Creating your own language learning study plan is a road map to success.
Hey language learner. You are on the right track. The rigors of language acquisition will prove to be well worth the time and effort you put into your study. And with a few proven study techniques, LinguaLift can show you some powerful steps that will help you accomplish your goal of fluency in your target language.
Structure will be your friend. It is the basis for a language learning study plan that will keep you on track when distractions compete for your attention. Here, we will show you how to formulate a language self-study plan that will be your road map, directing and guiding you to your destination.
Think for a moment about a map. It shows the driver how to get from one place to another. It shows them signs along the way and provides the number of miles there are from point A to point B. It even lets them know that if they get to a certain point, they’ve gone too far. Well, think of your language learning study plan as your map to your end-goal of language mastery. While guiding you along the way, it keeps you on the right track.
Your LinguaLift tutors are there to help you devise your map–or language study schedule. You can glean from their expertise to avoid the pitfalls that puts learning a new language more on the side of frustration. They will help you construct a map that fits into your lifestyle and create a plan that is doable.
Let the Language Study Begin
There are thousands of resources out there. Some good, and some bad. One thing all language students should be careful of, is spending too much time searching for resources and not enough time actually studying.
This is particularly easy to do when using social media and YouTube to look for language resources, study groups or lessons. These are definitely valuable tools but can also be extreme time wasters.
Shhhhh! I’m studying. The art of keeping it quiet.
Think of the quietest area of your living quarters and see if it is feasible to set up a dedicated, clutter-free study area without distractions. Learning a language requires concentration, and that is done best in a quiet space to help you stay focused.
Where are you going? Set a clear goal.
Where will your road map take you? Heading west is not the same thing as stating, “I’m going to Los Angeles, CA.” One destination is very clear: the other is vague. In preparing your language self-study plan, you want to make sure you know what you want out of your language study. There is a big difference between knowing a few phrases for a vacation as opposed to near native fluency for an international career.
Knowing what you want will help you set the appropriate goals in a clear and precise manner. So, make sure your plan will help you arrive at the right destination within your set timeframe.
In pondering your plan, there are several questions to consider:
1. Why am I learning a new language?
2. What level of fluency am I seeking?
3. What is the date by which I would like to achieve my goal?
When you have the answers to these questions, write them down on post-it notes and put them in places where you will see them daily. The bathroom mirror and the front door as you exit are good ones. Seeing these will jog your memory and remind you of why you’re studying.
This is also a time where friends can be of great help. If you have someone you trust who has studied a language before, that is icing on the cake. Let them know that you value their input and would appreciate their support by encouraging you and checking up on your progress. Having a strong support system could make a big difference in staying encouraged when learning a new language becomes tedious or frustrating.
Structured study is the best path forward.
We don’t have to tell you how busy life can get. Therefore, you have to make time in your busy schedule for the goals you want to accomplish. By writing down the study times in your planner, you can make sure your goals stay on track by studying at your appointed times. Look for the times you are free during the week and on the weekends. It might be that you will have the most free time on the weekends.
Wherever that free time is, write in your study time. And, if you have to adjust in the future, do so. The important thing for now is to get started. Get yourself into a routine that you can maintain for the sake of your dream.
Now, how much time will you need for your language study schedule? The experts at LinquaLift believe that 30-minute blocks lead to better success. It keeps the student on task, lessens distractions and gives the student a sense of accomplishment when they complete a lesson. And, if you feel like going beyond the 30 minutes, have at it. But, guard your schedule so that you don’t get overwhelmed and burn out.
Incorporating knowledge into action: create little habits.
Studying a language doesn’t just come from a book. There are many things you can do to enhance your study. During your morning commute, you could turn your radio to a station and listen to music in your target language, if available. If you take public transportation, listen to the same via your headphones. Join a group chat where language learners meet over lunch and only speak in the target language.
There are many social media outlets that offer the chance to increase your linguistic knowledge. Find ways to plug your language study into your favorite interests and hobbies.
For every big goal in life, you need a plan. Language learning is no different. We’ve just covered some of the important aspects of a solid study plan, but to help you even more on your language journey, we would like to create a free customized study plan just for you.
To receive you very own study plan, just click the link, fill out the questions, and our software will do the rest!
This is a very important step in realizing your dreams of learning a new language. Stick to the plan and one day speaking in your target language will no longer be a dream. It will be a reality.
Good Luck!
