Most of us think that learning a new language as an adult is difficult, or even impossible! What if we could let go of this limiting belief and learn faster and more deeply than we ever thought possible?
Think you can’t learn a new language in six months? You might be surprised to find out that with the right approach, learning a new language is actually quite achievable.
Whether you’re taking a language course in school or trying to learn one on your own, the key to success is perseverance. A lot of people give up too easily – they think that learning a new language is difficult and takes a long time.
But with enough hard work and determination, you can be speaking another language fluently in just half a year.
Want to know how to learn a new language? Here are some tips to help you get started.
How Do You Speak a Language in 6 Months?
Here are some tips for learning a new language:
- Use your target language in context as much as possible
- Set SMART goals
- Use learning materials that are relevant and enjoyable for YOU (like a learn a new language app, textbook, or audiobook)
- Find a buddy to help you practice
- Look up unfamiliar grammar and vocabulary terms
- Keep it fun!
And if you want to know how to learn a new language by yourself? Any of the tips above should help, but if you want to know how to learn a new language fast, your best bet is to hire a language teacher who can show you the ropes.
Here’s a video that will show you some of the benefits of taking online language classes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMtpWe4u18I
Can I Learn a New Language in 6 Months?
What is the best way to learn a new language – and how long does it take to learn a new language, for that matter? Let the experts tell you more!
According to TEDx speaker Chris Lonsdale, you can learn any language in just 6 months. Lonsdale has been studying language learning for nearly 20 years and developed a set of guidelines to help you let go of the ways of thinking that hold you back from rapid and fluent language learning.
Watch Lonsdale’s TEDx talk below and take notes!
Click here for a transcript of the talk.
Lonsdale suggests finding a mentor as a key part of your plan to get comfortable speaking a language. Interacting with an expert who has the training and experience to help you learn is one of the best ways to get closer to fluency in a new language.
How Can I Become Fluent in 6 Months?
Here are a few tips to help you learn a new language in just six months. Whether it’s French, Spanish, English, or some other language, these tips for learning a new language should be helpful.
Focus on Basic Vocabulary
While it can be fun to learn unique catch phrases and vocabulary for off-the-wall things, ultimately, your efforts should be focused on mastering everyday language and terms first. You know, the things you would need if you were visiting that country and just had to have enough conversational skills to get by.
Immerse Yourself
Speaking of which, if you really want to learn a new language fast, immerse yourself! Listen to videos and radio programs in your target language or better yet – go on a trip to a country that speaks the language you’re trying to learn. Trial by fire really does work!
Talk to Yourself (Seriously)
No, really – don’t be afraid to talk to yourself in your target language. As part of your daily immersive efforts, take the time to talk out loud to yourself. This will help you become more comfortable with the language and you’ll probably surprise yourself with how good you’re getting at speaking it, too!
Chat With Native Speakers
Do you know anybody that speaks the language you’re trying to learn? Have regular conversations with them! And if you don’t know anyone who speaks your target language, know that you can hire an online tutor (often for just a couple of dollars) to chat with you on a video platform. Before long you’ll be talking up a storm!
Use Tools
From the best app to learn a new language to educational resources like textbooks, there’s no shortage of options out there when it comes to learning a new language. Don’t be afraid to give them all a try!
Here are some examples:
- 21 Awesome Japanese Learning Apps You Should Download
- The 8 Best Language Learning Apps to Boost Your Progress
- The 21 Best Apps to Learn Spanish on iPhones and iPads
- Top 5 Italian Books for Learning Grammar and Vocabulary
- Easy French Books for Adult Language Learners
- Learn to Read Hebrew: 5 Helpful Tips + Resources
Be Easy on Yourself
One reason why we try to teach children new languages at a young age is because they are so gosh darn resilient. They don’t give up when they make mistakes – and they don’t assume that learning a new language is impossible because it didn’t work the one time. Be patient with yourself and know that it takes time!
Try to Be Consistent
Hey, I get it – it can be tough to find the time to practice a new language. And really, you don’t need to practice for eight hours a day. However, you do need to be consistent. Try to commit at least a few minutes every single day in order to work on your language skills.
Why Do We Learn a New Language?
What are the benefits of learning a new language? Let us count the ways!
If you learn a new language, you will:
- Be able to pursue other job and educational opportunities
- Get better at learning new things
- Have increased cognitive capabilities
- Benefit from a vastly improved memory and better recall of information
- Reduce your stress
- Become better at multitasking
- Have a better, more inclusive worldview
Not only that, but most people find that when they take the time to learn a new language, they actually become better at speaking their native tongue, too. Many report that their nonverbal communication is better as well!
How Many Months Does it Take to Learn a New Language?
The short answer? It varies. Learning a new language isn’t the same process for every single person. It can take as little as three months or as many as two years to learn how to write, speak, and read fluently in a new language.
No matter where you fall within that timeline, trying out these different tactics should help you make significant progress in your language learning journey.
And, if you find that you’re struggling in a certain area, don’t be afraid to seek professional help in the form of a language tutor– there’s no shame in admitting that you need a little extra guidance. With the right tools and support, you can be on your way to speaking a new language like a pro in just six months!
Trying to learn a new language can be daunting, but it’s not impossible. With the right approach and some dedication, you can be speaking a foreign language in just six months. We hope these tips have given you a good starting point and that you will sign up for lessons to continue your learning journey.
Bon voyage!
No matter what language you’d like to learn, TakeLessons Language Tutors can give you the personal attention you need to really express yourself in a new language. TakeLessons Teachers are available for local, in-person lessons and live, online lessons, so it’s easy to fit private lessons into your schedule. Search for your perfect teacher today!
Megan L.