How to restart learning a language

Learn what to do and how to restart after you have taken some time off from language learning.

Regression: So you might notice that once you go to the first lesson after a break or start studying again, you are not on the same level as you were before the break. It is completely normal and happens to everybody, so don’t worry.

I have noticed on my students and myself that the scale of the regression is closely related to your level and the length of the break. Beginners or someone who had a longer break might experience a bit bigger setback but don’t let it stop you from continuing, please. It is so worth it, I promise!

It is kind of like physical exercise. You might struggle a little the first few days when you restart but it feels so refreshing and gratifying.

What you SHOULD do:

–review previous lessons. Take a look at some of the things you have learned, words, grammar rules, tenses and relearn them if needed. Take a look at your old notes and vocabulary book. Refresh your memory about the things you have learned. Learn more here: How to check your language development and why it is important

–listen and read. Listen to the language and read a lot to get your ears and brain accustomed to language again. It also helps to bring already learned grammar rules and words back to the “surface”. It is a great excuse to binge-watch YouTube videos and Netflix series or read a good book. Or you can listen to a podcast while cleaning… it is up to your imagination.

–breath. Don’t be too hard on yourself even if you have forgotten a lot, or it is not as easy as you’d want it to be. It does take a little effort but you are going to improve so much in no time, so don’t give up!

–put it into practice. Write and speak a lot! Put what you have relearned into practice as soon as possible. Use what you have reviewed as soon and as much as you can.

Here are some exercises you can do to help you get started:

Still want more ideas? Check this out: CREATIVE EXERCISES

What you SHOULDN’T do

–learn new things. Don’t start to learn new things right away. Focus on reviewing things you have already learned. I know this can be soooo frustrating because you want to improve but hang in there. It makes more sense to strengthen your foundation before you start building on it.

–learn too much too quickly. Being motivated and driven is so awesome! But don’t try to make up for the “lost time” by learning a hundred things in one week. You will not remember any of it by tomorrow. Take it slowly, step by step and you will remember everything for longer.

–be afraid to speak. Don’t postpone speaking again until you are back on the level you once were. Speak, even if with a lot of mistakes. In order to remember words and grammar rules you must use them, so please don’t be shy.

I hope this motivated you to gather the courage to start again and made the process a little easier for you.

Don’t forget to have fun!

Zsófi

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