5 Greatest Tips I Used to Learn 4 Languages

I speak three languages fluently (to the level that I can teach them), and I’m currently learning two more. I adore languages, I never felt so good at something until I saw how easily I could speak many languages. But it wasn’t easy, during this process, I had to create a language-learning strategy.

There are so many things I’ve tried throughout the years. I cried a lot looking for my type of intelligence, thinking I was a failure because I wasn’t even closer to being decent in maths. Man, I even thought that I wouldn’t be anywhere in life.

Today I can teach French, English, and Spanish to anyone. I can write long texts that make people cry or smile and even get angry. Which is something that really makes me happy!

I’ve seen many students going from an “I can’t learn”, to “I can express my ideas with no problem”. And, oh how happy it makes me.

That’s why I decided to share with you the strategy I give my students so they can learn a language easily.

5 Easy Language Learning Tips

1. Fall in love with the language first

Something I’ve seen through the years of teaching is that students who don’t like the language, don’t learn it that easily.

So, even if you’re learning because you have to (maybe because of work, or plans) find a way to fall in love with the language.

Do you like poetry? Look for poets from a country that speaks that language. Listen to music, and see the countries where that language is spoken. Do you see yourself there? Did you like their lifestyle?

I remember how much I improved my French after picturing myself in France or Canada. I studied so hard for it, and now I teach the language. And, I’m also planning to move to Canada next year.

So fall in love with the language! See the culture, the lifestyle, and the way people there act. Motivate yourself every single day, and you’ll see changes in your process.

2. Get in touch with the language DAILY

Yes. You read it right. DAILY.

It might sound a bit like “too much”, but you don’t have to overdo it. Trust me here.

Listen to at least one song daily. See one episode a day. Listen to a podcast (to your level) daily. Write a journal every day. Do your affirmations and gratitude in that language. The smallest thing will count here.

By being in touch with the language you’ll make your brain understand how important that is, and it’ll help you practice.

It’s like a maths class. Don’t you become better after practicing a problem a lot? Well, the same goes for languages. The more you’re in touch with it, the better you’ll get.

3. Know your big goals and make them small

What are your goals with the language? Do you know exactly what you want to achieve? If you don’t, start setting those goals.

When you know your goals, you can make a plan to achieve them, which is crucial for language learning.

Start with your big ones. Do you want to be able to express ideas clearly in a year? Do you want to be able to write small texts in that language?

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Now set small goals to achieve those. After understanding your big goals, set smaller ones. What can you do to speak better? What do you have to learn to write better?

And, don’t forget to set deadlines! They’re SO important when you’re learning a language! Especially if you’re learning it by yourself. That’ll help you focus a lot more on what you have to learn.

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4. Stop using subtitles

I know many people out there tell you to watch series and movies in that language but with subtitles. Well, I’m going to crush your dreams here: that’s not helping you.

Yes. You’ll get used to listening to that language, but are you understanding it?

With subtitles, you get distracted. Even if it’s with subtitles in the same language. You’ll focus more on what’s written, cause you already understand that, and won’t pay attention to understanding what the characters are saying.

If you stop using subtitles, you’ll force your brain to understand what they’re saying. It’ll see it as a necessity.

In language learning, this is what we call acquiring. It’s like going to a country without knowing the language perfectly. When that happens, you’re brain’s forced to understand what’s going on. With signs?  Maybe guessing?

That’s why you must start watching your movies and series without subtitles. You’ll force your brain to understand what people are saying by the context, the objects, signs, everything!

Are you scared of jumping right to it? Rewatch something you love! I always recommend my students to watch something they already know. Like that, you won’t lose the plot and will practice your understanding.

5. Get creative with your language learning

With language learning, you have to know what works best for you. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t learn your grammar or vocabulary easily. That’s normal, you have to learn what works better for you and then stick to it.

When learning a language you have to get creative. It’s a try, and try, and try thing here. Do you work better with flashcards? Maybe it’s with music, or with writing.

Find your strong skills, and explode them.

You can search for many self-study activities on the internet that’ll help you know your learning styles. Find them, try them, and be better with whatever you’re learning.

Don’t forget to also create studying habits. They’ll be your best friends whenever you’re learning anything new.

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These are they! My not-so-common tips for language learning! Remember this is a process, you won’t perfect or learn a language overnight. Consistency and habits are key here!

Don’t forget to save this post for later, and share it with your language-learning buddies!

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