Language Tips:

Qualities of a Good Language Learner

Language Tips: Qualities of a Good Language Learner
• These are several characteristics that good language
learners should have
 Be observant
►If you’re wondering how to succeed in learning a foreign
language, it’s time to open up your eyes and ears.
►The most effective language learners spend time and
energy outside of classes and lessons trying to understand
the language’s clues, patterns, structure, and organization.
►Pay attention to the pronunciation of sounds and look into
grammar rules and exceptions.
 Be dedicated (Take charge of your learning)
• Good language learners find their own way and take charge of their learning.
They find the methods that are best for them as individual learners. They
learn  form others and experiment with different methods.
• Good language learners make their own opportunities for practicing the
language inside and outside of the classroom. Chat with other students
online, find a language exchange partner, or teach a family member what
you’ve learned so far. You just might be surprised at how willing native
speakers are to help and have a conversation with you.
• You can also do things like watching a movie in English, learning the lyrics of
your favorite song, taking an online group class, playing a language-learning
game, or listening to a podcast during your commute to and from work or
school.
 Be fearless
• Good language learners make errors work for them and not
against them. You learn a second language by trial-and-error.
• Some of this guessing will lead to mistakes, maybe even some
embarrassment. Learn from mistakes. Don’t let it get to you, learn
from your mistakes and, with any luck, you won’t repeat them.
 Be patient (Don't get frustrated)
•  When it comes to figuring out how to be a more
successful language learner, patience is key.
• Learning a new language takes time, and some concepts
and rules may seem easier than others.
• Struggle and spend extra time on your language learning
 Be worldly
• Efficient language learning requires embracing the culture of the new
language! They know that a language is much more than vocab and
grammar; it’s an entirely new way of conceptualizing, engaging with
communities, and seeing the world. 
• The activities you do in class are important for your progress, but so is what
you do out of the classroom. You should always be on the lookout for
opportunities to practise.
• If you have the resources, consider traveling to a country where the
language is spoken. Sample some authentic cuisine, embrace their history
and culture, and most importantly, interact with the locals. If you don’t have
the means to take a big trip, look for opportunities within your own
community.
 Use memory strategies
• Good language learners use mnemonics and other
memory strategies to recall what they are learning.
 Be organized
•  Good language learners organize their study of the
language, and they organize information about the
language they study.
 Be creative
• Good language learners should be creative. They should
understand that language is creative. They should experiment
with the language and play with grammar, words, and sounds.
• Although no two languages are the same, there are always
some useful similarities. Instead of completely ignoring your
first language, start thinking about what you can and cannot
borrow.