Many people search for the 'philosopher's stone', the perfect method for learning foreign languages, but it doesn't exist. However, there are universal principles that anyone can follow to learn the desired language in a 'brain-friendly way'.
Principle 1: Time
Time is a decisive factor when learning a language. There is no doubt that the necessary time we dedicate daily to learning has a huge impact on the entire learning process. Many people might think that the more time they spend learning the language, the better. This is true for some learners, but not for all. It depends on the individual preferences of the learner, their mental endurance, daily routine, and the level at which they find themselves.
In the beginning (Phase 1), language learning activities are often limited to using textbooks, which impose their content. And it is limited to the time we dedicate to studying from these textbooks. This often becomes a serious challenge that is not particularly pleasant or enjoyable.
Rule #1, which you should follow during this stage is: work a little every day. This way, step by step, you will climb the 'mountain peak'. Perhaps you are wondering what 'a little every day' means. You can try 2 intervals of 25-30 minutes each per day. Morning and evening. By working in such short time intervals and with shorter materials, you will help your brain absorb new information more effectively. Master the more challenging materials in the morning, and save the easier ones for the evening (such as reading and listening). It is important to find the most comfortable physical position for the way you learn. Quality learning time is a priority in the beginning.
Principle 2: Variety
Variety in your learning activities is extremely important to avoid boredom, which kills motivation. Repetition is the mother of all learning processes, but it can quickly lead to boredom if it becomes mechanical.
There are 3 types of variety:
1) Variety of materials: Varying your materials is healthy and keeps you motivated. You can stick with one language resource at the beginning and then quickly move to others. You will likely find that some language learning resources are interesting and engaging, while others are not as much. If so, simply choose another textbook that offers more interesting aspects that were lacking in the one you initially used. The ultimate goal is to reach actual content as quickly as possible. Studying content that interests you is a huge step forward toward effective language acquisition.
2) Variety in activities performed to master a given content.
Reading and listening are two extremely useful activities for learning a foreign language, but they are not the only ones. The more varied your approach to studying the material, the better. It is important to engage in activities that aim to activate the language in your brain and keep you motivated.
3) Variety in physical activities and positions.
It may sound surprising, but your body's posture and the way you move plays an important role in learning. In other words, your body's posture has a reflection on your concentration and also on your capacity to absorb new information. There are a number of activities you can perform with your bodies, depending on the learning process. Try to be comfortable, but not too comfortable. Alternate mental activities with physical exercise. This is a proven recipe for quick and effective absorption of learning material.
Principle 3: Consistency.
In a process like learning a foreign language, it is important to do the right things at the right time (and the right ones for you). The speed and ease with which you acquire the language and the path you follow should be in line with the continuously changing intensity of the learning process.
Some things are exciting at first, but then bore you. Some are too complex at the beginning and make them not particularly effective, but over time they become easier. For example, listening to radio in a foreign language (or to the news) during phase 1 is not very beneficial, but gradually over time through phases 2 and 3 it becomes very useful. You must be consistent in your learning level. Regular tests are the key factor with which to optimize your language knowledge.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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