You're planning to work abroad. How do you learn a new language quickly?

An insightful aspect of setting a clear goal before embarking on the journey of learning a new language is that it not only directs your efforts but also allows for the customization of your learning path to match your specific needs and aspirations. This approach ensures that every step taken is aligned with your end goal, whether it's achieving conversational fluency to connect with clients or understanding cultural nuances to navigate a new market effectively.

While setting a goal, make sure you understand not only what you want to accomplish, but how hard to learn is the language, what's your history with learning languages, and what's your allocated time for learning it. And if you are ambitious, go for it, but remember to take it easy on yourself. Understanding all of these can lead to not being so frustrated if, for example, you haven't managed to reach your goal to fluently speak Hungarian after living in Hungary for 2 years. It's OK [friendly, understanding smile], learning Hungarian is hard.

In my experience, having a clear goal facilitates language learning because when all that matters is getting to the destination, it enables an easier and more flexible (even FUN) journey. As a perfectionist, I have personally benefited so much from this kind of a mindset. Knowing where I’m going enables me to be more flexible and less critical of myself when I make mistakes as I’m getting there — making mistakes is PART OF the learning journey, and sometimes these mistakes bring you to the destination even faster!

Before diving into language learning, it's crucial to establish clear goals. Determine why you need to learn the language, whether it's for basic communication, professional advancement, or cultural integration. Setting specific, measurable objectives will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the learning process.

Having a specific goal not only helps in tailoring your learning plan but also in measuring your progress. It enables you to set milestones and assess whether you are moving closer to your desired level of proficiency. This can be incredibly motivating, as each milestone achieved is a clear indication of your advancement towards your overarching goal. Furthermore, a well-defined goal can help sustain your motivation over time. Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint; it's filled with challenges and setbacks. When faced with difficulties, revisiting your initial motivation and the reasons behind your language learning journey can rekindle your enthusiasm and keep you on track.

With numerous language learning methods available, it's essential to find the approach that best suits your learning style and goals. Consider options such as language courses, language exchange programs, immersion experiences, self-study resources, and language learning apps. Experiment with different methods to identify which one yields the best results for you.

CORE Languages addresses some of these challenges by blending structured, professional online language training with the community engagement and flexibility of digital courses. Learning with CORE Languages Teachers combines the benefits of having a structured curriculum and professional guidance with the personalized attention that can address individual needs and preferences. The addition of free online digital courses offers flexibility and the opportunity for self-paced learning, which can complement the structured sessions. The CORE Languages Community Platform is a significant value addition, providing a space for learners to engage in conversations with peers and teachers.

When I started learning Spanish, I completed an intensive course in Spain which was four hours a day over a three-week period (more intensive options were available). I feel I learnt more in that short amount of time than in my first year of studying a couple of hours of classes a week plus homework. It gave me the chance to practice what I had learnt as soon as I stepped out of the classroom. Also being surrounded by Spanish speakers, there wasn’t really an option to revert back to English so it really made me think on my feet and use what language I had learnt.

One of my favorite, simple methods for learning a language fast is to search for the top 10 words spoken in a language and learn those. Then continue for top 20, top 30... Also, search for the top 10 sentences or common dialogues. This can be a good method to use along with formal, structured classes, which will improve also your listening skills. Duolingo is excellent for that, specially with all the gamification involved, but it can begin to feel old after some time. Find different resources if this is the case. Whatever method you choose, have fun! Think about your hobbies and passions and think about they could be adapted to the language you're learning.

Consistent review and repetition are key components of language acquisition. Make a habit of reviewing vocabulary, grammar rules, and phrases regularly to reinforce your understanding. Practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the target language daily to maintain consistency and progress. Additionally, incorporate varied learning activities to keep the material engaging and dynamic.

Regular review not only cements new information into long-term memory but also aids in the smooth retrieval of that information when you need it. This principle is fundamental across various learning methodologies and is particularly crucial when it comes to acquiring a new language, where the volume of new vocabulary, grammar rules, and pronunciation nuances can be overwhelming. Utilizing flashcards is a classic yet highly effective technique for repetition, especially for vocabulary. Quizzes serve a similar purpose, providing a structured way to test your knowledge and identify areas that need more attention. Incorporating language learning into your daily life through podcasts or songs is another excellent strategy.

