Learning a new language can be quite scary. However, it is possible to learn a language for free.
First, you must have a vision. Ask yourself, what is your vision for learning a foreign language? My vision for learning French was to be able to learn more about my roots. I didn’t feel like I could truly be Haitian if I couldn’t speak both French and French Creole. This vision propelled and sustained me in difficult times. I would visualize myself speaking French like a native. Holding onto this vision, I studied and forced myself to speak with native French speakers despite my fear and embarrassment.
Having goals is great, but accomplishing your goals takes work. Therefore, it is important to have a plan on how you are going to accomplish your goals.
Set Path Goals
Path goals are the structured next steps that will help you when it’s time to buckle down and start studying. As you create a structured plan, your path goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.
First, you must have structure. Structure is what will guide you in your learning journey. Structure is crucial for independent language learners, because you will soon learn that you don’t have the time to dedicate to language learning. Try creating a language learning schedule and focus on the four core skills each day of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Variety is a crucial component of the path goals you set for yourself. You will learn that your moods, motivation and focus will vary from day to day. Thus, on days you don’t feel like working on grammar, your varied goals will allow you to make progress in every single study plan.
Language App
Next, find a language app that works for you. There are a lot of great apps out there to choose from. According to an article that was written by Forbes, Americans have a reputation for being culturally closed off, but according to US Census Bureau data from 2018, over 67 million Americans speak a language other than English at home. If this has piqued your interest in learning a new language, the good news is that it has never been simpler. Gone are the days when you had to go to school to learn French, Spanish, or Russian; now you can choose from dozens of languages using an app. For example:
- Babble has been ranked as the best language app to learn a language by yourself. https://www.babbel.com/
- Duolingo is a popular language app. Users are able to learn new vocabularies, practice grammar, and pronunciation. https://www.duolingo.com/
- Memrise is a great app to learn a language with a native speaker. Being able to practice with a native speaker will give you a great advantage.https://www.memrise.com/
- Pimsleur is another popular language app that you could try. https://offers.pimsleur.com
Watch movies and TV shows in the foreign language you want to learn
Want to add a little fun to your language learning? Why not watch movies and TV shows in the foreign language you wan to learn learn? This is a great way to learn new vocabularies and also get to know the culture of your target language. When I was learning French, I spent a great deal on Netflix watching movies in French. I was able to speak it and understand it better.
Get a Language Coach
You must know that when studying a foreign language, students face numerous challenges that can prevent them from having a seamless and enjoyable learning experience.
Don’t be surprise if you get discourage and want to give up too soon. Some of the challenges students face include difficulty speaking or pronouncing the new language, not making enough progress, or feeling unmotivated. These stumbling blocks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While some difficulties can be avoided, others can be addressed and then overcome with the help of a language coach.
If you are a French beginner and struggling to get to the next level, I would love to help you. With 1.1 French Language Coaching I assist my clients in overcoming any barriers to learning French. I assist them in overcoming their limiting beliefs, developing self-confidence, and implementing learning strategies that are most appropriate for them as people. I also connect students with language schools across Europe. Learn more about our Programs.
Enjoy your language learning journey!
