How to Learn a New Language on Your Own

Setting out to learn a new language on your own can be a fun and yet daunting task. Learning on your own enables you to set the schedule that works best for you with no care for anyone else's time constraints. You are not limited to 50 or 90 minute sessions in a classroom with 20 other students and one instructor. Instead you have the time to go over points again and again that may have been glossed over in a classroom setting. You can also breeze through points that you readily grasp and understand. And with the tools that you can have at your disposal today, you are no longer limited to one text or one tape. Today, you can choose from the various texts and cd-rom and even online tools that work best for you. You get to choose your own "teacher". But, as in a traditional classroom settings, you must first learn how best to learn a language before jumping right in with vocabulary lessons. In this article I will go over some key learning methods that will help you to learn a new language on your own.

Memorization is key

Memorization is an important tool in learning a new language whether on your own or in a classroom setting. For most languages you will need to memorize the vocabulary, word endings and grammar rules. For verbs in particular the only way to tell the tense that they are in is to know the verb endings. So without those memorized you may find yourself in trouble later in your learning. To help with memorization the first thing that you will want is a set of flash cards. I recommend making these by hand as the action of writing may help with the memorization process. Large index cards cut into quarters make perfect flash cards. On the flash cards you will want to include the vocabulary word or word ending to be studied on one side. On the other side write the meaning of the word along with the part of speech, tense and page number and title of the text you found the word in. Having to page number handy will help if you need to refer back to the textbook. To help with memorization say the words and meaning aloud as you go through the flash cards.

Do some homework

Going through the lessons in a textbook, on cd-rom, or online is great but, you also need to do some hands-on work to really get understanding. If your book has exercises, then spend some time working on them. Refer back to the lesson when you need to. And, after the next lesson come back to the previous exercises and review them again. Treat it like a test. You will notice that they are much easier for you the second time around!

Discipline

You will need to have discipline to learn a new language on your own. It will cost you something to learn a new language. You will need to set aside time each day or so and try to make that time consistent. No one can learn a new language without devoting time to the endeavor. But, remember this is something you want to do so treat it as such. Look forward to each lesson and the idea of learning new things each day.

Partners

I know that this is all about learning a new language on your own and you don't really want a partner or maybe you can't find someone who shares your interest in the new language. A learning partner does not necessarily have to be studying the language with you. Pick out a friend, family member or someone else who would be willing to help you go over your flash cards. Just having someone to quiz you, encourage you and check in on your progress will be a great support.