The Best Way to Learn a New Language Fast: Proven Techniques

Grover Laughtonreviewed byNataliia Afonina / more about Editorial Process8 min
Created: Aug 28, 2024Last updated: Nov 11, 2024
Best Way to Learn a Language

Have you ever thought about learning a new language? And if so, what stopped you? Numerous reasons might keep people from reaching their linguistic goals, and the thought that learning a language will take a lot of time is among the most common. But fear not! In today’s article, we’ll tell you about the best way to learn a language, with valuable tips and proven techniques to make your experience pleasant and beneficial.

Learning a Language: Where to Start

Before going through the language learning tips, you need to understand several important things. They will help you determine your route and what works best for you. Here are some things to pay attention to.

  1. Find out what language you want to learn. It might seem obvious, but some people actually struggle with that, and it stops them from reaching their goals. For instance, you might think about the best languages to learn, try to master all of them at once, and, as a result, give up on each one. So, set your priorities and focus on one tongue at once. 
  2. Understand your reasons. Ask yourself, why do you want to learn a new language? Maybe you want to travel to a new country, look for a new job opportunity, or simply aim to expand your knowledge. Learning becomes more manageable when you know precisely why you’re doing it.
  3. Discover your learning style. This is crucial because it directly impacts the way you absorb information. There are four common ones: visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic. Find out which one suits you best, and see how much easier learning new information will become!

Another important thing to do is to set clear and achievable goals. Of course, you probably want to master a language as soon as possible. However, you need to realize that this process still requires time and effort and be ready for it. Yet, there are still some tips that can simplify and speed up this process. 

Fastest Way to Learn a Language: Best Methods and Techniques

Language proficiency means mastering all the essential skills, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening. To nail them, you need to focus on several factors. We’ll talk about them in more detail below.

Building a Strong Vocabulary

It’s safe to say that vocabulary is the foundation of the most useful languages to learn. It is a key to understanding and effective communication. Here are some tips for you to boost it significantly.

  • Focus on high-frequency words. When just starting your language-learning journey, don’t try to immediately memorize some difficult, niche terms to sound more fluent. Instead, prioritize terms that are most commonly used in a language. They make up a significant portion of everyday conversation, so you can understand your interlocutors easily.
  • Use SRS. Implementing spaced repetition systems into your studying routine is the best way to learn a new language vocabulary. In this technique, you review words at increasing intervals over time. So, instead of learning new vocabulary a hundred times during one day, you repeat them ten times a day for ten days. 
  • Learn in context. When talking about how to learn language effectively, it’s safe to say that context is key. Instead of memorizing words in isolation, learn them within the context of sentences or phrases. This way, you’ll understand how the term is used and recall it more easily when speaking or writing.
  • Engage in active usage. Regularly use new vocabulary in conversations, writing exercises, or even in your thoughts. The more you actively use a word, the more likely you will remember it. Language exchange partners or journaling in the target language are excellent practice methods.

These tips work wonders for the most languages to learn. Therefore, no matter which one you’re aiming to master, make sure to focus on a vocabulary using this advice, and you’ll see the results.

1

Understanding Basic Grammar

Like the words, grammar is an integral part of any language. It is a structure that basically holds it together. And while it might be challenging sometimes, especially when trying to find out how to learn a language on your own, there are some tips that can help. 

  • Start with fundamental rules. Once again, don’t try to get the most complex things when you’re just beginning to learn a language. Start with essential grammar structures, like verb conjugation, sentence order, and common verb tenses. This way, you can build more complex sentences in the future. 
  • Learn in context (again). Just like with vocabulary, learning grammar through context can make it easier to grasp. Read and listen to native content, and pay attention to how grammar is naturally used. Practice by writing simple sentences using the grammar rules you’ve learned, and gradually increase complexity as you become more comfortable.
  • Don’t obsess over perfection. It’s easy to become overly focused on perfect grammar, but in the early stages, communication is more important than perfection. Allow yourself to make mistakes, as they are a natural part of the learning process. Over time, as you gain more exposure and practice, your understanding of grammar will improve naturally.

What is the best way to learn a language? We would say that it’s a constant practice. And it also applies to mastering basic grammar. Practice regularly, do some easy exercises, try creating sentences in the language you’re learning, and notice the inevitable results.

