Online Language Review

Article by Renae Haug

Explore the challenges in learning a new language and understand the long term benefits found exploring other cultures.

Learning a new language can be challenging, but don’t let doubts or lack of confidence keep you from taking a shot at it. The long-term rewards that come with speaking a second language are worth every bit of the time and effort you put into it. For instance, listing your ability to read and write in a second language can add a valuable – and perhaps unique – qualification to your resume. Given today’s economy and the intense competition for jobs, it won’t hurt to have such a credential, even if the job doesn’t call for use of a second language. The fact you have taken it upon yourself to learn one illustrates that you’re motivated and capable of learning, regardless of your age.

Once you’ve decided to learn a new language, you’ll need to accept the fact that it will require effort and self discipline. It’s always best to choose a good time to study and stick with it as much as possible. The better your study skills, the easier it will be to learn a new language.

In the early stages of building a vocabulary and linking new words to form sentences, you may be hesitant or shy to use a new language -- fearing embarrassment if you muddle it. But mistakes will happen and everyone makes them. For this reason, many language experts advise their students to keep a sense of humor. Being reluctant to speak the language will only hinder your progress to converse in the language fluently. If you find yourself having extreme difficulty, you can always speak into a tape recorder and literally hear yourself progress by playing it back.

Since each language is unique in grammar, sentence structure, pronunciation and tone, learning to speak in a conversational manner will require furthering your knowledge in these areas as well. Initially learning about the facets of the new language will seem complex and somewhat overwhelming, but your diligence will result in greater comprehension.

There are many helpful tools for learning a new language, but for most people, there are a few ways to ease the process. One method is to become familiar with the culture associated with the language you are learning to speak. As you improve your understanding of a culture, you are more likely to understand that culture’s perception of the world, thus resulting in better comprehension of the new language.

Don’t become discouraged if in your attempts to speak with someone in your new language you suddenly feel you’ve not made as much progress as you thought. Keep in mind there can be many dialects in one language, and expressions can differ greatly. So it could be that you’ve tried to talk with someone who speaks a different dialect.

You’ll also discover that learning more about the culture of the people who speak the language you are learning will greatly enhance the assimilation process. It will also make the learning experience more enjoyable.

Before you are halfway through a language course, you’ll probably wonder what your new skill will be worth in everyday life. Believe it or not, many people plan their vacations based on their desire to utilize what they have spent so much time and energy learning. Communicating for the first time with people in a language you are learning can be an awesome experience.

In some more diverse communities there are language classes offered for little or no charge. Check with your local community center to see if any classes are offered in your neighborhood. Another way is to purchase language learning software.

Why wait any longer to start learning a foreign language. Start now!