Written by: Reka Toth, 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.
What is the relation between Walt Disney and language learning? Let me start the article with a quote from him, one of the most successful and inspiring persons of all time. "The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." That could be a general principle for success. However, when it comes to language learning, by our nature, we tend to procrastinate. It is especially valid when we wish to implement something we haven't done before or are unaware of how to take the plunge.
In addition, due to an old mindset, we think that the first step is to find a language teacher. She/he will tell us how to learn the language and supply us with all the materials we will need for our learning journey. However, the more you take ownership of the learning process, the more effectively you learn. That could be a perfect topic for another article; for now, I aim to point out how you can become an independent, successful, and happy learner. I will share with you ten decisive steps on how you can start learning a language efficiently on your own without losing motivation and going off-track.
I believe that one of the most challenging parts of mastering a foreign language is the beginning. We must consider plenty of questions before we embark on our language journey. How to start, when to start, where to start, with whom, and which resources do I need? Where can I find them? Considering all these inquiries, fears, and doubts, our initial motivation starts to fade, and shortly, we will discontinue the process we began so enthusiastically. As a language teacher and Neurolanguage Coach®, I also experience language learning concerns. Therefore, I needed to develop a consistent plan that came in handy for starting to learn a language.
1. Create time
Once you have determined to take the plunge and start learning a language, the first step is to make time for it, namely, build a strong language learning habit and stick with it. How? We always have time for shopping, napping, hanging on social media, and watching Netflix. So why not combine work with pleasure? Let me give you some instances of what you can put into practice straightaway:
change the language on your phone to the TL (target language)
set the language to the TL while shopping online
enjoy your coffee break while you are reading your favourite book or an article in the TL
listen to a podcast/the radio in the TL while you are driving, cooking, walking your dog, running, or cleaning
watch your favourite movies/series in the TL
join groups on social media you are interested in
read every day a post and write a comment in the TL
Does it sound doable? Start in small steps. Don't overload yourself at the very beginning. The ultimate goal is to turn language learning into a daily habit.
2. Highlight the start date
Sticking out a post-it with the start date to a visible place is a highly effective way to make the second step in your language journey. Then, you commit to the learning process by reminding yourself of the big day. Until then, you will have a couple of days to prepare everything.
3. Create a language learner corner
It might sound unfamiliar but having a cosy and well-equipped place can keep us on track in the long term. Organizing your learning materials and having all your stuff handy can positively influence your learning habit. You can avoid losing time searching for pens, highlighters, books, or notebooks. If you wish to read before bed, keep the book on your nightstand or pillow as a perfect reminder. Make it as easy as possible so that you are more likely to stick to your plan.
4. Describe your goals
As language learning is a long-term project full of ups and downs, setting SMART goals is essential. It will keep you focused on what is important to you, and you will be more committed to your learning habit. Moreover, you will know what you are working on throughout the learning process. What are the SMART goals composed?
Specific: You need to determine what you want to accomplish (e.g., focus on past tense)
Measurable: You can measure whether you achieved your goal (e.g., through a test focusing on past tense)
Attainable: You need to make sure your plan is achievable for you (e.g., you have the necessary language level to understand and learn the past tense)
Relevant: Your goal should be relevant and personal to you (e.g., using the past tense, you can talk about your holiday or weekend to your exchange partner)
Time-based: Finally, set a realistic deadline for when you would like to accomplish your goal (e.g., by the end of the month)
To sum up, before you set your goals, ensure they are SMART.
5. Find the proper resources
A bored brain doesn't want to learn. There is no effective learning without enjoyable material. Following this mindset will bring a positive impact on your motivation and improvement. Conversely, poor selection can demotivate you, and you may end up with zero progress. The more interesting, relevant, and personal the learning material is, and the fewer resources you work with (of course, you can vary them from time to time), the more effective your learning process will be. Widen your horizon and make your target language come alive in the form of enjoyable and individual learning material. Let me share with you some best practices to enrich your repertoire:
Reading skill: read your favourite book, an appealing article, or a blog
Writing skill: write a journal every day, compose a comment in a social media group
Listening skill: listen to a Ted Talk, a podcast on a topic you are passionate about
Speaking skill: find an exchange partner or a language coach you are happy to talk
After selecting the material you will work with, it's time to create your ultimate language learning system.
6. Build a system and turn it into a habit
Whether you learn from a book, an app, or with a teacher/coach, you need a system that you must follow step by step every single day. However, what is a language learning system? A good system is convenient, and focuses on improving all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). The system is a collection of habits you create before starting the learning process.
