7 Tried and True Language Learning Techniques for

Any Skill Level

fluentu.com/blog/language-learning-techniques/

jenniferyoung

Curse words are often the first things people learn in a foreign language.

That’s because they get the most mileage—especially when you’re frustrated tackling
beginner lessons.

Learning a new language is one of the hardest things you can do.

There, we said it.

If you’ve ever found yourself using the handful of frustrated curse words you’ve learned in
your target language while practicing or during a lesson, you’re not alone.

Beginners aren’t the only ones struggling. There’s a learning curve no matter what level
you’re at.

But you can do this. So many other people have learned successfully. How?

The answer is simple: Keep going. No matter what, don’t give up.

Okay, it may not be quite that simple—you’re going to need some great techniques for
learning too. If you find yourself bored, unchallenged, uninspired or totally stagnant with
your current learning techniques (or if you haven’t settled on any one technique yet) then this
post will be just what you need.

We’re going to introduce you to a variety of learning techniques that can help you stay in the
game. You’ll be exposed to different ways of looking at your target language and approaches
to learning. The purpose of this is to keep things interesting and keep your options wide
open.

Most people find success by combining different techniques. Try one or all of these and see
what works for you!

1. Find a Program and Stick with It

For those who need order and organization in their lives, a full-service language program that
guides you step-by-step may be just what the doctor ordered.

1/12
Usually, these come complete with a textbook, written exercises and audio listening
components for a well-rounded learning experience. Some programs may include interactive
exercises and visual cues. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of options for language learning
books, audio CDs, and computer programs. There’s sure to be one out there for you!

One of the best places to find your language program is your local public library. Search the
400s section using the Dewey Decimal System to locate the language books of your choice.
Then browse away!

Sometimes libraries house their CD collections in a separate location. Also, they may have
subscriptions to computerized learning programs—so ask your librarian! If you’re interested
in buying one of the resources from a bookstore, you can always check it out from the library
first to see if you like it.

Amazon and Google Books are additional resources for finding a language learning program
that fits your needs. Search for your language along with keywords like “learn,” “learning” or
your proficiency level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). The advantage of searching
Amazon and Google Books is that they let you preview a book before deciding to buy it!

Once you find a program that you like, stick with it or you won’t get the most out of it.
Especially in your most frustrated moments, you need a consistent method to allow the
natural learning process to take over. Switching back and forth between different programs
may deter your progress, since they don’t go at the same pace or follow the same patterns.

Need some ideas for language learning programs? Check out our recommendations here.

2. Label Your Stuff in the Language

When you can’t travel abroad to a country that speaks your target language, the next best
thing is to pretend you’re there. In Spain, it’s not a pencil, it’s un lápiz. In France, it’s not
bread, it’s pain. Thinking of everyday objects around you in the foreign language and putting
labels on them by name will make you start to think more consistently in the language.

As much as possible, put Post-it notes or sticky labels on items around you to help you learn
their names in your target language. You can even buy yourself a pre-made Vocabulary
Stickers set, which gives you fun, color-coded labels for the most common items in your
home and office.

When you can’t label things—like when you’re in public—try to think of the word in the
language. If you don’t know it, jot down a note and look it up later! Be curious about the
world around you and how it would be talked about if you were in another country.

Looking for new words to learn? Try using books as outlined here.

2/12
3. Use Flashcards Consistently
A tried-and-true method dating all the way back to grade school, flashcards are a proven way
to memorize learning material. But how quickly did you forget that information in school
after you took the test?

When you’re learning a language, you want to learn it for life. Flashcards can get vocabulary
to stick, but only if you keep using them consistently. The best way to remember words and
phrases is to be exposed to them frequently. Keep your memory sharp by using flashcards
every day—even if just for 5 minutes.

We’re more likely to remember things when they’re grouped

with similar concepts. Rotate your flashcards in logical
themes, such as objects in the kitchen, verbs related to sports,
and vocabulary for the workplace. Introduce new vocabulary
on a regular basis—but if you find yourself forgetting words
you thought you knew, you might want to go back and revisit them. Making flashcards is easy
—there are even websites like Brain Grinder that will generate printable flashcards for you!

Looking for something that goes a few steps farther than flashcards? FluentU brings
flashcards to life.

FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and
inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contexts—the way that native speakers
actually use them. Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on
offer:

3/12
FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but
engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for
you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes
your fancy to get started!

4/12
Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example
sentences and more.

Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily
review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.

You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from
the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples
of the word you're studying.

5/12
The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for
review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the
FluentU app from the iTunes store or Google Play store.

Choose your favorite videos based on your skill level, learning style and personal interests.
Then you’ll get personalized sets of flashcards based on the language introduced in these
videos.

