Anyone who has ever started to learn a language at one point has wondered: How much time does it take to become fluent? But I realized the question we have to ask first is: What is fluent?
Motivation
Language learning motivation
Here is a little language learning motivation:
I KNOW PEOPLE WHO WOULD HAVE NEVER MARRIED THE LOVE OF THEIR LIVES OR HAVE NEVER GOTTEN THEIR DREAM JOB IF THEY HADN’T SPOKEN THE LANGUAGE THEY LEARNED.
Don’t give up on your language studies, who knows what it could bring into your life!
Now let’s see what you be the problem and let me give you practical things you can do to motivate yourself on lazy days.
How to talk to native speakers confidently
Imagine yourself chatting it up, laughing, and sharing stories and opinions with a local in your dream country in your target language.
Talking to native speakers? It is possible!
Do it gradually. If you feel shy try to overcome it step by step. You don’t have to jump in deep water, ease yourself in.
How to check your language development
It is beneficial to know how to check your language development and see how far you’ve come from time to time. It helps to decide the areas you need to work on, and it also helps to motivate you to learn more.
Language learning with movies and shows
How can you make the most out of language learning with movies and shows? A lot of people like to practice a language by watching movies. But how can you improve by watching YouTube or Netflix?
The culture of your target language
Your target language is the reflection of its culture.
By being aware of certain social norms you can get closer to native speakers because they will feel as you are “one of them”. And I am talking from experience!Â
When you start studying the culture of the country, besides cultural knowledge, you will automatically learn words that are really important in the culture and thus, in the language as well. You will speak more native-like, and sound less “learned it from a book”-ish, if you know what I mean.
Use the questions I list below to discover the culture of your target language!Â
Find time to learn a language when you are busy
I hear it a lot, as an excuse not to learn languages, that the person simply doesn’t have time for it. I have a method that helps even busy people to find time to learn a language.
By the end of the article, I want you to feel less anxious about having to spend a lot of time to practice and feel more empowered and confident that you can learn a language even with little time on your hands.
Notice language learning achievements
There is nothing wrong with being thrilled about your language learning achievements.
Give yourself permission to celebrate!
What do I mean by landmarks?
For me, it was the first time someone thought I am a native speaker or when I read a book without the help of a dictionary.
These might seem subtle things, but it is essential to notice them. And it is also important to give yourself a little pat on the shoulder when you do notice it!