How to Study a New Language by Yourself

Studying a new language that is not your native or official language may seem a bit intimidating at first. With a bit of brain power, determination and technology, it can be fun. Best of all, it can be totally free! We will look at five (5) Steps in teaching yourself a new language. 

Step 1 - Be proficient at your own language first

It is very important that you know and understand the "parts of speech". If you can identify what part of speech a word is, you will be able to understand and practice the syntax (word order, which is different from English in most cases) of another language. 

Step 2 - Decide on a Language

Decide what language you really want to learn to speak, example is it French or Chinese or German?

Step 3 - Think about how you will use the language

Do you want to speak fluently? Do you just need some general phrases or do you need a strong reading knowledge of a particular language for graduate school? 

Step 4 - Where to get the right language programme

If you are someone who needs the books and tapes on hand, go online first and search area bookstores. Check to see if they have the language you want to learn. Decide if you need just a book or whether a book with tapes would be more appropriate. Most often, it helps to hear the language being spoken by a native. A good audio program (no book needed) is needed. You will repeat a lot and progress slowly, but you will remember everything.  

Step 5 - Time Table for Language Learning

Allocate sometime to learn the language at least 15 to 30 minutes a day. This will help you to progress in the new language steadily.


I hope with these five (5) steps, studying a new language by yourself will become easier and faster for you.