Start networking and exchanging professional insights

Register now or log in to join your professional community.

Follow

How do I quickly and efficiently learn a new language?

user-image
Question added by Sarah Ali , Senior Evaluation Specialist , United Nations
Date Posted: 2016/05/30
ahmed abdallah
by ahmed abdallah , Language Instructor , King Saud University

How do I quickly and efficiently learn a new language?

It is not easy to answer such a tricky question. It depends. There are many factors that interfere in the process. These include: (i) motivation, (ii) language aptitude, (iii) age, (iv) length and frequency of studying, and () language difficulty.

However, it is believed that total immersion is the best, fastest, and most efficient way. This happens by visiting the country where the language is the native language.  

Moreover, the following tips might help:

1.     Immerse yourself in the language. Create an environment where only this language is used

2.     Keep on conversation. Connect with a native speaker.

3.     Use audio and online courses

4.     Use language learning software and applications.

5.     Intensity of study trumps length of study

6.     Start with the 100 most common words, then add more

7.     Keep practicing in your head

8.     You’re going to say a lot of stupid things. Don’t panic. Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

9.     Don't worry too much about grammar. Work more on pronunciation.

SEE THIS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIqhWDSccMc

 

 

Ghada Eweda
by Ghada Eweda , Medical sales hospital representative , Pfizer pharmaceutical Plc.

This is a difficult question because there are so many variables such as your native language, level and intensity of learning as well as self-motivation

 

I think that the language you're learning  and the languages you speak already  are the most important factors. For instances If you're Chinese and trying to learn Dutch, you may need more than 2000 hours, while as a native English speaker you only need around 600 - and if you're a native German speaker with some knowledge of English, you may be able to make do with 300 even! Apart from your language knowledge and experience, the next biggest factor is the level you're trying to reach. The numbers on the site I gave are all going for the lower end of professional working capacity. If you have a less lofty goal, you may be able to reach it faster, especially if you optimize for what you want to achieve. As you can read in the linked blog article I wrote for Benny's site, I have been able to understand a Japanese TV series after 30 days, test at A2 level in Finnish after 30 days, give a public speech in Indonesian after 6 weeks, and so on. It's all a matter of optimization for your goal. Few people really want to be an expert at every aspect of a language, at least not urgently. They urgently need one skill, but they develop all skills at once because that's what textbooks and classes generally do. It slows them down a lot though. To get an idea of how to optimize your path you should be  an experienced language learner. Here a coach may be helpful. Note also that intensity is an issue  in learning a new language quickly . The FSI assumes that you will study very intensively, as their students do, at least 4 hours a day. However, the average adult language learner only studies two hours a week or so. At that speed, you will forget much more and waste time having to review it, so you will inevitably need longer than their estimates. The more intensively you study, the less total time you'll need. I recommend intensive study especially at the beginning, to quickly leave the textbook stage behind and reach a level where "study" becomes self-motivating and fun, for example because you're watching movies or reading interesting articles in your target language.  And that's the real key: motivation. The more weeks and months you spend on a language, the more motivation you need in order not to quit. The vast majority of language learners quit before they reach their goal. So ensure that either a) the language is easy enough to pick up quickly or b) you're studying very intensively or c) you have enough motivation to sustain you for the really long run - or a mixture of the three.Good luck!

Farhana Siddique Fari
by Farhana Siddique Fari , Coordinator , Coordinator at DFA, Dr Fazeela Abbasi, Advanced Skin, Laser & Hair Institute, Islamabad.

I am in total agreement with Mr. Shahul Hameed Mohammad's answer.

Shahul  Hameed Mohammad
by Shahul Hameed Mohammad , Human Resources Generalist (HR Generalist) , S A CO

It all depends on how fast you could understand and remember words with enthusiasm. You can begin by by-hearting some sentences and important words which are often used in that laguage you want to learn. You can get assistance easily from interent by using videos, documnenatries, movies of that particular language you want to learn especially to learn the accent and how the words are used. 

Rasha Maarabouni
by Rasha Maarabouni , Executive Registrar , Lebanese International University

The most important way is practicing the language on a daily basis. 

مها شرف
by مها شرف , معلمة لغة عربية , وزارة التربية السورية

I agree with Mr Shahul answers, thanks for the invitation

It is either fast or effective - no both, You choose 

Israa Mohammed
by Israa Mohammed , English Teacher , Ministry of Education and higher education

In theory they say you have to put yourself in autantic situation )real life situations going to the supermarket and taliking with the casher thier) etc... 

As well as reading. 

Moustafa Amin
by Moustafa Amin , Executive Assistant Manager at Iberotel Palace , Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises

I think Italian language will be easy to learn. You need to stress on the oral practice which will help a lot to speak easily & correct. Go online for free courses & start with the alphabet then shor

when you love a language you will learn it easly 

zakia chhima
by zakia chhima , COORDINATRICE , HOSPIQUALITY

you have to have the willingness to learn and after study including ongoing reading.

More Questions Like This

Do you need help in adding the right keywords to your CV? Let our CV writing experts help you.