Tips on Learning a New Language
By: Rather Quiet
Tags: Muslim Literature, Learn Arabic, Language Learning, Issue 04

By ZimBey and La Cabra

“I studied French in school for years but all I can remember is bonjour and merci.”

Sound familiar?

In this article I’ll be going over a few tips on learning a new language in a way that allows you to retain it. Now, there was a lot of behind-the-scenes work here, I’ve done a ton of research on experts who’ve learnt more than 7 languages each (they’re called polyglots, ahem) — so these tips are serious advice, no silly top-ten-list business.

Tip #1 Know Your Motivation

This might sound obvious, but if you don’t have a good reason to learn a language, you are less likely to stay motivated over the long-run. Wanting to impress Arabic -speakers with your Arabic is not a very good reason, you need a reason that will last. Whatever reason you start with, once you’ve decided on a language, it’s crucial to commit:

‘OK, I want to learn this language and I’m therefore going to do this, this and this so many hours a week. Ultimately, I’m doing it for Allah and Allah will make it easier for me.’

Tip #2. Find A Partner

A learning partner is your teacher, student, mirror and tax man, when you have someone keeping an eye on you, you will have an obligation to stick to your goals. Even if you can’t get a friend or sibling to join you on your language adventure, finding someone online works too (just be careful not to befriend serial killers).

Tip #3. Talk To Yourself

When you have no one else to speak to, there’s nothing wrong with talking to yourself in a foreign language. It might sound really weird, but actually speaking to yourself in a language is a great way to practice if you’re not able to use it all the time.”

This helps you get used to express your feelings in another language (rather than translating in your head every time) and keeps new words and phrases fresh in your mind. It also helps build up your confidence for the next time you speak with someone.

Tip #4. Keep It Relevant

If you make conversation a goal from the beginning, you’re less likely to get lost in textbooks. Talking to people is one of the best ways to learn a language, because it keeps the learning process relevant to you.

Tip #6. Act Like A Child

Try learning the way kids do. What does that mean? Well, a lack of self-consciousness, for starters. But kids enjoy doing new things,and aren’t too bothered about being right all the time. A desire to play in the language and willingness to learn from mistakes are key attributes that make a person confident in expressing their thoughts.

Tip #7. Leave Your Comfort Zone

No matter how much you learn, you won’t ever speak a language without putting yourself out there: talk to strangers in the language, ask for directions, order food, try to tell a joke. Laugh at yourself, it’s really not so bad, you know! The more often you do this, the bigger your comfort zone becomes and the more at ease you can be in new situations.

About the Authors

LaCabra is as student who enjoyed hiking before her knee injury. Links: @SMaynerds

Zimbey is an artist who has a Shakespeare quote (only one, infact) for every occasion. Links: @itszimbey