Learning a new language is an enriching journey, opening doors to new cultures, opportunities, and ways of thinking. However, many beginners get caught up in the idea of fluency, a seemingly distant and daunting goal. Instead of aiming for elusive perfection from the outset, the key to successful language learning lies in setting achievable and measurable goals. Think of it like training for a marathon – you wouldn’t start by running 26 miles on your first day. Similarly, when embarking on your language learning adventure, focus on tangible, short-term objectives that provide a sense of accomplishment and propel you forward.
At the very beginning of your language learning journey, these goals might be as simple as mastering a new alphabet or character system, or learning basic phrases to introduce yourself. As you progress and achieve these initial milestones, you can set new, more ambitious goals. Perhaps you aspire to hold a brief, simple conversation with a native speaker or understand a news article in your target language. Remember, your goals don’t need to align perfectly with a textbook’s curriculum. Feel free to prioritize learning essential verbs for everyday use or grasping crucial linking words like “so,” “then,” and “but” that are fundamental to communication, even if it means temporarily skipping topics like colors or professions. This personalized approach to goal setting empowers you to analyze your language needs at each stage and pinpoint precisely what you need to learn next for effective progress.
Deciding on your language learning goals naturally leads to considering how you will achieve them. While many people spend considerable time choosing which language to learn, the methods of language learning are equally, if not more, crucial. If you have prior experience learning a language in a traditional school setting, the learning process might have been largely predetermined by the teacher and curriculum. However, as an independent language learner, you take the reins and need to strategically plan your approach. Reflect on your desired outcomes for learning a new language. Do you envision yourself chatting with locals during your travels, or are you more interested in delving into untranslated literature? Clarity in your objectives will guide you in selecting the most effective learning methods. This principle isn’t novel; the field of ‘language for specific purposes’ has long assisted learners who require language skills for work or academic pursuits to concentrate on relevant materials. However, its core ideas are equally valuable for everyday language learners. Be specific about what you want to accomplish with your new language, at least initially, to ensure your learning path is purposeful and efficient.
Language learning methods are indeed paramount. There’s no one-size-fits-all magic formula; what works wonders for one person might not resonate with another. If you find traditional textbook exercises tedious and demotivating, don’t let that hinder your progress. If you are more comfortable with auditory and verbal learning, consider audio-based methods like those pioneered by Michel Thomas and Pimsleur courses. These methods, sometimes available for free through resources like Language Transfer by Mihalis Eleftheriou, can be incredibly effective. While some of these courses can be expensive, check your local libraries – they often carry them in stock. My own positive experience with the Michel Thomas method began when I started learning Italian. During my daily 40-minute commutes, I was amazed by a course that required only listening, thinking, and speaking. It instilled in me an understanding of Italian verbs and grammar that felt surprisingly natural and intuitive.
While independent learning offers flexibility, we shouldn’t underestimate the value of structured language courses led by expert teachers. Although attending physical language schools might be challenging currently, many institutions and organizations are offering online alternatives. These online courses can be more affordable and adaptable to busy schedules. For instance, I participated in basic Arabic online lessons with a teacher from Natakallam, a remarkable organization connecting refugees with language learners for Arabic, French, Persian, Armenian, Kurdish, and Spanish programs. For learners in the UK, Chatterbox offers a similar valuable service.
When it comes to finding language tutors in today’s digital age, Italki stands out as a revolutionary platform. This website enables you to book online lessons with both professional teachers and experienced conversation partners. Italki offers several advantages: you can try out different teachers to find the best fit for your learning style, and they typically offer discounted trial sessions. This allows you to effectively ‘speed-date’ with teachers, choosing to stick with one or work with multiple tutors to refine different language skills. A particularly valuable aspect of Italki is its learner-centric approach, empowering you to set the lesson agenda. This means you can concentrate on your specific goals and learn precisely what you need. Whether you aim to practice conversational German or master complex Japanese grammar, you can tailor your lessons and benefit from personalized attention at a convenient time. Being online-based, Italki often offers more competitive pricing compared to traditional face-to-face lessons. However, if paid tuition isn’t feasible, platforms like Italki, Tandem, and HelloTalk can connect you with language exchange partners. You can converse in your target language in exchange for helping them practice English or another language you speak. Italki also boasts a diverse community of tutors for numerous global languages, including Spanish, Arabic, and French.
The rise of language learning apps represents another significant revolution. Often free and surprisingly sophisticated, these apps are accessible on phones, tablets, and laptops. Duolingo is a well-known example, but numerous other excellent options exist. Explore other popular apps like Memrise and Babbel, or vocabulary-focused apps such as Drops. For dedicated polyglots, Anki, a spaced repetition system (SRS) app, is highly recommended for memorizing and retaining information across various subjects, including languages. You can utilize pre-made flashcard decks or create your own. For guidance on using Anki effectively, resources are readily available online. Some languages also have specialized apps, such as Chineasy for Mandarin Chinese and Keefak for Lebanese Arabic. For a growing number of languages, including Arabic (Modern Standard and dialects), Spanish, and Russian, Lingualism offers impressive resources developed with native speakers. These materials reflect authentic, everyday language and focus on practical content for real-world situations.
