A very warm welcome to the EC Language Blog! Here, we share language tips and address language-related questions. We will begin by providing you with some language-learning advice.
A very common question learners ask themselves is: "I would like to learn a new language, but where should I begin?" First of all, commitment is essential when learning a new language. To make progress, it is important to remain committed. What many language learners often do is commit for a few months, then halt for a few months, then revisit it months later. By doing so, students will forget much of what they have learned; as a result, you will be left with bits and pieces of beginner-level and intermediate-level knowledge and you will need to revisit the forgotten material and re-learn it before you can advance. But here is the question, which point of your studies should you return to to start the process of re-learning? The very beginning? Lesson 4? Or the last few lessons? Do you really wish to waste time going back and forth and retracing your previous steps and re-learning things? Hence, to avoid wasting time and confusing yourself, it is essential that you maintain consistency.
To help you maintain consistency while studying, before beginning the process of learning a new language, you should ask yourself, "why am I learning this language? How much of this language will I be able to use and employ in my daily life?" This is the basic driving force that will see you through your journey.
Secondly, let's discuss motivation for a moment. There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation originates from within; it is the individual's own desire to do something. This is arguably a stronger sense of motivation because you are driving yourself to achieve something out of your own personal interest and passion. The opposite of intrinsic motivation is extrinsic motivation, which derives from external factors such as increased pay, promotion, excellent grades, parental pressure, etc. But I believe that extrinsic motivation is equally as essential as intrinsic motivation, because it serves as a reward for one's dedication. Obviously, when you accomplish something you adore and are passionate about, you will feel self-satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, which is wonderful. But what if this accomplishment can help you obtain extra external rewards? That's an added bonus. Finding a good balance will keep you moving forward. You should also frequently remind and refresh yourself of your motivations, why you wanted to learn this language, and review your progress over time; this will reignite your drive to learn your language. Remember, no matter how hard it is, how long it takes, it is possible and you can do it.
Now, here are some language learning tips that I've compiled over the years. Hope they will come of help to you all.
If you are entirely unfamiliar with the language, you should always begin with the basics. Before venturing into complex grammar rules and vocabulary, ensure you have a firm grasp of the language's fundamentals, such as the alphabet, pronunciation, and basic grammar rules. These are similar to a body's skeleton in that they provide strength and support. Familiarise yourself with it first, and everything that follows will make considerably more sense.
Practice. Consistent practise is essential for language acquisition. Even if you only have a few minutes per day, make it a habit to routinely practise your language skills. This is especially important because our brains tend to forget new information very rapidly, especially when we are learning a language and constantly acquiring new information. Without sufficient and appropriate practise, you will neglect the fundamentals and the complex material will make no sense. There are several methods to practise, depending on your language and proficiency level. We will make a post in the future dedicated to optimising your practise.
Immerse yourself in the language; surround yourself as much as possible with the language. Listen to music, watch films and television, and use the language as much as possible in your daily life. When you reach a certain level of proficiency, you can do this in addition to your daily practise. This may not be an option for everyone, but relocating to the region or country where your target language is spoken can do miracles for your language skills.
Communication is one of the greatest obstacles for many students. Try not to memorise every grammar rule and vocabulary word. Instead, concentrate on communication and your ability to convey your message, even if you make errors. Many language learners are hesitant to speak in their target language because they scared about making errors. Therefore, it is essential to find someone who is understanding and patient enough to help you practise. A tutor or teacher is typically the best option, as we are trained to be compassionate and guide students in communicating, allowing you to concentrate on your target language. Attend more language exchange events or make some native friends to talk to regularly!
Use technology to your advantage. There are numerous apps and websites for language learning that can help you practise and study on-the-go. A number of these apps can also aid in structuring your learning. Rather than acquiring the language randomly, language learning apps can help you advance at a suitable rate. Many allow you to practise on your mobile device anywhere and anytime. So if you're a busy bee, you can always squeeze in some practise on the way to work or even while using the loo!
Be patient and persistent: Learning a language requires time and effort, so be patient with yourself and persevere. Set small, realistic goals along the way and celebrate your little victories, and continue to practise regularly. Remember that you cannot become fluent in a new language overnight. Usually, years of consistent study are required to attain a proficient level. Remember that no one speaks flawlessly, and that is okay. The purpose of communication, regardless of language, is to understand the majority of what others are saying and to have the majority of what you want to express understood (as a Brit, I can't say I fully comprehend what an American is saying, but I get the gist).
I hope these are useful and has helped you get started. What additional language-related questions do you have? Leave a comment below or send us an email!
Lots of love and with gratitude,
Carmen 😊
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