1. Practice makes perfect

Always keep in mind that learning a language is a gradual process – it doesn’t happen overnight. Therefore, the more time you spend studying, the better you will become.

2. Define your learning objectives

What do you want to learn and why?  Once you set your goal and know exactly what you want to do, it becomes easier to reach it.

3. Make learning a habit

When learning becomes a habit, it will become part of your daily routine so when you don’t do it, you will feel like something is missing. Creating positive study habits can mean great advantages for you.

4. Choose appropriate learning material

Once you have the right learning material, you will find it much easier to acquire the knowledge that you need. Learning a new language can be time consuming, so having appropriate reference books and resources can help you save plenty of time.

5. Efficiency

How often do you study? One hour a day or once a week? Sometimes, spending more time studying does not necessarily mean you can learn more compared to someone who studies less.  The key is how efficiently and effectively you do it.

6. Group work

Some people find it quite boring or lack motivation when they study alone. Studying with a partner or in a group may be a good choice because you can discuss and help each others while working as a team.

7. Move your mouth and say it out loud!

Sometimes, understanding a word doesn’t mean the muscles of your mouth can pronounce that word correctly. Therefore, it is essential to practise speaking loudly so that your mouth can get used to the new vocabulary

8. Make the most of the Internet

The Internet is actually the most interesting, unlimited source that you could take advantage of and it is right at your fingertips. Just type the thing you want and click “Search”. There will be a whole world of material which is quite useful for your language learning.

9. Write a news diary

Daily writing about one’s own routine can be boring, but what if you write about the news that you read and listen to everyday instead? There will be a big difference! You will improve your vocabulary and grammar for sure!

10. Move out of your comfort zone

When I say move out of your comfort zone, I literally mean move. Get up out of your chair, hop on a bus, hop in your car or put on you walking shoes and just go. Take what you have learnt in your language study and try and put it into use by visiting a restaurant or supermarket and ordering something to eat or even exchanging a simple greeting. It may feel awkward at first but you will be amazed how people will open up and help you when they see you are making an effort to speak their language. You may even find a new friend.

11. Reading

Read anything that you can get your hands on; it doesn’t have to be a book. Magazines and graphic novels with lots of pictures can be really useful. You may not understand the word but will get a feeling for it through the pictures.

12. Writing

Write a simple story with the words that you already know and add pictures to help you associate the two. It doesn’t matter if the story is silly but it is fun to have a go and will definitely help you remember new words.

13. Listening

Try listening to the radio in the language of your choice (eg. BBC World Service), watch a movie or something fun like YouTube that can be spontaneous and harder to understand than a usual language learning CD.

14. Speaking

Practise your new vocabulary out loud by making up simple sentences and phrases with the words you have learnt. It doesn’t matter if the cat is the only one listening!