Learning a New Language : Tips and Hacks


We all have struggled with some language at one point of our life. Right now, finding myself in the south of my country, I am forced to recall the earlier methods as to how I managed learning  three different languages in my childhood. Through tried and tested ways, I present the hacks to crack it.



1. DEVOTION




Yes. A very common point, but also the most important. Learning a new is not feasible unless you have complete devotion and interest towards it. Devote your free time to it, while standing in a line, or riding the bus, even while you are bored and would rather chat, pick your new interest over other things.


2. GOING OLD SCHOOL

You need to write it down. There is really no other alternative. Write down the new words , their meanings, and keep tabs on your progress. Do NOT refrain from picking up that pencil, and remember, it is how you learnt your first languages when you were a kid.

3. DUOLINGO AND TRANSLATOR








This app works wonders. It is so amazing that I am surprised why doesn't every smartphone has it! It uses a bit of internet to run, but man, it has multiple languages, strength bars, daily goal reminder. It also tells you when words start to fade from your memory on the basis of questions you answer incorrectly. Download it now and see for yourself!

For computers or those having Windows in your smartphones, download the Translator from the app store. It has a wider range of languages and pronunciation for almost all ( they even have Klingon ). I personally like duolingo but for the times when  you are on google or on your pc, this works too. 

4. META COGNITION





In layman terms, it is defined as "thinking about thinking" . Remember those daydream sprees you have? Or the times you are into deep thought before going to sleep? Try and translate your thinking-language into this new language you are learning. Your thoughts flow freely, and if you integrate this language to your thoughts, after a while, it will also flow fluently.

5. TEACHER'S TALK







Remember how our English teachers used to hound us on how we need to speak up, and always converse in English? That is because the only way you can test and improve yourself is by criticism. Speak it up. This is easier said than done as most of us are hesitant of the teasing that follows when we go wrong. You need to get over it and tell yourself that those who are laughing are no more great than you are. And SPEAK UP!

6. MOVIES BUFF







We all love em. So why not watch those favs which you have already memorized in this new language? Since you know this movie by heart, you will have no trouble understanding it! Pause it when you don't and rewind and start again. This is my personal favorite!

7. YOUR FAV TOPICS






We all are slaves to something-music, sports, TV , celebrity gossip....whatever it may be, read it all in that language. And  thank google for their translator when you get stuck somewhere.

8. KID'S KIT






Remember the short stories we read in first grade? Or how we identified fruits and vegetables? Or those grammar books that made our heads hurt? That is because they really worked. If you want perfection, you have to strive for it. Download some fairy tales or children's stories in that language and read it all, and try to understand it. 

9. PATIENCE







It is already great that you are willing to learn something new. But it sure gets tiring and cumbersome at times. DON'T GIVE UP. You have come so far, its just a bit more. Go get it!


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