So You’ve Decided to Learn a Language…
How does one do that, exactly?
If you’re one of the people who’s decided to use this time for language learning: firstly, I applaud you and your iron willpower and indestructible motivation. Secondly, you might be wondering how to start and what your language study should actually look like. From my experience as a French and Spanish tutor, here are some pointers.
Set a goal
You’ve probably heard of SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timetabled. How will you know, at the end of the year, if you have “learned Italian”? Difficult to quantify. But how about, this year I will complete all the exercises in “Colloquial Italian”, or, once travel is possible again, spend a week in Venice and strike up conversation with five strangers? You will know if you have done those things. You may then find it helpful to break it down into smaller steps.
Stay motivated
Make a list of five reasons why learning the language you have chosen is a good idea, how it will improve your life. Return to your list when you’re feeling fed up.
Find a tutor
Most of us do not have the discipline to keep up self-study entirely by ourselves, long-term. You don’t have to have a lesson every week…
