10 questions to ask to avoid mistakes in language learning

Learning language is hard, but not too hard. “Mistakes are an inseparable part of the language learning process”, it is so much enjoyable to learn a new language if you dare to make mistake and you know the mistakes to avoid.

1. How to study a new language efficiently?

   Similar to any other subjects, some students are able to learn a language much faster than others. You may have heard of left-brain and right-brain learners, I strongly recommend you to figure out what type of learner you belong to and stick with the way which matches your learning type. Your language learning will improve considerably.

2. How can I overcome the fear to speak in class because I am afraid of other students will laugh at me?

   Making mistakes is a crucial part in any learning process. “To be afraid to make mistake is the greatest mistake of all”. So please feel free to speak out loud and make as many mistakes as you can. Only by this the teacher can help you to correct. It can be embarrassed at first, but it’s the best way to improve your speaking.

3. What is the best learning material?

   Having a great textbook can save you plenty of time and help you to study effectively. You can have a look at the bookstore or online resources, usually your language school will offer free training materials which are written by the subject coordinator. Moreover, materials can also be found in real-life brochure, newspaper, hand-out in language classes.

4. Which language school should I choose?

   You can ask your friends, read newspapers or search on the internet to find out the course you are interested to. There are several things which you should pay attention to:

   • Learning material– does the school recommend any learning source
   • Class size – should be less than 8 students so the teacher can offer best care to all students
   • Teacher – should be native speaker and experience in teaching
5. As a beginner, where should I start from?

   Never struggle with thick dictionaries and grammar books. Not all native speakers know every single word in their own language. Just start your new learning from the very first fundamental things such as daily life language for shopping and meeting people. You can find much self-encouragement and motivation to keep going on.

6. How many hours should I spend on my study?

   Never overestimate the time you have to set aside for study per day. Studying day by day and little by little will be more beneficial compare to study 3 hours successively per week. Just 30 minutes a day is all you need to build a good language learning routine.

7. Never rely on others

   Some students tend to rely on their teachers for their learning success. However, it is the learners themselves that are ultimately responsible for their learning. The teachers are only there to guide you and correct your mistakes. Only you can make yourself to master something you really want to. Take effort to practise your language with other native speakers wherever you can.

8. Never invent something new

   Learners should not invent their own structure or vocabulary; it will make the students themselves more confused. What they need to do is to do things similar to the way the native speaker does it.

9. What if I have difficulty in pronunciation because of my own accent?

   We should know that “knowing the right way” does not always mean you can “doing it the right way”. Sometimes you know how the words pronounce but still incapable to repeat it appropriately. As the matter of fact, learning to pronounce a new language word is very much like learning yoga — your body and soul have to get used to the new movements. It takes time! So be patient, try harder and don’t worry too much.

10. What if I want to give up from the very first stage?

    Thinking back why you decided to learn the language and is it worth to end of doing the thing you previously really want to accomplish. You can see your language consultant to seek for useful advices.