Learning a language is a challenge that I’ve set for myself each year. It’s my way of exercising the brain.

In order to learn a language, I need to approach learning using multiple methods. I incorporate what I consider to be the basics of learning. For myself, these are listening, writing and reading.

I find writing and listening to be the methods that I am most comfortable incorporating into my life. Practicing writing is very helpful as you learn. The repetition of writing, seeing and then associating words with an object helps to make them more concrete in your mind. I prefer to listen to a language that I am learning from the very beginning. I find it encouraging to begin to recognize and understand words and phrases as I listen.

Listening to a new language also begins to train your ear for that language. In this way, it can move from just a flow of sound to language recognition.

I have used and will continue to use a small notebook for my writing practice. A notebook that ranges from 3.5X5 to 4X6 has been a good size. I write words, phrases, sentences, song lyrics, movie scenes and anything that appeals to me to help with learning a language. This can not only help with learning a wide variety of vocabulary, but also with grasping sentence structure that may be unlike that of your native tongue.

Gradually, after consistent writing and listening, I can begin to incorporate reading. In my opinion, reading should always be done out loud. That way you know if your reading and thoughts are in sync or if you’re still searching for translation as you go. Listening to yourself speak can also help you to pick up any gaps that may have occurred in your learning. This is quite helpful when learning on your own.

These are just some of the ways that I use to help myself learn a new language. I am by no means an expert, so please don’t consider this expert advice. I am sharing my experience and what helped me when learning a new language.