How to stay consistent when learning a language

Written by Anna Redford, Founder of Multilingual I AM

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Learning a language and really mastering it is a long-term commitment. How quickly you learn depends on different factors, including how much time you commit, as well as choosing effective activities for your learning type and interests. It could take a few months to grasp the basics of a language, it could take a few years to become a master of it. Either way, learning a language is never a quick fix. So, the tips below are aimed to help you stay consistent in your language journey.

1) Create a habit

I have used the word ‘consistent’ above instead of ‘motivated’ because let’s be honest, motivation comes and goes and if we relied solely on motivation, our language-journey may not last long. Let me ask you a question: Do you lose motivation to brush your teeth in the morning? Do you lose motivation to take a shower? The majority of us, hopefully, will say “no” to these questions. These habits have become so ingrained in our day to day lives that we don’t even think about them. We just do it. That’s why I want language-learning to be your new habit. Try to do a little bit every day and before you know it, you’ll just do it.

2) Fun activities

Language-learning can be fun or boring; That’s completely down to your choices. However, if you want to stay consistent in learning a language, then this is going to be much more achievable if you choose activities that you enjoy, which keep you engaged and genuinely interest you. A range of fun activities could be listening to music and studying lyrics, watching films and TV series, reading poems, reading books, learning with a language teacher and more. Choose something that you genuinely enjoy and you’ll find that you stay consistent. I also teach English to children and one of my students, who is a 9-year-old boy, leaves everyday with something he has created: Paper armour, a paper sword, a paper helmet, etc. It was clear that he loved handcrafts and creating and designing all sorts of things with an incredible imagination. And so, every lesson we design something together. I give him instructions in English on how to create paper planes, toys, and all sorts of models. And wow have I seen a huge improvement in his English! If you want to learn more about choosing fun activities, then read my blog ‘How to start learning a language’.

3) Remind yourself why you are learning a language in the first place

There are endless reasons for why someone might decide to learn a language: For living abroad, for work abroad, to speak with colleagues and friends, multilingual relationships, holidays, study abroad opportunities and many more. Learning a language could help you to thrive at work, build relationships with people around the world, enable a multilingual relationship or even speak with and build a closer relationship with your other half’s side of the family. These can bring more happiness into your life, a feeling of fulfilment, success and growth. Learning a language could completely transform your life. Whatever the reason, always remind yourself why you started and the impacts that your end result will have.

For more tips and tricks, feel free to contact me: info@multilingualiam.com