There are many ways to start learning languages. Most of them are directly related to the adopted method of learning, some are general, but there is no single golden rule that would regulate the process and give 100% certainty that language teaching will be effective. Nevertheless, one can be tempted to list a few aspects of teaching that seem essential. First of all, we need to know why we want to acquire such a skill, i.e. be motivated.
Regardless of the choice of the system of acquiring skills or techniques, one should give oneself time to be able to receive and consolidate knowledge regularly, without unnecessary breaks, which ruin every education process.
The last thing worth mentioning is to set the next stages of work. This is how we can verify our skills from time to time, while at the same time gaining the necessary reward in the form of subsequent, passed phases of gaining skills. Only the student armed with the above attributes can go to more detailed recommendations.
Make your list with the words
When starting to learn, e.g. English, it is worthwhile to prepare a list with the words we consider most useful. Of course, this list will look different, depending on what you intend to use this skill for, but it should include words characteristic of the language, appearing in almost every sentence. A similar choice must be made with other parts of speech (verbs, nouns, adjectives) in mind. Having such a list, we can consolidate the list of expressions written on it step by step.
Sticking together the sheets of paper
In this simple and effective way we can enrich any chosen method of gaining knowledge that we use, one of which is learning a foreign language. It is enough to write down difficult words and phrases on sheets of paper and stick them in visible places so that they can be repeated without any problem while performing various activities. Additionally, you can stick different objects that you have in your sight and every time you look at them you will have a chance to remember and increase the effectiveness of language learning.
Repeat, i.e. repetition systems in intervals
The basis of this method is the continuous repetition of the memorized content. How many and how often we will repeat the learned words and expressions depends on how fast we will assimilate them. Daily repetition can be conventionally divided into two basic variations: analogue and digital.
There are many scientific publications on language teaching available on the market, among them we also find fiches, i.e. printed cards with words and phrases in a given foreign language, which are grouped in different categories, such as time, body parts, home, state, family, colors, movement, transport and many others.
The method consists in repeating and memorizing individual contents and grouping them according to their degree of advancement. In this way we save time and energy by focusing our attention on what we need most. In the case of the digital version of repetitions, things are roughly similar, with the difference that the cycles of repetition are controlled by a computer program, which with the help of an algorithm determines how many and what repetitions we have to do.
We repeat words and expressions loudly!
Since we know so much about the importance of repetition, it is worth realizing that repetition out loud is the most effective. When we pronounce the learned phrases loudly, it is easier to remember them, and additionally, we record the pronunciation.
Original methods
Among the numerous methods of education, several seem to be completely unusual. The Total Physical Response method (whole-body response) is most often used in school education, i.e. in work with children. It involves involving the whole body in the process of learning new vocabulary and entire language structures. The student follows the teacher’s instructions and repeats the phrases heard, matching them. This method takes the form of play, which is very important for its effectiveness among children.
Another interesting way is learning languages through sleep. Although its effectiveness is not ultimately proven, there is no shortage of those willing to use it. This is probably due to the fact that this method does not require much effort, after all, listening to the next lessons through sleep should not be a problem for anyone.
You can also learn a language by listening to music with lyrics in the language you are interested in. By listening to a given speech we acquire more and more skills. It seems a good idea to combine this method with another one, i.e. learning while doing physical exercises, preferably while running. Our brain is more efficient and assimilates knowledge better thanks to physical activity and contact with fresh air.
Classical learning methods
Of course we don’t have to learn on our own, you can always take advantage of the rich educational offer in this area. There are many language schools and courses where specialized staff will make sure that we learn the language. We will find a whole range of methods, from the most traditional grammar and translation method, through contact with a native speaker and the direct method, to others, including the cognitive method.
We can learn individually or in groups, at home or at school, intensively or with less commitment. In addition, there are numerous specialized publications that offer textbooks, articles, texts and all kinds of aids containing complete language knowledge useful for language learning.
Modern technologies such as the Internet and smartphone applications play a very important educational role. Through them we can make learning easier, gain new knowledge and verify it easily and quickly. E-learning is becoming increasingly popular. An excellent method is to go to another country, where trying to communicate every day, we acquire basic skills.
