Tips for you to learn a new language successfully!

Are you interested in learning a new language? Do not be afraid or daunted by the process. This language-learning journey will definitely be a rewarding one.

As a form of personal growth, learning a new language can be a great start! Progress and success come in many different forms. It is not just about your academic results but challenging yourself to try out new things. The good thing about learning a new language is that it can just be a hobby! Go at your own pace and slowly get better.

Bilingualism in Singapore

Being an ethnically diverse country, the language policy in Singapore aims to cultivate bilingual citizens who are able to converse fluently in both English and their Mother Tongue.

The bilingual policy was implemented by the Ministry of Education to create a common ground between the 3 dominant races in Singapore in line with the efforts of building a harmonious Singapore. Through enforcing the knowledge and usage of Mother Tongue, MOE hopes to safeguard the Asian identity and keep the citizens grounded in their cultures.

There are various different benefits of being Bilingual. Not only does it enable you to pick up a new language easier, it also cultivates better focus and creativity in children.

To find out more about Bilingualism, check out this article!

Benefits of learning a new language

1. Global opportunities

Learning a new language can open new doors to careers or study opportunities outside your own country.

With the increasingly globalised world, many multinational coporations are looking for employees from all over the world. Being able to speak foreign languages can be a skill that allows you to stand out from the other applicants. It allows you to work overseas and branch out from where you are!

Some schools in various countries also offer free university education if you can speak their native language! For example, in Germany, you get free university education if you can speak German (even if you are a foreigner). That is really worth it if you are looking to study overseas. You get to gain experience and save costs.

2. Experience a different culture, more authentically!

Even though you can experience cultures through your own native tongue thanks to translation, meanings, and authenticity being lost in translation is a real disadvantage.

Being able to speak a foreign language helps you to understand ideas in their cultural context and connect with the locals better. When you are able to communicate with the locals you will be able to gain insights into their local culture and daily life.

It will make it a lot easier to travel in that country and visit places that may be inaccessible to foreigners who are unable to speak the language.

3. Better memory

Research shows that people who speak more than one language have improved memory!

Learning a new language requires you to memorise new vocabulary and word usage so when you learn a new language, you are using more of your memory which makes it stronger and better. 

4. Boosts your confidence

Learning a new language is a personal goal and journey. It is definitely a challenge so when you see yourself improving and getting a better grasp of the language, you will start to feel a sense of achievement. This can boost your self-confidence and encourage you to try new things. Being able to converse well in a foreign language can also boost your confidence!

5. Make better decisions

Research has shown that decisions made in your second-language are more reason-based than those made in your native language. Studies have also shown that it is easier for multilingual individuals to make decisions. So learning a new language can help you make better decisions in a shorter amount of time.

Best languages to learn!

There are so many languages to learn so here are the most commonly learned languages around the world.

Language	Number of Learners	Remarks
English	1.5 billion	As the world’s most used lingua franca (the language used to communicate between individuals with different native languages) many people around the world pick up this language!
French	85 million	French is spoken across 5 different continents and it is the 6th most widely spoken language around the world.
Chinese	30 Million	Many people pick up Chinese so that they are able to further their studies or careers in China.
German	14.5 million	German is one of the world languages where there are more than 69 million speakers around the world.
Spanish	14.5 million	Spanish is the official language in 21 different countries.

How to learn a new language?

You may be looking for tips on how to learn a new language quickly or in the fastest way possible. Frankly, learning a new language will take time because it is a skill you have to cultivate! Not something you can memorise within a day!

However, these tips are effective and will make sure that you are productive in your learning. You will see yourself improve in the language if you follow these tips.

1. Listen to language-learning podcasts on Spotify

There are many different language-learning podcasts available for you to listen to!

You may think that listening to a podcast is rather advanced but many of these podcasts are tailored to beginner-learners so do not feel daunted! Try them out and find one that suits you.

Listening to podcasts can help you make full use of the time you have while you are commuting. When you make it a habit to listen to these podcasts while you commute, you ensure that you are exposed to the language every day which will help you to remember the new vocabulary more easily.

2. Learning Language with Netflix

This is a google extension that you can install on your google chrome. Just as it’s been stated in its name, it helps you to learn languages while you watch Netflix. What a simple yet fun way to learn a new language. Not only are you able to destress as you watch your favourite shows, it also allows you to hear how native speakers speak in various contexts.

3. Listen to songs

One of the key ways to learn a new language is to be exposed to it as much as possible! Weave it into your daily life!

Listening to songs in the language you are learning is another way to expose you to the language that is both fun and entertaining.

4. X-language day

If you are trying to pick up a new language or you want to improve on your second language, dedicating a day to speak in that language can help to find out the daily conversational language words and phrases in the foreign language.

Challenging yourself to speak that language is an opportunity for you to apply what you have learnt and practice speaking that language.

5. Set time aside to learn

Learning a new language is like picking up a new skill! It is not something you can learn once a month and expect significant improvements. Make it a point to plan some language-learning time into your weekly schedule.

It could be 2hrs a week but make sure that you set aside that time to learn consistently! This way you will be able to remember what you’ve learnt, and make some progress over time.

6. Follow people who post in the language you are trying to learn on social media!

Many of us scroll through social media on a daily basis. Following language-learning accounts of accounts that post in the language you are trying to learn will encourage you to practice reading in that language on a daily basis. Posts on social media are often short so it is easier to read. You can see how different phrases or words you’ve learnt can be used in a sentence.

7. Find penpals online

Penpals from the native country of the language you are learning can help you practice the language. The app Slowly is one that allows you to find penpal from all over the world. You will be sending letters digitally! To retain the authenticity of waiting for letters from the other parts of the world Slowly takes some time to deliver your digital letter to your penpals.

Having a penpal is a good way to practice the language and make new friends!

8. Practice speaking in that language

If you do not have someone to speak to in the language, you can always talk to yourself! This seems absurd but it is a great way to practice what you have learnt. You can try to describe your day to yourself or attempt to think in the language you are learning.

With all these tips I hope that you will embark on your language-learning soon and spend some time this holiday to pick up a useful skill!

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