5 Tips to Help You Choose a New Language to Learn
Posted by Learning a new language is an exciting prospect, but choosing the right one isn’t always easy. While there is no clear-cut map to picking the perfect language, here are a few tips to get you on the right track!
Via Flickr
Which languages do you already speak?
One great way to go about learning a new language is by taking a look at the ones you already speak. For example, if you know Japanese, its resemblances with Korean might make that a great new choice. Or if you speak Dutch, Afrikaans should be something of a breeze to learn next. Find a language that is a cousin to one you already speak, and give it a go! However, beware of choosing a new language based on another unless you are at least at an upper-intermediate level. If you are still in the early stages of learning Spanish, you do not want to attempt French. The two languages share many similarities and the same roots, so you might end up confusing the two and stunting your language learning instead.
Which languages are you passionate about?
Passion translates into progress, and in order to succeed at learning a new language, you need to be excited about it. Think about which countries and cultures you are particularly interested in. If you are fascinated by Latin American culture, learning Spanish would be a great way to delve further into the art, food, people, and practices of a fascinating country like Mexico. If you have always dreamed of traveling to Russia, learning Russian will ensure you are ready to fully embrace the culture once you arrive. Having a passion for the language you choose will also help keep you motivated on the days when learning feels tough.
Photo via Flickr
Which languages do you see yourself using?
Learning a new language is a lengthy investment, so before you even begin the process, it is important to consider whether or not you will be using this language in the long term. Do you see yourself living in China for an extended period of time? Then building some solid Chinese language skills is key. Are you in a company that does business in Brazil and India? Choosing to focus on Portuguese or Hindi might be a good idea. Figure out what your main goal is for learning a new language and go from there. This will allow you to whittle down your choices, and help you choose a language that you will be glad to stick with for a long while!
Which languages have good resources for learners?
Picking a language you are passionate about and ready to commit to is all well and good, but if you cannot find any useful resources to help you in your learning journey, you may struggle from the outset. This isn’t to say you can only choose from among the major, or most spoken languages, but you should do your research beforehand to save yourself a headache. Set yourself up for success in every possible way by checking you can access great tutors, language exchange partners, and online resources.
Speaking of excellent resources, Language Trainers offers lessons in a wide variety of languages, and our native-speaking tutors can tailor classes to suit your unique goals and needs. Drop us a quick inquiry to find out more about our language courses.