Learning a new language is highly rewarding. Yet for many, it often feels like a Herculean task.
And they aren’t wrong. Language is not just a collection of words and rules. It’s a living, breathing entity that embodies the culture, history, and soul of its speakers. When we learn a new language, we are learning to think, feel, and perceive the world through an entirely different lens.This is what makes language learning fascinating and formidable.
Which is why we want to share our top tips for tackling a new language!
Embrace The Culture
Our brains, wired in our own native tongue, often grapple with the nuances of a new linguistic system. The idiosyncrasies of pronunciation, the labyrinth of grammar, and the subtleties of expression can feel like deciphering an ancient code. Leaving us stuttering to find the right word, or the right way to say a specific phrase.
To truly grasp a new language we need to embrace its cultural context.
Each gesture, joke, and unspoken nuance can breathe life into a conversation in different ways then we might understand. And immersing ourselves in the culture of the language is one of the fastest ways to unravel those layers of complexity.
Be Willing To Make Mistakes
You will make mistakes.
Ed Sheeran has a video where he discusses how many are reluctant to celebrate failure. Many in our world often equate failure with shame, making us shy away from it. But the art of learning from our mistakes is a hidden gem. And Sheeran’s own journey was peppered with criticisms about his singing. Many people told him he should “get a real job”! But he continued to practice, and was willing to learn from his failures. Each critique, rather than discouraging him, became a stepping stone towards improvement. And now his voice is loved by many!
If we strive for perfection when we start out we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. Perfection is an illusion; it teaches us nothing. Failure, on the other hand, is a relentless teacher. It’s in the awkward pauses, the mispronounced words, and the jumbled sentences that lessons are learned.
Embrace these mistakes and learn from them.
New Is Hard
Trenton Marsh is a friend of mine and a voice of wisdom. He once said, “It’s not hard, it’s just new.”
Learning a new language feels difficult. Our brains can’t quite wrap itself around the changes and we struggle to memorize all of the new rules. But the hardest part of learning a new language is the newness of it.
Remember the first time you tried to fish or run a 5K? The unfamiliarity made it daunting. You weren’t sure how to move your body, or tie a knot. When you got stuck you didn’t know how to move forward and you might have thought about giving up. All because you had never done it before.
With each new word or grammatical structure in a foreign language, we step into uncharted territories. New is hard.
But if you recognize this, you can shift your perspective and approach the challenge with a sense of exploration and curiosity. Recognizing that the difficulty stems from unfamiliarity, not incapability, can be incredibly empowering. It allows you to be more patient with yourself and to see each stumbling block as a normal part of the learning process.
Accept Feedback
When you’re open to feedback, you will learn faster. Trust me, you’ll zoom ahead of your peers simply because you are willing to listen and probably save yourself a few red-faced moments.
When you willingly embrace feedback, you effectively fast-track your learning process. It propels you forward, allowing you to bypass common pitfalls and leapfrog over initial obstacles that often slow down learners. Nobody wants to be that person who accidentally signs “I love lamp” instead of “I love language learning.” But you might do it. And being open to listen when somebody corrects you will set you apart.
Feedback is your secret weapon to avoid these mishaps. Use it to get the insider tips you need to become better.
Ask Questions
Never stop asking questions.
Simply asking “Can I say this this way?” or “Why is this signed in a specific manner?” is a respectful way to stay curious about language learning and allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the culture.
When you ask questions, it clarifies your doubts. And it ensures that you are not just mimicking phrases or signs, but you truly understand their context and usage. And this is especially significant in languages like ASL, where a slight variation in gesture can alter meaning.
As someone fluent in multiple languages, I find it incredibly rewarding when learners ask about the specifics of language.
These questions spark discussions that delve into the cultural and historical background of the language. And these conversations are a chance to enrich their understanding and my own. So don’t be afraid to ask. Because any native language speaker will likely be happy that you did!
Plus, asking questions demonstrates your engagement and commitment to learning. It shows that you’re not just passively absorbing information but actively seeking a deeper understanding of the language. And it means a lot to everyone who speaks it natively.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Mastering a new language is a marathon, not a sprint.
You need daily dedication to the practice and about five years of practice before you become fluent.
During these years of practice and immersion, it’s important to recognize and embrace the gradual progression of your skills. In the initial stages, you’ll likely find yourself capable in basic conversations, yet there will be a noticeable difference compared to a native speaker. This is a natural part of the learning curve, don’t be discouraged!
Remember, the goal of full immersion isn’t just to learn how to construct sentences or conjugate verbs. It’s to think, dream, and express emotions in the language—to reach a point where the language becomes an intrinsic part of your thought process. This level of fluency is where subtleties and nuances come alive!
Five years may seem like a long commitment, but each conversation gets you closer to your goal.
Need Interpreting?
Hands Up Communications can help. You might be learning a language, but might not be fully fluent in it yet. If you need translation services we provide both remote and onsite interpreting. Our goal is to help you effectively communicate with the world.
If you need an interpreter, you can schedule one here!