Félicitations! You’ve decided to make one of your 2023 goals to learn a new language.
Learning a new language is no easy feat. The good news is that it’s not impossible if you’re determined, put in the effort, set SMART goals for yourself, and sign up with a reputable learning platform to get you from “bonjour” to “Je sais parler français” in whatever language you’ve chosen. We’ve packed in all the information you need to know on your journey to learning a new language. Commençons!
Learning a new language
It’s safe to assume that if you’ve decided on learning a new language, you have a goal in mind. The primary goal may be that you want to know how to speak, understand, and write in your language of choice. The ultimate goal in learning a new language may be that you want to move to another country to work, study, travel, or simply add a second language to your repertoire. All these goals are admirable. To ensure your success in achieving this goal, well, you need to utilise the SMART goals techniques.
SMART language learning goals
If setting goals isn’t new to you, then you may be familiar with what SMART goals are. If goal setting is new to you, understanding and learning about SMART goals will help you achieve this goal and do so effectively and efficiently.
SMART means Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Setting SMART goals breaks down the big goal (being fluent) into more actionable tasks that help you get there.
Example: I want to learn conversational and business English by the end of 2023 because I’d like to move to the USA in a new position.
These goals keep you focused, and organised, ensure you have an action plan and therefore reach your goal.
Advantages of learning a new language
Knowing a second language isn’t just a fun goal to accomplish or that it “looks good on paper”. There are several advantages of learning a new language that you don’t get from many places.
- Learning a new language can delay the onset of dementia by five years.
- Improves networking opportunities with business connections around the world.
- Boosts memory, and attention, better at problem-solving and multi-tasking.
- You move from being a tourist (knowing a handful of phrases) to being a traveller (able to engage in conversations with locals and understand the culture)
- Stand out from classmates and fellow employees for (international) positions and vacancies.
- Expands your vocabulary in your first language.
- Gets your creative juices flowing.
These are great benefits of learning a new language. And you don’t need any more convincing. But you may be wondering how to go about learning a new language. Or need some tips to help smooth your journey a bit? We’ve collated fantastic tips to aid your success:
Winning tips for learning a new language
One vital thing to remember when learning a new language is that you won’t do it overnight. In fact, it will take months, or years for some, to perfect. The key is getting started and carrying on when the going gets tough. Here’s how:
- Attend local events. A lot of learning happens outside the classroom. Meet people who speak the language you’re learning and use them as an opportunity to practice, perfect, and pursue other interests.
- Take it step-by-step. It’s easy to get tempted to rush to advanced courses when you’re just beginning. Doing this and failing at that level may discourage you to quit. Don’t. pace yourself and your learning journey. If you keep moving, you’ll get there.
- Learn from your mistakes. You don’t get it right the first time. Ask questions. Stumble but get up. Making mistakes is a natural part of any learning process and programme.
- Be consistent. 20 minutes here and there won’t get you where you want to be by the end of the year. Be consistent in your learning. Make the time and put in the work if you want to succeed.
- Immerse yourself in the culture. Language is not just the words that are spoken. But there’s a history and culture attached to the language. Learn about the people, and the country, and by doing this, you’ll pick up the nuances, other meanings, and sayings that courses don’t focus on.
- Words. Flashcards. Phrases. Select a word or phrase in the new language you’re learning and use it every day. Bring the language into your everyday life in creative ways and help keep your mind working in two languages.
- Learn using the correct knowledge. While you can learn a new language from the guy next door, he won’t teach you the basics (grammar, structure, structure, vocabulary). Sign up for online courses on platforms like Alison that are designed to ensure you learn the correct knowledge in the best way for your success.
Alison’s English Vertical
There’s a saying that says you can’t move forward if you don’t know where you’ve been. In a similar vein, you can’t proceed with learning English if you don’t know your current fluency level. If you know where you start, you can track your progress and know when you’re ready to advance to the next level.
Alison’s English Vertical courses are suited to all levels of learning, ranging from Beginner to Intermediate and Advanced courses. They are designed to be taken in order, with each new course building on the knowledge acquired in the preceding courses.
Benefits of learning English through Alison’s English Vertical
- You are extending your knowledge by building on what you learned in previous levels.
- Your English language skills will progress and grow with each level completed.
- You will have a better understanding of the language and its application in real-world situations.
- Your confidence level will be boosted by your ability to speak confidently and understand other English speakers without much difficulty.
Take our free English assessment below to establish what level to start at.
Make 2023 your year. The year when you set the goal of learning a new language and can proudly tick it off as “done” when the year ends! What are you waiting for? Search the available courses and start your journey to learning a new language today.
