There is no “one technique that rules it all” when it comes to learning languages.
Especially, if you have been learning it alone.
What makes this guide different from similar articles on “how to learn languages by yourself.”?
Well, we couldn’t promise immediate proof but only give suggestions and motivation to learn these tips.
So, if you’re eager to make your progress meaningful, check out this article.
Do you even have to learn languages by yourself?
Popular languages are jam-packed with eager language learners that are in it for fun or just to find new people.
Although that’s not a bad thing per se, it sometimes defeats the purpose of learning at all.
Shy people are often not into increasing their social life physically. So, it’s a game-changer if someone tells you to go to language lessons online or in person.
Sometimes, it’s better when you’re focused. Being distracted by a lot of classmates take away that time dedicated to memorizing grammar exercises.
Especially for me, I like learning without too much chatter and time-drain with people talking during classes.
Speaking your target language is an important aspect of a language habit.
If you want to hone your language skills in reading, writing, and speaking, start learning on your own.
How do you start doing it? Here are some of our suggestions.
Make your own technique
When it comes to knowing yourself, start by incorporating what you’ve already seen or known.
If you are a student, you know what definitely helps you.
It doesn’t mean that you have to try and copy others’ techniques. Especially, if these suggestions aren’t working for you.
People are different when it comes to learning a target language.
Sometimes, those who you think are lazy language learners have their own way of memorizing.
Many of them start with the common phrases (basic phrases) and write down a list of vocabulary words to
Make use of your flashcards effectively
Sure, games and flashcards are always trendy for any language learning app.
However, some students think that once they’re done studying a language material, they’ll easily drop it.
So, if you’re using flashcards effectively, make use of spaced repetition and don’t throw away your early vocabulary words.
Make sure to reintroduce these easy words even if you’re already on B2 or C1.
Incorporate words while you’re driving or commuting
Deadtime such as commute or driving to your work seems boring.
But, don’t forget to listen to audio lessons on a CD form instead of using earphones.
There are available audio lessons on an MP3 form that you can download (either free or paid) from different language websites.
Drivers, be careful on the road and don’t look and text while driving!
Learn how to speak that language
Speaking is often the most overlooked skill or approach to the language learning process.
Many people try to just memorize words without even knowing how it works with gender rules, grammar sentence structure, or even idiomatic expressions.
So, you should try learning the context through short stories, audio lessons, or reading a poem.
Cultures, languages, and art tend to coincide when it comes to appreciating a foreign language.
Talented people often create their own ways of expressing their language for foreign speakers.
That said, many sentences have double meanings and words may seem different when used through a different context.
Make a schedule for your target language and set a goal
If you can’t find a language partner locally, you can try to find native speakers of your target language through online language exchange forums.
You can join paid online language learning platforms such as italki to practice with native speakers using Skype or other video messaging apps.
From this method, you can already set which days and how many hours you’ll be spending your time
It is inevitable to have different language learning methods
The hardest aspect when learning a language is not trying to learn it.
It doesn’t really matter if your technique on how to learn languages by yourself contrasts what’s popular today.
What makes yourself similar to language experts is when you start motivating yourself by setting goals, plans, and schedules on your own.
You determine what works and what doesn’t work.
Whether you like online lessons, listening to audio courses using public transportation or using flashcards with a language-learning app, all of these are effective tools for any language learner.