4 Tips to Learning a Foreign Language

Have you ever sat through a math class and felt like your teacher was speaking a foreign language? Were you dazed and confused? Well, in French and Spanish class, your teacher is speaking a foreign language. It is no wonder that you would feel perplexed and uncomfortable! Here are a few tips to make the most of your time spent tackling a new language.

Practice out loud and on paper
While writing skills are crucial to mastering a language, oral expression is a key stepping stone on the road to fluency. Foreign languages present a whole new range of sounds and, though it may feel awkward at first, reading out loud will train your facial and throat muscles to produce these new sounds. Making flashcards is a great way to practice. You will develop a visual memory of what you’ve written on the cards and an auditory memory of what you’ve read out loud, making this particular learning tool doubly effective.

Utilize available resources

When doing homework, take the time to get it right. Use a dictionary to look up words you are unfamiliar with. Refer to verb tables and grammar guides when necessary. Your textbook is always a good place to start when in doubt. In class, communicate with your instructor. Tell your teacher about any difficulties you are having, and be open to his/her suggestions. If you have a private SAT tutor, take advantage by asking questions you may not have had the opportunity to bring up in class. Being proactive in this way will only broaden your grasp of the language.

Maximize exposure

Immerse yourself in the language as often as possible. Consider watching a movie or television program, or listening to the radio (many foreign radio and television stations have streaming or archived programs online). If you encounter a native speaker, attempt to have a conversation with him/her. These exercises are especially helpful in developing an authentic accent. Don’t worry about not understanding everything you hear. Listening alone will increase familiarity with the language and ultimately improve comprehension.

Divide and conquer

This strategy is the recipe for success, regardless of your objective. As with physical exercise, long, strenuous practice sessions can often leave you feeling burnt out. On the other hand, short, regular sessions that lead to positive results are quite encouraging. Studies have shown that practicing a language on a regular basis for short periods of time increases retention. So, aim for small, reachable goals. Every goal achieved or hurdle overcome will boost your confidence and motivate you to learn more.

Remember, not understanding what you hear or read is a completely natural part of the language learning process. Rest assured that, with the right dedication and time, the foreign language you have undertaken won’t seem so foreign after all!