Picking up a new language is easy for some, but cripplingly hard for others. Many find that the early stages of picking up a new skill are the easiest to stay motivated for. Unlike advanced and fluent language acquisition, it’s easy to see progress when we first start learning. So how can we stay motivated as we progress? Here are three major strategies that help us stay on track.
1 – Setting short-term goals: As with practicing any new skill, we have to pace ourselves with small, quickly achievable goals to give us a dopamine boost that keeps us wanting to come back for more. Relying solely on ‘being fluent’ in a language leaves a dauntingly long timescale with no visible achievements. Focusing on what aspects of a language we want to pick up as we’re learning however, enables us to be proud of what we’ve done so far.
2 – Allot time and space to learn: Many people find it hard to avoid procrastinating unless they have the perfect space and equipment, as well as a comfortable amount of free time when you won’t be interrupted. This isn’t an ideal mentality as it will block you from progress. Just setting aside 10-15 minutes a day, whenever that may be can have a drastic effect on your performance. Scheduling it into your day is best, but if that isn’t possible you can redirect unproductive behaviour. Picked up your phone to scroll? Do some language learning for 10 minutes instead. You may even find that you end up learning an hour a day this way.
3 – Monitor your progress closely: It’s good to progress through a new skill, and as said it can be done quickly at the early stages and you may not need to keep a track of how well you’re doing. Once you advance and become more proficient with a language, progress is much harder to see, so make sure to make notes of new content after each lesson you take. It will help you remember new information if you aren’t in a position to regularly use it every day.
4 – Make use of it where you can: For those living in a foreign country and learning that nation’s language for practicality, this one is easy. For those not fortunate enough to have a native speaker or a fellow practitioner to practice with, less so. Using online forums is a great way to remedy this, or to have lessons with a qualified teacher. Practicing this way not only cements what has already been learnt but allows greater potential for learning new content on top of practice material.
To find out more about learning and motivation techniques, or to arrange private and group lessons with our skilled tutors, contact us.
