Everyone has their own method for learning a language, but the best way to find what works for you is to try different approaches. It's impossible to know what you want, need, and what suits you until you explore. Just like you can't know what it's like to live in a particular place until you go there, right?
I have asked people who are learning new languages how they reached their current level, and here are some tips based on my observations:
Learn Grammar:
Have you ever heard that grammar isn't important? If so, that's absolutely wrong. Grammar affects how people understand and interpret your point. If you can't understand grammar, it's difficult to construct a grammatically correct sentence. Grammar is also essential for formal occasions, such as the IELTS exam, essays, news articles, and journals. Here's an interesting fact about grammar: intelligence officers can sometimes detect lies based on the grammar someone uses. However, while grammar is important, it's not the most crucial aspect.
Learn Basic Conversation:
Before diving into other areas, you should learn basic vocabulary for everyday situations. For example, you'll need vocabulary for buying things, asking for directions, and expressing your opinion. Initially, you don't need to know slang or idioms, just basic words that people will understand. Many people these days are obsessed with sounding like a native speaker and end up neglecting consistency. Remember, you're not a native speaker, so learn step-by-step. You can say "I like it" and even British people might say "I fancy it, I'm into it, and I have soft spot for. "
Incorporate Your Hobbies:
Everyone has hobbies, whether it's watching movies, listening to music, reading, or writing. Learning a language can be boring and exhausting, so use your hobbies to make it enjoyable. For example, you can watch movies with subtitles in the language you're learning.
Immerse Yourself in the Language:
This is what I've been doing. I changed the language settings on my phone and laptop to my target language. I read news articles, use social media, write, speak, and even think in that language. By doing this, I've become accustomed to it, and the language has become a part of my life since I started learning it a year ago.
Learn Context:
Stop translating everything into your own language, because not all languages have the same context. There might be expressions in your language that don't have a direct equivalent in another language. That's why it's important to learn context, understand the meaning and purpose of a word or phrase, and know where, when, and in what situations to use it. The Cambridge Dictionary is a great resource for learning context; you can easily access it at
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/ Take Notes:
This tip is related to number 4. Whenever I come across a new word or vocabulary term, I write it down in my notes along with its context. This helps me remember it easily, and the next time I encounter the word, I won't have to search the internet because I already have it in my notes.
Practice Regularly:
Someone told me that it's not about learning a language, but using it. They were absolutely correct. You can't become fluent without practice; it's what hones your skills. I know many people don't have opportunities to practice because they don't have a language partner, but they forget that they have themselves. You can definitely talk to yourself to get used to speaking in the language. Whenever you say something in your native language, think about how you would express it in the language you're learning. By practicing this regularly, you'll gradually become more fluent. AI language partners can also be beneficial because they can correct your mistakes.
Remember, learning by doing is still the most important principle. Even if you practice every day, you won't achieve fluency if you don't also enrich your vocabulary. You'll just keep talking about the same things again and again, it will get you nowhere. The bottom line is that all the tips I've listed are interconnected. I hope this helps you!
