Language Learning Preparedness: A Checklist

January 27, 2011

Getting ready to learn a new language. Like any new endeavor, it pays to be ready. Here are some groundwork to lay down before starting work with your language training software.

  1. Set aside ample time for your lessons. Language lessons need not be so time-consuming. Scheduling sessions lasting 20 to 30 minutes a day, 3 to 5 days a week, should be more than enough.
  2. Set aside a separate time for practice. It’s usually a better idea to separate lessons and practice time. Doing so will help you stay fresh for each activity, allowing you to commit more of the learning to memory.
  3. Create a comfortable study environment. The more comfortable your study area is, the better your language lessons usually go. Plus, sticking to a regular spot for study helps ingrain the daily sessions as a habit.
  4. Get a notebook. Keep detailed notes of new words and phrases you learn, as well as fresh insights you gain from your lessons. This will give you a handy reference when you need to review where you’re at in your language acquisition efforts.
  5. Be prepared to work hard. Fun fact: most people who study a language think it’s going to be fun. It’s not. At least, it won’t be all fun. You won’t just sit down with your learning language software and magically acquire the ability. In fact, learning a foreign tongue is just like learning any other skill — it requires hard work and plenty of practice.

Related posts:

  1. Four Ways To Squeeze In Your Language Learning