Learning a language can be difficult even if you find a class where you can begin the process. In fact, you may feel too intimidated to sign up for that Montreal language course if you think the project is too big and complicated for you. Here are three steps to take to help you learn to speak any new language.
Learning a language can be difficult even if you find a class where you can begin the process. In fact, you may feel too intimidated to sign up for that Montreal language course if you think the project is too big and complicated for you. Here are three steps to take to help you learn to speak any new language.
1. Think about the Context
When you start to learn a new language, you often focus on memorizing each word and its meaning. While this is a good way to become familiar with the language in the beginning, it will actually have an adverse effect in the long-term. Instead, try to consider the context of the conversation and learn phrases and entire sentences. It won’t matter if you mispronounce one or two words as long as you get the basic idea across.
To make this work, you’ll need to pay attention to the speaker. Notice their gestures and if they are animated. Pay attention to their facial expressions. If they are angry or sad, you can use that to help you
understand the meaning behind their words.
2. Pay Attention
While you want to consider your surroundings and other nonverbal cues when interpreting someone’s words, you don’t want to get too distracted. Focus on their voice and ignore other sounds and sights.
Do this not only when you are talking to someone but when you are listening to radio or watching movies in the foreign language. In fact, radio is the best option because you only hear the words and don’t have a picture. Try audio books or other verbal resources where you are forced to listen in the foreign language with no visual cues. This will help train your mind to listen for words and phrases you know.
3. Practice All the Time
You can’t get good at doing anything without practice, and this rule is true for speaking a new language. Spend as much time immersed in the new language as you can. Switch your TV to the new language, read books in the foreign tongue. Get out where people are speaking this language. In Montreal and other major cities, you can find numerous languages being spoken if you know where to go. Hang out in a coffee shop or restaurant where you can listen in without eavesdropping and practice listening.
The more time spent in the new language, the faster you will learn. Your brain will stop translating the foreign words into your native tongue and instead will start picking up the meaning automatically.
If you want to learn a new language or take a language class, you can follow these three tips to help you progress faster. You’ll quickly discover that you can speak the language without stopping this.