Mastering Pronunciation in Early Stages

Some people believe pronunciation is not as significant as other aspects, especially at the beginning of learning a language. However, it’s not true. The earlier you practice it alongside other skills, the easier it will become to reach fluency. Luckily, many tips can help you to do so.

  • Listen to native speakers. Surround yourself with the sounds of the language in any way possible. Listen to music and podcasts in a target language, watch movies and TV shows, or communicate with natives in real life. This way, you’ll get a feel for the rhythm and intonation. 
  • Break down sounds. Another great thing you can do when learning how to become fluent in a language is to identify the most challenging sounds for you. This way, you can acknowledge them and find the best way to practice them.
  • Record yourself speaking. It is an excellent opportunity to listen to your speech in a language you’re learning, compare it to the native speakers, and determine which areas need improvement.

If possible, you can also seek feedback from people who are already fluent in the language you’re learning. You can ask them to correct your pronunciation during conversations or explain the usage of one or other sounds.

Engage in Speaking and Conversation

How to learn a new language effectively? While there is no one specific answer to this question, since it depends on several factors, one thing remains the same – the more you expose yourself to the language, the easier it will be to master it. So, when your goal is to become fluent in a particular tongue, it’s vital to find ways to engage in different speaking activities.

When communicating with real people, you not only see the usage of the language in natural conversation. You can also seek feedback, ask questions, and learn new words, intonations, accents, and other essential features. 

But how can you find those said native speakers? Luckily, there are plenty of options. From small talks offline to language learning courses to social media platforms, many like-minded people will be happy to help you. Additionally, you can join Conversation Clubs to communicate with people on various topics and improve your language skills at the same time.

Find the Easiest Way to Learn a Language with Promova

Despite many common beliefs, we can say that learning a new language yourself is possible. However, this process still requires not only effort and time but also access to helpful resources. And that’s where Promova got you covered! Our platform provides several options for learning English and many other languages. Here’s what you can get.

  1. Convenient application to study by yourself. You can start learning Spanish, French, Korean, English, ASL, and many other tongues in a few quick taps anywhere and anytime you want. With the Promova app, you access tons of engaging lessons and other important language-learning materials for practice.
  2. Free Conversation Club to practice speaking. If your goal is to master English speaking, and you’re looking for a place to communicate with fellow learners and discuss exciting topics, don’t hesitate to join our free Conversation Club. 
  3. Lessons with professional tutors. For those who prefer studying with guidance, we offer personal and group lessons with our English tutors, who are always ready to help you reach your goals. 
  4. Free trial lesson. We understand how difficult it might be to decide, so we offer the opportunity to peek at our studying process before making a final decision. 

In addition to that, we always invite you to check our blog to access tons of useful articles on various language-learning topics. As you can see, there are plenty of things Promova has to offer. And it’s up to you to choose which ones suits you best!

Conclusion

How fast can you learn a language? In fact, it depends solely on yourself. Yet, some tips and tricks can help you simplify and speed up this process. We’ve discussed some of the most helpful ones in today’s article, and we hope that you’ll manage the ones that work best for you here. And that’s it for now! Looking forward to seeing you in the next article.

FAQ

What are the best languages to learn?

There is no right answer because it mostly depends on your personal goals. If you need a foreign tongue for career advancement, try languages with global economic importance, like Mandarin, Spanish, German, or French. For travel purposes, give Italian or Portuguese a try. Additionally, you can focus on tongues widely spoken in the area you’re planning to travel to or live in.

How long does it usually take to learn a new language?

It depends on many factors, from the time you’re ready to spend learning to the difficulty of the chosen language. According to FSI, it can take from 600 to 2,000 class hours, depending on the tongue complexity.

How can I use the media to learn a language?

You can use media like movies, TV shows, podcasts, and music to immerse yourself in the language. Start with content that has subtitles in both your native and target languages. Also, make sure to choose content that’s not only suitable for your level but also interesting to you. This way, you’ll make your learning practical and enjoyable.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when learning a new language?

The most common one is setting unrealistic expectations and being afraid of making mistakes. Make sure that you understand that mastering a new language will take time, and don’t expect to become fluent overnight. Also, don’t be too hard on yourself – making mistakes is natural, and it’s the best way to learn something new. To err is human.

Comments