Life lessons from learning a new language
In the process of learning the language where the pronunciation and way of spelling words are so different from English, there are a lot more than just the language that we learn.
Some of the major lessons that I feel that learning a language can teach us are:
1. Master the basics first
To master in any learning, a strong foundation of the basics of the subject is very important. That is one thing that we do the best when we’re learning a new language. We automatically go in for understand basics such as the alphabets, numbers, the pronunciations, basic greetings like hello, hi, how are you etc. and then slowly go in for the further intricacies in the language. The same patience to learn step by step can be applied in learning other things as well where we generally tend to hurry the learning process
2. Sincere practice makes perfect
It applies the most in learning a language and also obvious in the process of learning in general… practice as a part of learning process is something very essential to head towards perfection. Like we practice conversing, and pronouncing the new words we learn to attain perfection in the language we are learning, applying the same in learning general aspects would help in mastering in whatever knowledge to aim to acquire.
3. Listening is a key to succeed
As mentioned earlier too Learning a new language requires understanding the sounds, phonetics and pronunciation that are specific to that language. We listen to experts of that language or native speakers and learn to say the words accordingly (be it on google translate or YouTube lessons or a native speaker or even using apps that support language learning). This applies well even for learning in general. Listening to ideas of peers, talks by experts or just giving an empathetic ear to a friend in need gives a way towards a next step towards learning and expertise.
4. Mistakes make you better
Take risks, give it a first try! No learning comes with success in the first attempt! This is another important thing that we can learn when we learn a new language. It takes a lot of chances to converse right sentences with right accent and pronunciation. We make mistakes and listen, practice more and learn. The same would apply to anything else that we are aiming at mastering! Learners should realise the positive impact of mistakes on their learning process and not get disheartened by them.
5. Going Out of Your Comfort Zone
It’s not very easy to learn a language with different accents and pronunciation. There is always an influence of English and our mother tongues. For certain language we might have to unlearn and relearn a few phonetics. The same applies in the process of learning anything that is totally new and challenging! Once we have taken up the challenge of enhancing a new skill or knowledge, we should be ready to stretch a little bit from our comfort zone to attain excellence.
6. Creating Time
In case of learning a new language, we generally dedicate around 30 minuets daily to learn new words/phrases/sentences. In fact, during learning anything, making dedicated time everyday for quality learning is very important. All of us have busy schedule but when we have made up our minds to learn something, it’s necessary for us to set priorities and find time on a regular basis for learning with determination and motivation.
7. Having Fun / Experimenting
When learning something new, it could get a bit stressful, to get that accent, pronunciation etc. making it fun is a beautiful experience learning the language like listening to audios and experimenting to pronounce that way and laugh at your pronunciation and practice more and learn in a fun way!
Isn’t it the best way to learn even your theories and other technical concepts or even other day to day activities?
8. Develop self-determination
Being determined and setting goals for ourselves is another aspect we learn while seriously learning a new language. We could show determination by dedicating fixed time every day do learn a set of words and phrases aim to deliver a basic conversation in the language. Along with the fun a little bit of seriousness could help in learning faster and more effectively in any learning situation.
These are a some aspects that I felt I (and other learner’s) could learn from learning a new languages. There could be many more aspects that people grasp and learn along with learning a language. If you have any more aspects to add to the list please to comment on the article. Any other feedback is also welcome and accepted 🙂
