How to Start Learning a New Language

It is easier to start to learn a new language than to become good at it, and almost certainly is more fun.

Ive started to learn many new languages. French, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Afrikaans to name but a few. I cant speak them yet but Ive started and Ive picked up a few words and phrases that help me when Im visiting, and equally importantly Ive had fun doing this.

For example, Ive started to learn Italian but I havent learnt any Italian grammar, and when I visit Italy Im not able to speak correctly . Now you may say this is lazy, but we all live in a world where you can hear and speak any number of languages. So my aim is just to communicate at a very basic level when I visit a country, to make an effort, to show appreciation of the language and culture. Im not trying to talk about world politics or explain my view on life.

So, I know about starting to learn a new language and this is what works for me.

I pick key or useful words and phrases that I want to learn. For example, as a visitor to another country, the key words in a foreign language are the words which will be of most use to you and which you will use most often. These key words and phrases will vary from visitor to visitor depending on the purpose of their trip. A businessman, for example, may have different language requirements to the tourist, and when only learning a small part of language may choose to concentrate on a few formal situations. Or, if you have friends who speak another language, you might learn a few expressions that you can use in specific situations with them. In either case, you are starting to learn the language and if you continue to learn it , then the vocabulary you have learnt will be a great help.

Here is one suggestion for learning common words and phrases. Watch television concentrating on the soaps. This is helpful because the language is repeated again and again, the words used are in common use and you see and hear the same actors each time you watch. This means that you will become used to their accents which will help improve comprehension. Look up the commonly used expressions, which after a while you wont forget because every time you watch your favourite soap you will hear them.

It is worth remembering that it is easier to start a task than finish it, and the same goes for learning a new language. The better you are at it the slower your rate of progress, as you have to learn grammar, learn less common words and so on. If you are only trying to learn a few foreign words and phrases you will enjoy a faster rate of progress, have more fun, and dont have to spend to much time on any given language. Starting to learn a new language is a very rewarding activity and an ideal way to begin is with Linguata.

Frank Middleton is a freelance author and writes occasional articles for http://www.linguata.com a site with a practical realistic and fast approach to learning words and phrases in a foreign language, using a combination of sophisticated testing and simple games.

Decide And Start Learning Your New Language!
I want to learn a new language, but I can not motivate myself!You are not alone. There are thousands of people struggling. Bu...

The Real Benefits Of Studying A Foreign Language
Some people say that English is the global language and that learning other languages do not matter. How wrong they are! Havi...

Go the Extra Mile to Learn French
Learning how to speak the French language is going to get you only as far as how you understand the lessons. As for the pract...

Self Improvement and Languages
How can self improvement affect language learning? Here are some self improvement tips that can help you a lot in learning a ...

Why You Should Use Language Learning Software
Language learning software is rapidly transforming the way people learn a new language. You will find software for all major...

Learning Italian Like Children
Similar to children, acquiring a second language can start from other people you hear speaking a different language. As adult...

Avoid 3 Negative Approaches to Learning Italian
The languages of the world is such rich and great knowledge if a person happens to master if not all, most of these languages...

Why Learn Spanish? 3 Tips For Language Success
There are literally hundreds or even thousands of reasons why you should begin learning Spanish. Not only is it the fastest ...

Determined to Learn Spanish?
Learning a foreign language and being able to acquire it really has something to do with how serious you are in learning it. ...

Learning a Foreign Language
Learning a foreign language is like being an young child again. Many people feel overwhelmed when they begin learning new l...

The Advantages Of Learning A Foreign Language Using Software
Learning a foreign language can be a difficult task because of the time and energy it takes to pick up. To make things a lit...

Some Spanish Facts And How To Easily Learn The Language
Spanish courses are available everywhere. Most people still learn Spanish as a second language from a university or college t...

Learn a Foreign Language - Spanish
When you learn a foreign language your communication skills are enhanced. Your thinking skills also improve while learning th...

Options for Studying Spanish
Before you learn the Spanish language, ask yourself what reason(s) you have in doing so. To be specific, are you going to lea...

Speaking Spanish According To Your Use
The Spanish language has existed for so many years now and yet, it continues to expand and influence different people speakin...

Learning Italian Through Vocabulary
The Italian language, similar to other foreign languages one is estranged to can be learned. This isnt saying though that lea...

Learning German and Pronouncing the Words
Learning a foreign language takes time. It is something that no person can accomplish in a day. And even so, when a second la...

The Online Way of Learning French
Learning a foreign language via the internet is unmistakably the most convenient and cost-effective way of learning a languag...

Learn How To Speak Japanese Quickly
When someone wants to learn how to speak Japanese it can be pretty daunting at first. You need to make sure that you have a p...

Learn To Speak Japanese Quickly With This Secret Technique
If you want to learn to speak Japanese quickly you need to understand how to approach learning a new language. You need to th...