Language learning presents its own set of challenges, and finding time for it is often the biggest hurdle. However, maintaining consistency is crucial for progress.
5 everyday hacks to help you in language learning
Often, the biggest challenge in language learning is figuring out how and when to make time for it. However, continuity and consistency are essential for progress. With these five simple and easily incorporable tips, language learning can become more enjoyable and effective, making it easier to maintain motivation.
5 everyday hacks to help you in language learning
- Listen to Podcasts!
It’s no surprise that podcasts are becoming increasingly popular as a tool for language learning.
Some advantages include:
- Podcasts are like radio shows, but you can listen to them anytime on your smartphone, using the internet and an app (e.g., Spotify). It’s easily accessible with just a few clicks.
- Many podcasts provide transcripts, so you can hear the content, follow along and read it anytime. You can even jot down unfamiliar words.
- There’s a wide range of content to choose from, allowing you to learn through topics that interest you, keeping it engaging.
Although most podcasts cater to individuals with a more solid grasp of the language, there are also podcasts specifically tailored to novice language learners.
Some German language learning podcasts:
- https://www.easygerman.org/podcast/episodes/316
- https://open.spotify.com/show/4CAPKEyQ9KHtm9XEkjWHp3?si=l-6HFk0WQzq5JfPNSxw0dw&utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=organic&nd=1
- https://slowgerman.com/
- https://coffeebreaklanguages.com/coffeebreakgerman/
Some English language learning podcasts:
- https://www.podcastsinenglish.com/
- https://www.betteratenglish.com/be-episode-archives
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9zn/episodes/downloads
- https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts
- Learn a New Expression Every Day!
Whether from the morning podcast, a Facebook post, or a dictionary, incorporating the acquisition of one new expression into your daily routine is easy. You can use the new expression in sentences, explore different verb tenses, and repeat it as much as possible.
- Listen to Music!
Music is a wonderful tool for language learning. Just as we learn our native language through music and rhythms in childhood, melodies and recurring patterns in music can help with memorization later on. If you find songs in the target language that you enjoy, you’ll stay more motivated and cheerful during your language learning journey. For beginners, choose music with simple, frequently repeated words and sentences. Later on, you can explore more complex lyrics and translate, learn, and sing along.
- Talk to Yourself – Out Loud!
No, talking to yourself out loud isn’t just for the lunatic; dedicated language learners and geniuses do it too. Speaking something out loud helps us concentrate better and organize our thoughts, leading to improved memory. Rumour has it that even Albert Einstein had many conversations with himself.
- Keep a Journal!
Writing a journal in a foreign language is an incredibly creative way to learn. Don’t worry; you don’t have to write the next bestseller! Even with basic knowledge, you can create short entries. It’s not about perfection. However:
- Writing about your day will force you to learn or look up everyday expressions.
- You’ll learn new words.
- Writing/journaling, in general, has therapeutic effects. When you do it in a foreign language, it allows you to “step out” of your usual reality.
- You don’t have to write daily, if you don’t want to, and you have control over the content.
- If you’re unsure about your writing, ask someone who is good at the language to check it for you.