{"id":3070,"date":"2015-03-11T08:00:04","date_gmt":"2015-03-11T08:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/?p=3070"},"modified":"2015-03-11T09:31:33","modified_gmt":"2015-03-11T09:31:33","slug":"learning-a-language-dont-make-these-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/learning-a-language-dont-make-these-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning a New Language? Don\u2019t Make These Common Mistakes!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"book-15584_1280\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Learning a new language is an endeavour for the dedicated. It requires time, energy, and inevitably, resilience because it can be very easy for your motivation to wane. In the long run it\u2019s worth it, \u00a0but what\u2019s the point if you never make it to a stage where you can actually converse with anyone?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to feel dejected \u2013 we\u2019ve all been there \u2013 but don\u2019t worry! We\u2019ll equip you with a few tips<\/a>\u00a0for staying, or getting back, on the horse. Check out these 4 slip-ups that many people make when studying a second language, and see how you can avoid them in your next attempt!<\/p>\n

Started learning a foreign language, and want to know how you\u2019re doing? Take one of our <\/i>language level tests<\/i><\/a> to find out!<\/i><\/h4>\n

1. Approaching language learning as a task<\/h2>\n

Learning a new language requires studying, but studying can take various forms. Sure, it\u2019s useful to take a course in which you\u2019re given exercises and assignments, but when you start to look at it as a task, an obligation, or a means to an end, you get frustrated.<\/p>\n

Instead, look at learning a language as an adventure \u2013 along the way, you\u2019ll earn rich rewards, but you\u2019ll also trip and fall on your face. Get back up! And try new ways of incorporating your recently acquired language abilities into your everyday life. Watch a movie in your new language or download some music.<\/p>\n

And be sure to <\/i>contact us<\/i><\/a> to find language tutors near you \u2013 they can help you out with some of the nuances and teach you some exciting things about culture too!<\/i><\/h4>\n

2. Trying to learn a language solo<\/h2>\n

One of the main mistakes people make when learning a new language is trying to go at it alone. I\u2019m sure there are a few super dedicated individuals who have achieved dramatic success by plopping themselves down in front of Rosetta Stone every night, but most of us aren\u2019t like them. Without people around you, talking to you, struggling with you, and triumphing with you, it\u2019s really<\/i> difficult to stay motivated.<\/p>\n

So, join a class \u2013 we offer many!<\/a> \u2013 and meet new people. And as you progress, you\u2019ll have new buddies to chat with and test out your language skills.<\/p>\n

3. Reading the classics \u2013 in that language<\/h2>\n

\"book-641408_1280\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Perhaps you\u2019ve been studying Russian for a few months, and with your new knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, you\u2019re thinking of trying your hand at some Dostoyevsky. Pause. Reading is a phenomenal way to better your vocabulary and your language skills, but there are a couple of inherent flaws in this plan. First, classic literature often uses complex and archaic vocabulary and grammatical structures that can not only be difficult to understand, but that are also irrelevant in conversation today. And second, having to understand abstract and complicated themes in a second language can be taxing on your self-esteem.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t stop reading! Instead, try your hand at a few children\u2019s books first, work your way up to young adult novels, and then test out the more complex fiction. With lots of dialogue, and written in a more modern tone, you\u2019ll start to breeze through these books, and be less likely to throw your hands up in exasperation.<\/p>\n

4. Memorising long lists of vocabulary<\/h2>\n

And last but not least, trying to memorize long lists of vocabulary is an unsustainable method of learning a foreign language. Why? Well, you don\u2019t actually get any information about the grammar<\/i> of the language you\u2019re learning. Having a large repertoire is no doubt useful, but pack on the additional vocabulary after you\u2019ve nailed down all the basics. Oh, and rote memorisation is also super exhausting \u2013 besides, you don\u2019t necessarily need to know that many<\/i> words to converse like a champ.<\/p>\n

So, rather than wear yourself out trying to remember an endless list of words, listen to music in your target language, or watch a TV show. Even better? Talk to real people!<\/p>\n

***<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learning a new language can be hard work \u2013 it can be stressful, it can be exhausting, and it can be disheartening \u2013 but don\u2019t give up! It\u2019s worth it<\/a> in the long run.<\/p>\n

Let us know what mistakes you think people make when learning a new language in the comments below! And don\u2019t forget to check out our<\/i> list of language courses<\/i><\/a> on offer, or <\/i>contact us<\/i><\/a> to find out more about courses near you!<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Learning a new language is an endeavour for the dedicated. It requires time, energy, and inevitably, resilience because it can be very easy for your motivation to wane. In the long run it\u2019s worth it, \u00a0but what\u2019s the point if you never make it to a stage where you can actually converse with anyone? It\u2019s(\u2026)<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t \t\t\t\tCONTINUE READING »<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":3071,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,236],"tags":[439,30,46,33],"class_list":["post-3070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-language-learning","category-must-know","tag-foreign-languages","tag-language-learning-2","tag-languages","tag-second-language"],"yoast_head":"\nLearning a New Language? Don\u2019t Make These Common Mistakes!<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learning a new language can be hard work \u2013 it can be stressful, exhausting, and disheartening \u2013 but don\u2019t give up! 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