Four habits to help learn a foreign language

Instead of just learning through the app on a technological device, talk directly and use the new word to record as quickly as possible.

The following is an article shared by Erin, an Australian writer and translator currently living in Chile.

When sitting in a language class and having to memorize new words, you can tell yourself "I will never memorize it". Learning a foreign language is not as easy as drinking a cup of coffee but it does not mean it is not possible. We have techniques to help you learn a new language faster. Of course, they are not study tips but they will be very effective if you persevere in using them.

Talk to others

Since being able to click and browse for everything on modern technology devices, we have the thought of being able to teach, learn and practice things without interacting. If you want to get a master's degree, you can attend an online class. Want delicious recipes, you can look up Google. Want to learn a foreign language, you come to an application.

There is an undeniable fact that the Internet helps foreign language learners increase their vocabulary and feel more confident with their abilities. However, if you want to say, good communication, do not just study all over the Internet. You need to speak with native speakers as soon as possible.

The communication with foreigners is not scary or difficult. Try to find a language exchange friend in the city and talk while having coffee. If you want to combine a new experience, study abroad in a country that speaks the language. Remember, language was born to speak.

Use new words as quickly as possible

Many foreign language learners often list new words in their manual but never use them in practice. Writing new words is a good habit, but just writing them down is not enough, as people often say "use it or forget it".

So when you hear a strange word, don't just write it down but use it as soon as possible in many ways. Read it, write it in a sentence, find its nouns, verbs and adjectives, and ask your native friend about it. This technique will give you new words vividly and help you memorize faster.

Ask lots of questions

Don't turn yourself into a shy student, just sit in the corner and take notes. Teachers prefer students who ask questions. List general questions at the back of the notebook and use them in class. Effective questions will give you more information and clear up ambiguities.

Some good questions are "What is the noun form / verb / adjective of this word", "This word is used in formal or informal context", "Can you provide some synonyms / antonym of this word "? If you don't take a language class, you can post questions to the forum, search on Google or ask native friends.

Start with what you really need

Imagine you just landed in Madrid to start the term and have to communicate with the real Spanish. Think about what the conversation will look like? I am sure you will not go straight into the in-depth discussion of art or politics.

To start your first week abroad, think about the situations you will encounter. For example, if you go astray, the topic you need to study is going for a walk around the city, public transport, and city sightseeing. Want to eat, you need to see lessons related to ordering food, going to the supermarket. Or if you want to make friends, you need to know how to ask personal, family and friends questions.

When identifying vocabulary areas, focus on exploring them. This will help you speak more smoothly.