0
Profile Picture

How to learn a new language effectively?

3 years ago
We all want to use effective study methods so we can learn a language quickly and speak it well.
But first, what the language and what it consists of?
A language is a system of communication which consists of a set of sounds and written symbols which are used by the people of a particular country or region for talking or writing.
To master any language in the world you need to master four skills of language:
  • Skill #1: Listening
  • Skill #2: Speaking
  • Skill #3: Reading
  • Skill #4: Writing
When we learn a language, there are four skills that we need for complete communication. When we learn our native language, we usually learn to listen first, then to speak, then to read, and finally to write. These are called the four "language skills".

Developing The Four Essential Skills–Listening, Speaking, Reading & Writing

Listening: Train your ears with pronunciation lessons.

In everyday life, the situation, the speaker, and visual clues all help us to decode oral messages. In due course of listening, be in a lookout for the sign post words. Thirdly one should be able to concentrate on understanding the message thoroughly. Listening Skills could be enhanced by focusing on making the students listen to the sounds of that particular language. This would help them with the right pronunciation of words.

Speaking: Practice your speech to fluency with native tutors.

Language is a tool for communication. We communicate with others, to express our ideas, and to know others’ ideas as well. We must take into account that the level of language input (listening) must be higher than the level of language production. This skill could be further enhanced with the help of debates and discussions.

Reading: Learn vocabulary through images instead of translations.

Reading is a learning skill. It helps you improve all parts of the language – vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and writing. Reading Skills help the students grasp the content and draw conclusions. The students should also make it a point to familiarize themselves with the jargons and new words by making reading a habit be it reading newspapers, articles, books, magazines etc.

Writing: Learn grammar naturally through stories relevant to you.

Writing provides a learner with physical evidence of his achievements and he can measure his improvement. It helps to consolidate their grasp of vocabulary and structure, and complements the other language skills. It helps to understand the text and write compositions.
Do You Really Need to Study Grammar?
Knowing the grammar certainly helps, but spending the majority of my language learning time memorizing complicated grammar rules doesn’t feel like the most effective way to learn.

Find a partner!

Studies show that people who feel like they’re working as a team (even if they’re not physically together) accomplish more. So, try to Find a Friend or Language Partner to Study with. When you have no one else to speak to, there’s nothing wrong with talking to yourself in a foreign language.

Using the language every day!

As a beginner, it can seem overwhelming to try to use the language all day, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. There are many easy and even fun ways to make the language a part of your regular life.
First, make use of every moment you have to learn new words. Take flashcards with you, and study them during your train or bus commute (but not while driving, please!) or when you’re waiting to meet a friend.
When you start to feel tired, switch from active learning to passive learning by doing what you would normally do in your native language in your target language. Try watching a video or TV show, or streaming radio broadcasts in your target language. There are many online resources to access entertaining audio and video clips. You can go to YouTube, search for radio stations available on the Internet or use Firdaws Academy.

Don't Forget Memorization!

We have heard many times that good education, including language learning, is about understanding, creativity, practicing, or many other things, but it’s certainly not about memorization, as it was in the past.

Memorization is the ugly duckling of learning. It’s boring, takes so much time, and so often is useless. These characterizations are partly true, but I would still say “train your memory”. Try to learn and memorize new words every now and then. Then you might discover that memory is a fantastic realm to be explored.
Mistakes can be very productive!
The best way to improve your language skills and make the most out of the learning process is to identify these mistakes, learn from them and try to avoid them as best you can.

Have fun!

We tend to learn best when we’re enjoying ourselves, so don’t forget to make language learning fun.
Playing games is a great way to have fun while learning. Games take advantage of our natural competitiveness and can help us practice language skills even when we feel tired. You can also focus your learning on things that you find interesting, like a favorite hobby.
With these four skills addressed equally while learning language, the learners can be assured of having good communication skills, a great necessity in today’s competitive world.


By: (Firdaws academy)
About Us:
Firdaws is a leading Islamic academy provides courses such as Arabic, Quran Tajweed, Ijaazah program and Islamic Studies online.