10 Stages of Language Learning How to Get Started & Keep Going

Alex Rawlings

This is Alex Rawlings.

He is 21.

He speaks 11 languages.

How

does

he

do

it!?

Yes, he’s from the UK.

No, he’s not a wizard.

So… how does he do it?

It’s not about magic, it’s

about method.

Follow along as Alex navigates

the 10 stages of learning.

Stage 1: Pick a Language

Stage 1: Pick a Language

Well THAT sounds easy, right? But if you’re in it for the long haul, make sure you’re picking a language you will stick with. • Will it help you in working life? • Do you have family or friends who speak it? • Do you want to travel to countries where it is spoken?

Whatever your reasons, just make sure you have reasons.

Stage 2: Set Goals

Stage 2: Set Goals

When was the last time you left your house to go somewhere without know how to get there? Probably never… hopefully never! Same with learning a language. You can’t start on your language learning journey without knowing where you want it to take you!

• Are you happy with learning only a few French survival phrases for your Paris trip?

• Do you want to master all of the Hindi grammar and speak like a pro?

• Planning to some day be the next great Russian novelist?

Stage 3: Make a Start

Stage 3: Make a Start

Listen to the language: find podcasts, YouTube videos, music, etc. It’s all out there on the interwebs, and it’s free. Learn some basic phrases. You might not understand their reply, but you’ll sure be able to ask someone how they are! This is your “try before you buy” period. Can’t stand how it sounds? Not liking it so far? Refer back to Stage 1!

Stage 4: Get a Course

Stage 4: Get a Course We’re getting serious now. When searching for a course, ask yourself some questions: • Is this course relevant to my language goals? • Is this course in my budget?

• You don’t necessarily need to spend $500—more expensive does not mean better! Check online for courses that offer monthly subscriptions, so you only pay for what you need.

• Check your local library—many of them offer free language learning materials!

Once you have a course, dive in! Go through the entire course multiple times. Give yourself time and let it all sink in. Learn, lather, repeat.

Stage 5: Acquire Extra Material

Stage 5: Acquire Extra Material

You’re feeling confident now. Your course has taught you 150+ words, and now it’s time for more. Here’s the good news, the internet is FULL of free resources for you!

• Watch some children’s TV shows on Youtube. No shame, the

vocab will be on your level, and it’s fun!

• Subscribe to Word of the Day e-mails for new vocab.

• Read language blogs and free children’s stories.

There’s so much out there, just explore and find some resources you enjoy!

Stage 6: Navigate your first mid-language crisis

Stage 6: Navigate your first mid-language crisis

Unfortunately, this happens. You probably have a good grasp on the basic tenses (past, present, future) and a decent vocabulary. You can survive in the language, if need be… now what? Unless this was your goal all along, keep going, and don’t get complacent! • Change your schedule! If you can’t stomach a full hour

anymore, break it up into 15-min segments throughout the day.

• Tackle new topics. • Remind yourself of why you started this in the first place!

Stage 7: Visit the Country!

Stage 7: Visit the Country!

This is the best motivation for a language learner. If all of the planets align and your schedule and budget allow, go for it! • Practice what you’ve learned • Absorb all of the new words and phrases you’re hearing • Figure out what you need to keep working on

If a trip is out of the question, check out one of the numerous free language exchange websites out there. Trade e-mails and Skype chat with a native speaker.

Stage 8: The Confidence Plateau

Stage 8: The Confidence Plateau

Feeling confident in your abilities now? GOOD! Confidence is key in language learning, especially when it comes to speaking. Don’t get fooled though. Just because you feel confident doesn’t mean you can stop learning now. Language learning never stops! The next two steps will take you that extra mile towards advanced proficiency, so don’t duck out now.

Stage 9: Immerse Yourself

Stage 9: Immerse Yourself

No more kids’ TV shows anymore (unless you’ve taken a liking to them… we won’t judge). Now it’s time for the nightly news, talk shows, movies, etc.

Watch actively:

• Keep a dictionary and a notepad nearby.

• Write down 10-20 new words as you watch, including the context.

• Commit these words to memory and repeat.

Stage 10: More immersion!

Stage 10: More immersion!

You’re close to the pinnacle now. Watching TV and films has expanded your vocabulary and your cultural understanding. But you’re missing out on some important skills: reading and writing. Reading a novel in your second language can be a monumental task. Try to pick a book you’ve already ready in your native language that has been translated into the language you’re learning. DO NOT look up every word you don’t know, you will be miserable and never finish. DO look up words that are vital for understanding what is happening. Many e-readers have dictionaries that can show you the meaning as you go! As you build your vocabulary, try keeping a diary in your new language to practice writing. Write opinion pieces or short stories for more practice.

You may never be done learning a language, but by now you can proudly and deservedly take your seat, and conduct the rest of your studies from the warmth and comfort of the

inside of the language club.

Have a specific question? Want more advice? #JustAskAlex

Alex will be answering your questions on the last Monday of every month on our Transparent Language Blog! If you have a question, tweet it to us @TLILanguages or on Facebook using #JustAskAlex. For more language learning tips and tricks from Alex, visit his blog , connect with him on Facebook, or tweet him @rawlangs_blog.