Language impacts the daily lives of members of any race, creed, and region of the world. Language helps express our feelings, desires, and queries to the world around us. Words, gestures and tone are utilized in union to portray a broad spectrum of emotion. The unique and diverse methods human beings can use to communicate through written and spoken language is a large part of what allows to harness our innate ability to form lasting bonds with one another; separating mankind from the rest of the animal kingdom. 1
People who speak two or more languages have significantly better overall cognitive abilities. For example, multilinguals perform better than monolinguals in tests measuring general intelligence and problem-solving skills. Studies also suggest that learning languages actually increases brain size and connectivity. Just like physical exercise strengthens your muscles, the more you exercise your brain, the stronger and more connected it will become. Knowing more than one language protects your brain against aging. Scientists believe that learning a second language can postpone Alzheimer’s disease and the onset of dementia by several years. Polyglots are also more perceptive to their surroundings and better at focusing in on important information while at the same time filtering out trivial information. Great news for us who have the opportunity to study in such a fun and rewarding way! 2
1.Know Your Motivation
It’s silly to even have to say this, but knowing why you’re learning
a foreign language is key to mastering it. If you don’t have a good
reason to learn, you are less likely to stay motivated in the
long-run.You can know all the tips and tricks there are, but if you
don’t know the why behind it all, how it’s going to enrich your
life, chances are you’re going to lose motivation
2.Keep It Relevant
If you make conversation a goal from the beginning, you’re less
likely to get lost in textbooks. Talking to people is one of the
best ways to learn a language because it keeps the learning process
relevant to you.You’re learning a language to be able to use it.
You’re not going to speak it only to yourself. The creative side is
really being able to put the language that you’re learning into a
more useful, general, everyday setting — be that through writing
songs, generally wanting to speak to people or using it when you go
abroad.
3.Make it a habit
Make learning a language a habit. That is, include language-learning
activities into your daily schedule. Even if you only have a few
minutes, it’s better than skipping a day which could easily turn
into three or four. There are a lot of ways to develop and maintain
habits, so there is no excuse! The more often you practice, the
better you’ll get and feel motivated and compelled to keep it up.
4.You’re going to say a lot of stupid things. Accept it
There’s a lot to be said for checking your ego at the door, going
out there and just giving it your best shot. You can’t get better at
speaking a language unless you try, and practicing with a native or
fluent speaker who can give you real-time feedback is one of the
best ways to improve. So get out there and speak! Make mistakes,
learn from them and try, try again. It’ll only make you better.
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