How can you learn a language by yourself?
To help you learn a language by yourself, we asked experienced language tutors and linguists this question for their best tips. From watching kids’ shows in a foreign language to immersing yourself in the cultural environment of the language, there are several ways that may be effective for you to learn a language by yourself.
Here Are 11 Self-learning Language Tips:
- Watch Kids’ Shows in The Foreign Language
- Read a Lot in The Language
- Use Google for Easy Language Learning
- Get a Workbook To Practise
- Hire a Tutor Rather Than Use Software
- Look for a Language Partner To Practice
- Use Pimsleur To Learn a Language in 180 Days
- Journal in Your Target Language
- Use Duolingo as a Beginner
- Learn Using Netflix
- Immerse Yourself
- Immerse Yourself in The Language Environment
Watch Kids’ Shows in The Foreign Language
Watch a kids’ cartoon or something similar in the language you would like to learn. The rationale behind this is that kids’ shows have a storyline that’s both predictable and easy to follow. On top of that, kids’ shows feature loads of repetition, slow-talking, and enunciation.
These characteristics make the individual words of the dialogue easier to absorb. It also makes learning a new language less daunting. If all goes well, you’ll come away with conversational phrases that you can start using immediately!
Eric Ang, One Search Pro
Read a Lot in The Language
Read a lot! A very good tip is to read a book you already know, it could be your favorite book for example, in the language you wish to learn. This way you will already be familiar with the plot and the characters and can just focus on absorbing the vocabulary.
Try to comprehend as much as you can and use a dictionary to look up the words you don’t know. Writing the meaning in words in the book is a visual way to memorize them.
You can also do this with movies and tv shows. Start watching a series you love in the language you want to learn and you will understand a lot just by context. You will have fun and absorb a lot of the language at the same time.
John Cheng, Baotris
Use Google for Easy Language Learning
When I was learning Finnish, the first tool I used was Google Translate. It’s very accessible on my phone and provides quick language references. Whenever I need to use a Finnish word in a sentence, I start looking for more in-depth resources using Google Search.
Toggling from one language app to another can be a hassle, so using Google alone makes learning a new language a lot easier for me. Google is everything I need.
Lorraine Daisy Resuello, Connection Copilot
Get a Workbook To Practise
Like how children learn a language for the first time, get a workbook, and practice on it. As traditional as it sounds, it is the most effective way to master a new language if you are learning it by yourself. Search for a workbook for your target language. Work on the grammar rules on it.
Focus on the parts of speech, especially the verbs which are tricky for most languages. While vocabulary can be memorized, grammar rules need practice. Repeat words and sentences in the workbook to perfect your grammar. It makes coming up with the right words while speaking easier.
Samantha Odo, Precondo
Hire a Tutor Rather Than Use Software
Hiring a tutor seems pretty old-fashioned compared to language learning software, and it still works just as well! Having someone personally guide you through the process can help you stay motivated, which is critical to seeing progress. Especially for those who learn best by being able to ask questions and receive real-time feedback, a tutor not only helps you expand vocabulary, how to conjugate verbs, and basic conversational skills but the essential discipline of putting these studies into practice. Working with someone one-on-one or in a small group is a fun way to learn a language, work on your accent, and gain muscle memory as you apply new knowledge.
Marilyn Zubak, Snif
Look for a Language Partner To Practise
Language exchange is a powerful way to learn and practice a language with a partner. Exchange your native tongue with a partner who speaks your target language regularly. A partner will keep you accountable and build a routine.
There is nothing more effective than the help to gain confidence in your second language. Furthermore, practicing with another person will help you with an introductory conversation that is real-world talk that you will use every day.
Yooseok gong, Ohora
Use Pimsleur To Learn a Language in 180 Days
The American military launched an operation using Pimsleur to teach their personnel languages in under 6 months. The program utilizes the neuroscience of memory to “program” new language into our short and long-term memory at an optimized rate without overloading your brain.
The Pimsleur method contextualizes language in conversational use to give learners anchors to remember words and phrases in various contexts. By delivering language soundbites in a measured, meaning-driven fashion, the Pimsleur method capitalizes on our call-and-recall hardwiring to reinforce correct language use in realistic, everyday situations.
For the best results in a time-crunch, build your foundation for a new language using Pimsleur. It seamlessly integrates pronunciation, vocabulary, rhythm, and intonation to simultaneously teach multiple aspects of a language without focusing solely on one at a time.
Kevin Miller, kevinmiller.com
Journal in Your Target Language
Write journal entries in your target language. It’s helpful to use learning apps such as Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, but they offer limited prompts and have you repeat set phrases aloud or in writing.
When you start to use your target language to describe your day, emotions, opinions, and events, not only do you expand your vocabulary and grammatical knowledge, but you make the language personal to you. Even if your translations aren’t perfect and your sentences are simplistic, you start to think in a new language, which is a massive step towards proficiency.
Alexandra Fennell, Attn: Grace
Use Duolingo as a Beginner
Although the absolute best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself and socialize with natives, you can learn any language by yourself using technology like Duolingo. Duolingo has a diverse set of international languages to choose from and offers organic learning strategies to help you get the basics down.
Duolingo excels at driving home basic grammar and vocabulary using repetition and muscle memory techniques. As you progress through their course offerings, the vocabulary, sentence structures, and learning difficulty of lessons increase in complexity, albeit very slowly.
For a free, approachable start to learning any language, check out Duolingo and enjoy its well-designed themes and formats effective for learners of any age.
Shawn Munoz, Pure Relief
Learn Using Netflix
The best way to learn a new language is through speaking and listening, and of course, it is better if you can also make it fun! Switching your Netflix language preference, watching youtube, and listening to music in your desired language will be the best possible way unless you are considering traveling.
I also notice how some young children pick up a new language when playing games on international servers so maybe spending enough time gaming can also lead to becoming multilingual 😀
Luke Smoothy, Get It Made Ltd
Immerse Yourself in The Cultural Environment of The Language
How did you learn to speak your native language? You lived it. Learning a language isn’t about flashcards and memorizing phrases in a classroom or book, it’s about associating and reinforcing the images, objects, and feelings with the new language. Throw yourself into the country that speaks it and make yourself learn through necessity rather than through leisure.
Anamika Goyal, Cottage
Submit Your Answer
Would you like to submit an alternative answer to the question, “What is the best way to learn a language on your own?” Submit your answer here.Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.