Written by: Megan Miller, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Learning a new language is hard work, but there are some tools you can use to make it a little easier for those words or phrases you use a lot in your target language.
Below Are Some Of My Favorites:
1. Use music to your advantage.
Music is everywhere, and in every language. Singing along to the words in your target language is convenient with the use of YouTube or your favorite app or website. It’s even better if you have the lyrics in front of you to follow along as you sing.
Want to know more about my favorite Spanish music? Check out my YouTube channel here.
2. Utilize filler words.
A cache of words or phrases that you can use while you’re thinking of the word you want to say makes it so that people will naturally pause in conversation. Also known as “filler words”, these are something like “um”, “like”, “so”, “and”, etc. in English – and can be something like “ah”, “así que”, “entonces”, “pues”, etc. in Spanish. This doesn’t have to be an exhaustive list, but we all tend to have our own filler words in the midst of a conversation, since it lets the other person know that you’re intending to finish the thought.
3. Start thinking around a word or topic, instead of finding THE word.
We all get caught up trying to find the perfect word, which leaves the other person in the conversation bored. After all, filler words can get annoying if used too much. This is where the true power of language comes in – if you’re looking for the word for “salmon”, for example, try “pescado rosado” – pink fish. Use whatever vocabulary you have to describe what you mean. If we go back to the salmon example, you could also try “Que lo comen los osos” – what the bears eat. Keep trying, and practice expanding your vocabulary based on everyday life.
4. Make connections to everyday life
When learning another language, remember, people talk about their lives. A farmer in the Midwestern U.S. is going to talk about different topics than a banker in Santiago and a soap maker in France. When we travel, we learn idioms (modismos) that tell us a bit about the lives and conversations, but it’s not until we truly live somewhere that we can connect our conversation to everyday life. For example, if you work with accountants, learn some key financial terms. If you work in construction, learn basic tool names. If you remember these vocabulary words, move onto verbs, and as you say them in English, practice saying them in Spanish.
5. Use TV shows or movies to learn different phrases
This is by far one of the easiest tips. If you’re already following a show, turn on your target language subtitles. Stream a movie in Spanish, especially if you already know the plot in English. (Pocahontas and Aladdin are my personal favorites). Above all, watch things that you’re interested in or that are entertaining. Having fun is a big motivator!
6. Focus on your senses
This may sound a bit more out of the box, but it helps expand your vocabulary. Take an apple, for example – what is apple in Spanish? (manzana). What do you do with an apple? You eat it; you chew it (la comes, la masticas.) How does an apple taste? How does it smell? (Huele como fruta, tiene sabor dulce, etc.). Instead of learning your regular vocabulary words, expand them so you can speak about these topics the same as you would in your native language. Name things you smell, breathe, taste, touch, hear, and see.
7. Learn the basics, focus on conversation, then revisit the basics
I’ll be the first to tell you: verb tenses are confusing! It’s so much easier when you’re in conversation or mid-sentence in your book to comprehend what’s going on, instead of pulling out your magnifying glass like, “Hark! I see a pluperfect verb here!” And I’ll again be the first to tell you: you need to know what you’re saying! The game is only made a game because there are rules and a process – and with every language comes rules and verb tenses to memorize. Therefore, the first rule is to learn the basics – then, go out in the world and focus on the natural progression of a conversation. The other person or people within your conversation won’t necessarily care what verb you choose, as long as it makes sense. Once you’ve done this, go back and revisit the basics – this is a very important step! Don’t think that just because you can speak with other people, you know everything. People may speak at any time, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that they’ll be understood. Focus on this cycle; respect the cycle, and you will reap the rewards.
8. Read, read, read
This is as important in your native language as it is in your target language. What are languages made of? Words. What are books made of? You guessed where this is going – you can only be truly fluent in a language when you can meet anyone of any class or standing, and be able to talk to them – this means speaking to a tradesman about plumbing, a professor about socioeconomic factors, or a mechanic about car issues. When you feel as though you’re using your target language about the same or more than your native language, you will feel truly bilingual. That feeling may stay, especially if you’re living abroad. However, more likely, the feeling will go, and reading will be able to transport you back to that fully bilingual stage.
9. Use technology to build relationships
There are so many ways to interact online with native speakers of your choosing. There are online forums, hosted in online spaces like HiNative.com or WordReference.com, as well as social media groups and Meetup groups. Try following some of your favorite locations, and commenting in your target language. Some of my favorite intercambio (language exchange) partners have come from Meetup and on social media, and technology can be a great catalyst.
10. Speak, speak, speak
This tip is key and it’s also the hardest. To truly master a language, inside and out, you must be able to speak out loud with someone, practicing vocabulary, verbs, subject matter, and body language. Whenever and wherever you get the chance, speak your target language – even if it’s reading aloud, speaking to yourself or a pet, or singing along to music.
More than anything, I’d have to emphasize caution and restraint, especially for listicles such as this one: these are all ideas, not prescriptions to follow. It’s important to learn in a way that is meaningful and fun for YOU, more than anyone else. As soon as learning Spanish or another language begins to feel like a chore, it’s important to recognize it, find if you simply are in a rut or need a larger overhaul, and go towards things that fill you with light and joy. After all, language needs to be fun!
Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn and visit my website for additional motivation and education tips. Reach out to let me know you’ve read my article; I’d love to hear from you!
Megan Miller, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Megan Miller is a leader in Spanish <> English teaching and bespoke habit-based language learning. Ever since discovering the worlds beyond words as a child, Megan has dedicated her efforts to mastering Spanish, English, and how to create lasting habits to improve and maintain language skills. She is the CEO of Aprovechar Language Solutions whose mission is to empower those in need of a bilingual voice.
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