Repeat repeat and repeat. Watch movies you know in the new language. Listen to podcasts. Try to speak it to your spouse or family.

Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses allows you to tailor your learning experience to address specific areas that need improvement. For instance, if you find that you struggle with verb conjugations, dedicating extra time to practicing and understanding the rules and exceptions can help turn this weakness into a strength. Feedback and correction from others are invaluable in this process. Teachers, tutors, and language partners offer insights that automated tools cannot. They can provide context, explain nuanced errors, and offer suggestions for improvement that go beyond grammatical correctness to include pronunciation, intonation, and cultural appropriateness.

Embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement. Don't be afraid to make errors while practicing the language, as they are a natural part of the learning process. Instead, view mistakes as valuable feedback that can help you identify areas for growth. Analyze your errors, understand why they occurred, and make adjustments accordingly. Seek feedback from native speakers or language instructors to refine your language skills further.

Enfrentar tus errores en el proceso de aprender un idioma puede ser una experiencia desafiante, pero es importante adoptar una actitud constructiva y positiva para poder aprender y crecer a partir de ellos. Reconocer que cometer errores es parte natural del proceso de aprendizaje. En lugar de ver el error como un fracaso, trata de verlo como una oportunidad para aprender y mejorar. Sé amable contigo mismo en lugar de ser duro. Reconoce tus esfuerzos y valora tu progreso, incluso cuando cometas esos errores reiteradamente. Habla sobre tus errores con compa?eros de aprendizaje y profesores para poder identificarlos y corregirlos correctamente.

Surround yourself with pleasant stimulli: Find a band which you enjoy from that country/which speaks that language (or create a playlist in Spotify language-themed); Re-read a favorite book (preferably a children's book) in the language you're learning; Play a new game in that language; Turn on the subtitles or the audio when you're watching a TV Show. Think about your favorite hobbies and think about how you could adapt them. If you enjoy cooking, be quick to learn recipe ingredients! These will be most useful. Don't forget to congratulate yourself for a job well done everytime you manage a successful exchange of words - It's not easy to learn a new language, but it can be really rewarding.

While fun and enjoyment can make the learning process more engaging and less tedious, they aren't the only factors that contribute to successful language learning. Developing a mindset that allows for mistakes and embraces the gradual nature of learning is crucial. This approach fosters resilience and perseverance, qualities that are essential for overcoming the inevitable obstacles encountered when learning a new language. Emphasizing the joy of learning can help maintain motivation, but acknowledging and preparing for the challenges can equip learners with the resilience needed to persist through the difficult phases.

Learning a new language should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Find ways to make language learning fun and engaging by incorporating activities that align with your interests and hobbies. Watch movies or TV shows in the target language, listen to music, read books or articles, join language meetups or online communities, and engage in conversations with native speakers. Celebrate your progress and milestones along the way to stay motivated and enthusiastic about your language learning journey.

Disfrutar del aprendizaje de un idioma puede hacer que el proceso sea más efectivo y gratificante. Descubre por qué quieres aprender el idioma y establece metas claras y alcanzables. Encuentra materiales y actividades en el idioma que sean interesantes y relevantes para ti. Esto podría incluir leer libros o artículos sobre temas que te apasionen, ver películas o programas de televisión en el idioma, escuchar música en el idioma, o buscar podcasts y canales de YouTube que te interesen. Juega juegos, participa en actividades interactivas, únete a grupos de conversación en línea o en persona. Explorar la música, la comida, el arte, la literatura y las tradiciones culturales del país o países donde se habla el idioma.

Every situation is a good opportunity to practice. The fear of making mistakes could be daunting. Just be brave enough to make mistakes. People generally do not mind them or find your tries funny and this makes them smile. They will teach you more than what you can find in books and help you master the pronunciation. It is also way more likely that you are going to remember what you learned from these situations than in class or at home.

In the context of learning a new language, especially within a structured program like CORE Languages, there are additional considerations that can enrich the learning experience beyond traditional methods and principles. Cultural Immersion: Integrating cultural elements into your study can significantly boost your understanding and appreciation of the language. Real-world Application: Try to find opportunities to use the language in real-world settings. Personalization: Tailor your learning experience to your interests and goals. Mindset and Mental Health: Language learning can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating process. Feedback and Reflection: Regularly seek feedback on your progress from teachers and peers.