We are indeed in a golden age for readily accessible language learning content. Lexilogos is an indispensable website compiling links to courses, dictionaries, and resources for over 100 languages. Here, you can find links to diverse resources, from a free MP3 course in modern Icelandic from the University of Leeds to Gujarati learning materials from the University of Pennsylvania, or a beginner’s Yoruba course by the University of Georgia. My own Norwegian language journey began with the professional and free “Norwegian on the Web” course from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. If the abundance of resources feels overwhelming and you seek structured learning and habit formation, the Open University provides a free course with expert advice on language learning strategies, an ideal starting point for any new language learner.
Beyond formal online courses, YouTube and podcasts are invaluable for goal-oriented learners. When you have a clear understanding of your language learning needs at any given moment, YouTube’s vast content library likely contains videos addressing those specific needs. If you’re struggling with a grammar rule, YouTube is often as helpful as a traditional grammar textbook. While not all online videos are of equal quality, many educators and language schools now create video content to answer learner questions and tackle common challenges. When I started learning Arabic, YouTube videos from ArabicPod101 helped me grasp the script, and Maha, an Arabic teacher, provided basic vocabulary and conversational phrases in Modern Standard Arabic and the Palestinian dialect through her popular channel, LearnArabicwithMaha.
Podcasts are excellent learning tools for listeners at all levels. Series like “News in Slow German” (and similar versions in other languages) can enhance listening comprehension without the pressure of fast-paced native speech. More advanced learners can utilize podcasts and radio programs in their target language to hone their listening skills. Exploring language learning podcasts and YouTube channels from experienced polyglots can also provide valuable advice and strategies, although it’s wise to approach some claims with a degree of healthy skepticism.
As you achieve your goals and expand your language knowledge, it’s crucial to seek out content that facilitates further improvement. Language learning experts often emphasize the importance of ‘comprehensible input’ (as explained by Stephen Krashen). This principle involves consistently exposing yourself to language that is slightly beyond your current level. The language should be close enough to your existing knowledge that your brain can bridge the gaps and elevate your language proficiency. Services like LingQ aim to provide graded reading materials tailored to your level. However, once you have a solid foundation, you can often utilize readily available online resources. This might include simple news articles (some languages offer learner-focused news sites, like Al Jazeera’s learning platform) or, as you progress, books in your target language. I find it easier to learn from materials related to subjects I already understand. For example, I might choose a popular history book or a documentary on a topic of interest. The Penguin Parallel Text series offers short stories in various languages with facing-page translations. Language YouTuber Olly Richards has also created a series of beginner-friendly short story books in languages like Turkish, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese.
While simply watching a foreign film passively won’t magically transform your language skills, there are strategies to maximize learning from foreign-language TV shows and movies. Netflix has a wealth of international content, though finding it can be surprisingly challenging. Tips for navigating and utilizing Netflix for language learning are available online. I often recommend reality TV shows in the target language because the heightened emotions and predictable formats can make it easier to understand the context. For example, my limited Swedish didn’t significantly detract from my enjoyment of the Swedish version of “Come Dine With Me.” Using subtitles in the target language can also help you break down the stream of sounds into recognizable words and phrases. The key is to choose content that genuinely interests you – something you’re motivated to watch or listen to, and that is challenging yet comprehensible. There are also cultural benefits to this approach. Without language learning, I might never have discovered the Dutch TV show “Hier Zijn de Van Rossems,” where three elderly siblings hilariously critique architecture, or the Norwegian program “71 Grader Nord: Norges Tøffeste Kjendis,” which is exactly as intense as it sounds.
As you advance in your language learning journey, maintaining motivation becomes increasingly important. Intermediate learners often encounter a plateau, a frustrating phase after the initial rapid progress, where gains seem smaller, less immediate, and harder to perceive. The path to fluency is long, and periodically assessing your progress and methods is crucial for maintaining focus and motivation. This is where setting targeted and achievable goals truly pays off. You are more likely to feel a sense of forward momentum if you consistently reach and adjust your goals. While plateauing can be particularly challenging for independent learners, remember that by this stage, you have developed the valuable skill of analyzing your own abilities and identifying knowledge gaps. This empowers you to pinpoint your next learning steps – a significant skill in itself. If you still find it difficult to navigate this stage, consider a session with a tutor via Zoom to assess your current level and identify areas for improvement. While structured curricula can sometimes make it difficult to deviate and focus on specific needs, the resources mentioned, combined with tutor guidance, empower independent learners to make efficient progress in precisely the areas requiring attention.
As you improve, actively integrate your new language into your daily life. Personal techniques vary. For me, self-talk is a powerful tool. When learning or reactivating a language, I narrate my actions in that language, as if providing a voiceover for my life’s movie. This keeps my language skills sharp and highlights vocabulary gaps or areas needing further study. It’s a surprisingly effective technique, even if it might elicit some curious glances. (To the gentleman who stared at me muttering in Italian in an airport bathroom mirror – mi dispiace!). Another effective method combining practice and motivation is keeping a diary or notebook in your new language. Documenting daily events provides practice with different verb tenses and creates a tangible record of your progress over time. If you’re more extroverted, consider recording videos of yourself speaking the target language (like this example by a Levantine Arabic learner). This can enhance accountability and invite helpful feedback from other speakers.
Language learning is a continuous journey without a definitive endpoint. When approached effectively, it becomes a lifelong pursuit. The initial “grind” of grammar drills and vocabulary lists eventually gives way to engaging with literature and ideas in your new language, along with the joys of travel, meaningful conversations, and multilingual friendships. With well-defined goals and sustained motivation, the initial effort of language learning transforms into the rewarding experience of living in another language.
