunities, the ability to speak multiple languages can make you an asset at corporations around the globe.
So, with that in mind, we want to make sure that 2022 is the year you finally take language learning seriously. Here are a few tips that will definitely keep you on track and working towards your goal of learning Spanish or maybe even formal Mandarin.
Enroll in a language course
This may seem obvious, but language learning is like any other skill. That means it is easiest to learn it from a professional.
YouTube videos and free language apps (more on these later) are great tools, but they should not be your main source of learning. If you rely on these tools, you will likely never truly become conversational in any language. You may learn a few phrases and words, but you’re more likely to abandon learning after a few weeks.
The benefit enrolling in an online Spanish course is not only the access to a professional instructor. It is also the access to a learning plan. Your learning will have a clear plan, with regular milestones and goals. Not only will that keep you on track, but it will keep you motivated.
Document your language journey
It’s 2022, which means you have the world at your fingertips. One of the most effective ways to follow through on something is to document it. Whether that means keeping a journal, writing a blog or maybe even making videos, you will feel more empowered and motivated to push through when you are able to document it.
Using social media to document your progress is also a great way to get inspiration and motivation from a support network. You might be surprised at how many people will try to support you if you let them know you’re learning a new language.
When you document your journey learning Spanish online, you will also be able to see your progress. In the moment, you may not feel like you’ve learned all that much. But when you can look back at your language skills from when you first started learning, you will be amazed at just how far you’ve progressed. If you don’t document the process, it will be challenging to truly get a sense of how far you’ve come.
Use free language apps
They may not be good as the main source of learning, but when you use language apps in conjunction with online Spanish classes, they can really help. That is because language apps usually feature fun games and activities that can help you practice outside your actual classes.
The biggest benefit of these language apps is they are free. This means you can test out a few different ones to figure out which one you like best. Once you’ve found it, you can use it to practice outside your normal classes.
As a language learner, one of the most difficult things to do is find a place or to have the courage to practice speaking your new language. With these free language apps, you can practice speaking using AI. Not only will it help you learn, but it will also help your confidence.
Learning a new language is a big undertaking, which is why so many people fail. Whether it is Spanish for kids you want to pass on to your children, or maybe learning French for a business opportunity, the key to learning a new language is to have a plan and to stick to it. With these tips, you will be well on your way to learning a new language in 2022. And if you have learning a new language on your New Year’s 2023 Resolution list, it will be to learn a third language!