Try to find a timeslot in your daily routine when you learn. For instance, a daily 15-minute podcast, two pages of a book, a once-a-week conversation, or writing a social media post would be more than enough to get started (You remember the words of Walt Disney? "Quit talking and begin doing."). Having the system will keep you going each day and doesn't allow you to stop. You can also use "me time" for learning, e.g., watch your favourite movie in the target language or do yoga with instructions in the target language so that you don't even have the impression of learning.
Eventually, please don't care about the results. Instead, follow your system and do it daily without thinking.
7. Start tracking
It might sound time-consuming to track your language progress each day. On the contrary, it can save you plenty of time knowing how much you invest in each skill and will increase your motivation enormously. You will see your goals and results more clearly and keep learning consistently.
Before starting to track your learning habit, you need to decide on which tracking method is the most adequate for your expectations (notebook, habit tracker app, bullet journal, calendar) and determine what aspect of the learning process you want to track (vocabulary, reading, writing skills, or a combination of all these aspects).
Review your actions each week or month to see your achievements. By starting the tracking process, you also establish a new lifestyle, as you will follow several daily habits. And good habits tend to feel so good.
8. Have contact with the language every single day
Let me share with you my favourite quote from James Clear for language learning.
"If you want to learn a new language, you should focus on becoming the type of person who studies every day."
Can you resonate with this statement? Mastering a foreign language requires much time, no doubt. There is no secret recipe, no shortcut. It requires discipline, consciousness, motivation, and commitment to the target language. Beyond setting goals, choosing the right resources, having a system, and having a solid learning habit, it is necessary to emphasize regularity. What happens if you stay on track every day? Regular contact with the language will trigger a chain reaction:
Your learning progress will be more tangible and faster, leading to constant improvement. It will consistently increase and affirm your motivation. And if you are motivated? Then, the sky is the limit. You will achieve the desired results and goals and become a happy and effective learner—that is the goal.
Keep in mind that the more you incorporate language learning into your daily life, the faster you progress.
9. Find a tandem partner you are happy to talk to
No matter where you are on the learning spectrum, having a language exchange partner has plenty of benefits. You are not alone in getting through the ups and downs, as your tandem partner will be there for you and entirely grasp your concerns, fears, and difficulties. You will constantly have a topic to discuss, the beauty, the challenges of language learning, and the different ways and techniques of learning your target language. You can help each other out regularly once you get stuck.
You will likely stay motivated and positive as you meet up regularly (online or in person). Having a native tandem partner also contributes to the cognition of the colloquial language. You are exposed to the everyday language right away since you don't use language books but your partner's mother tongue. You can also share intercultural similarities and differences and compare your countries from different perspectives (habits, slang, similar idioms, and various aspects of politeness). It is not negligible that thanks to your exchange partner, you will be able to improve the most critical language skill, your speaking skill.
Before you take the plunge, don't forget about setting essential rules to have a successful conversation with your partner (duration of the meeting, regularity, correction, topics, "homework," platform). Discuss your expectations, goals, and interests, make notes, prepare for the session, and divide the time equally. After all, do not be afraid to choose the right exchange partner who matches your commitment and enthusiasm. Of course, you might need a few trial lessons to find them, but it is worth the time invested.
Some tips on where you can meet your future tandem partner:
Languages apps and websites: HelloTalk, Tandem, Bilingual, Speaky
Facebook groups for language exchange
10. Be patient and enjoy what you do
Finally, be patient and enjoy what you do. Seek the company of like-minded people, talk to them, and get to know them. Sing, dance, listen to music, read, travel, discover, watch movies, do yoga, relax, and do what feels good and resonates with you. Focus on evolving into the best version of yourself through the potential of the target language.
After all, "we all smile in the same language."
These steps above constitute my perception of language learning. I strive to convey these keystones to my students and support them in how they can become autonomous and successful in their learning process. Since every learner is unique, I tailor the steps to match their needs. I aim to highlight the importance and effectiveness of self-study and let the language become part of them.
If you are open to a new and brain-friendly language learning approach (Hungarian or German), would like to experience continuous "aha" moments, and develop your language habits, it would be a pleasure to guide you in your language journey.
Reka Toth, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Reka Toth is a dedicated German and Hungarian language teacher and NeuroLanguage Coach®. After many years of searching for balance in life, she found her own path in motivating and helping people to discover the spark in language learning. By creating her passion project, Languages with Reka, she endeavors to debunk some misconceptions about the difficulty of language learning. Quitting the traditional way of teaching, she encourages her students to enjoy the learning process. Through her mission, she believes everyone can become a successful, and happy learner, they just need to find the spark in their language journey and turn it into an essential part of them. After all, we all smile in the same language.