4. Read the News in the Language

Regardless of your proficiency level, reading the news in a foreign language is a great way to
keep up with the language—and stay connected to current events! Even as a beginner, you
can parse out the meaning of short news articles to learn new vocabulary and exercise your

6/12
reading comprehension. Regular reading in the language exposes you to a variety of words
and grammatical structures, many of which you might not encounter in your regular
language studies.

You can find an online newspaper from just about any country online. For example, a quick
Google search for “newspapers in China” brings up Asia Today, Beijing Daily and Chinese
Daily. The website Online Newspapers provides comprehensive lists of newspapers around
the world. When browsing headlines, look for simple topics like news about celebrities or
local crime events.

A bonus to this technique is that you’ll learn a lot about the culture and people that speak the
language you’re learning. As you continue to read more, challenge yourself to try more
difficult texts. You may be surprised how quickly you’ve advanced using this technique!

5. Find a Conversation Partner

Of all the ideas about how to best learn a language, there’s one that can’t be denied: Practice
is the best way to improve. Though helpful, you can only get so far with responding to audio
CD prompts. Short of having conversations with yourself, why not find someone you can
speak with?

Joining a Meetup group can hook you up with other people learning the
language. You’ll likely meet individuals who are farther along than you that
can bring you up to step, but you’ll also meet those who aren’t as skilled in
the language. Teaching them some new words and phrases can help
reinforce what you’ve already learned.

A language exchange partner can give you some one-on-one time and lends
an opportunity to make a friend. In a language exchange, you’ll meet with someone who
speaks the language you’re trying to learn and, instead of paying them, you’ll spend some
time tutoring or conversing with them in a language you know. For many people in the U.S.,
that tends to be English, but it could be any language. Finding a group or individual you can
regularly speak with in the language is priceless on your journey to fluency.

6. Think Like a Kid

Adults always comment on how children seem to absorb information “like sponges”—
especially when it comes to language. Past a certain age, learning new things appears to be
more of a challenge. However, there’s actually no scientific proof of the link between age and
learning ability. Instead, it might be a case of mind over matter.

As we age, we form certain thought patterns that connect the circuitry of our brain. In short,
we become rigid in our thinking. We’ve also developed a distaste for the all-too-familiar
experience of failure. These elements of adulthood can be blocks in the process of learning

7/12
something new. As kids, we don’t have these patterns established, and our minds are more
open. Children are less judgmental and more willing to try new things and make mistakes.
They also have less prior knowledge of language, so preconceptions of how language should
work don’t get in the way.

Try to think like a kid when it comes to learning your language. Keep an open mind, and
actively break down your own notions of how language “should” be structured based on what
you already know. Don’t judge yourself, and don’t be afraid to use the language you’re
learning—even if you do make mistakes. You’ll never become fluent if you don’t let yourself
try.

7. Set Goals for Yourself

You wanted to learn a new language for a reason. Maybe you’re traveling abroad for business
or pleasure, or perhaps you’ve started a new relationship with someone from another
country. Whatever the reason, you can use it to keep yourself motivated. Regularly remind
yourself why you decided to learn the language in the first place. Keeping the end goal in
sight will help you stay on course.

To get there, set well-planned goals and deadlines for reaching them. For example, if you’re
going to the zoo on your vacation, you might want to learn 10 words about animals by the end
of the week. By picking goals that make sense for your end result, your overall plan makes
more sense as the pieces fit together. The logical progression will give you a sense of
accomplishment. Simply write them down, or use an online goal-setting application. Track
your progress, and don’t forget to reward yourself!

As you can see, there are a lot of different approaches to learning a language. Beginner or
advanced, you can start using any of these methods any time!

You don’t have to do everything at once—only when it makes sense for you to do so. If you
want to mix things up one day, or see if something new will make you a better speaker, try
one of these options to get a new perspective.

And One More Thing...

If you dig the idea of learning on your own time from the comfort of your smart device with
real-life authentic language content, you'll love using FluentU.

With FluentU, you'll learn real languages—as they're spoken by native speakers. FluentU has
a wide variety of videos as you can see here:

8/12
 FluentU App Browse Screen.

FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition,
audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive
transcripts.

Didn't catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over
the subtitles to instantly view definitions.

9/12
 Vocabulary list for Carlos Baute song.

You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU's "learn mode." Swipe left or right
to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

10/12
 FluentU Has Quizzes for Every Video

And FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice
with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You get
a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the
FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store.

11/12
 Watch Video At:

https://youtu.be/IEuh17Uik7k

If you liked this post, something tells me that you'll love FluentU, the best way to learn
languages with real-world videos.

Sign up for free!

12/12