1. Open your mind
Becoming fluent in a foreign language will take more than ingesting thousands of words and idioms. A language is the result of a culture, a way of life and a thinking pattern, among other things. You are ready to fully embrace a foreign language when you agree that its way of saying or expressing things is not strange but exotic.2. Take a class
Taking a class is a great way to get started. Learning will be structured; you’ll learn with and from other students. And you’ll have a teacher to answer any questions you might have.3. Leverage what you already know
You will absorb vocabulary faster if you have a personal interest in what you are learning. Dedicate time to researching translations in relation to a hobby of yours or maybe your professional field.4. Hear voices
Most likely, your language class will be led by one teacher. That’s just the way it is. For many students, that person’s voice is the only one they’ll hear in the target language during the course of their study. But people have different accents, intonations and speech rates. Expose your eardrum to as many voices as possible. This will help you to develop your ability to recognize new phonemes faster. Don’t rely solely on your teacher’s voice.5. Stickers
You know that electric device in your kitchen is a microwave and you probably know how to spell “microwave” (Nobody says “microwave oven.”). But what is it called in your target language? Can you spell it correctly? You get the idea – label things. If you are not too stringent on esthetics in your home or office, this technique is a great memory helper. >> Click to watch the video for this tip.6. Integrate
Many of the gadgets you use daily offer the option of changing their menus’ language. Dare to play with that function, but only on devices whose menus you’re already very familiar with. Think of your cell phone, video games, television menu, etc. We particularly recommend watching your favorite DVDs in your target language, with subtitles in that language as well. You already know most of the dialogue, so this will be a fun and easy way to expand your vocabulary.7. Use
Using a newly learned word a few times officially makes it part of your vocabulary. While note-taking is highly recommended, don’t limit yourself to collecting words and expressions in a dusty notebook. Actually use them!8. Translate
With the Internet and the plethora of phone applications available, you have dictionaries on you at all times. Use them extensively. However, avoid entering full sentences at once. These programs usually translate word-for-word and do a poor job at interpreting meaning.9. Meet with other aficionados
Look for people who share your love for your new language. Such groups might regularly hold get-togethers in your community. Meeting with other aficionados is like having a workout partner (or several!). It will help you stay in touch with your target language.10. When in Rome…
If you’re reading this, you probably are old enough to use a passport. Immersion is a wonderful way to force yourself to be attentive and at least try to communicate. After all, it’s a matter of survival! Do not miss an opportunity to travel. Remember, it is not just about words; you should also explore the culture that shaped the foreign language you are trying to master.11. Be a lifelong learner
It is about expanding your cultural background. If you’re studying French, for instance, explore all things French – what they eat, how they dress, their pop culture icons, the music they enjoy, their history, etc.12. Be a teacher
Proudly share what you know, no matter how much or little. Teaching concepts that you’re comfortable with will confirm your understanding of them.13. Start a long time ago
At birth, you are put in a situation of total immersion, whether you like it or not. Learning the language is priority because you want to communicate your needs. This makes language-learning one of your best skills at that time of your life. Scientific research has proven that we are better at absorbing different languages when we start early. Keep that in mind for your children or other young people around you. Give them a head start by exposing them early in life.14. Have fun with it
Learning can be a very enjoyable process. Look for ways to keep it fun and interesting. Find useful television shows, publications and websites. LanguageComics.com happens to fall in this category. Enjoy.
