What do you learn when learning a language? | Glowforge
Are you learning a new language? Are you confused about what you should learn? I've got you! In this blog post, I will provide a comprehensive guide on what to learn when learning a language.
What to learn at the start:
1. Beginner Phrases / Greetings:
For example:
1. Hello/Hi
2. How are you?/ How have you been?
3. Good morning
4. Good night
5. Good evening
6. I'm good/I'm exhausted
7. What are you doing?
8. Excuse me
9. Goodbye
10. See you later/ See you tomorrow
11. What happened?
12. Thank you
13. Self Introduction (I'm .........)
14. Where are you?/ Where is......
15. It's nice to meet you
When I started learning Japanese, I memorized all the beginner phrases within 6 days of watching a one-hour-long video on YouTube. The YouTube video was filled with 100+ beginner phrases and greetings! To learn with effectiveness, I took notes, wrote them out on my notepad and although I don't have any Japanese family member at home, I still kept on practicing by speaking them out and repeating them in my mind. You won't know how relieved I was after the video finally finished!
Tip: Don't use Google Translate for beginner phrases as well because there is enough language content available on YouTube.
What to learn next: (Be ready to take a screenshot!)
2. Grammar:
Language is constructed from its grammar and syntax. To communicate smoothly, one must know the laws determining the structure of language.
⊳ Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.)
⊳ Sentence structure (word order, clause relationships, etc.)
⊳ Tense and aspect systems (present, past, future, etc.)
⊳ Modality (mood, Ifs, conditionals, etc.)
3. Vocabulary:
Don't let the sheer amount of information confuse you! To strengthen your comprehension, practice frequently while concentrating on one topic at a time.
⊳ Common Nouns (girl, boy, man, woman)
⊳ Most used words (school, home, park)
⊳ Colloquialisms (Colloquial expressions are the phrases or words which you use when you are with your closest friends or siblings. Colloquial language is not typically used in formal writings or official places. For example, "Don't freak out" or "That sh*t is sick!"
⊳ Idioms
4. Complex Vocabulary
⊳ Medical Terms
⊳ Technical Terms
Tip: If you are learning a language for work purposes, it's better to go for complex vocabulary next. Otherwise, it is optional because it's pretty normal for multilingual people to not be fluent in one specific language.
5. A Cultural Understanding:
Familiarize yourself with the culture and traditions of the language. Try entertaining yourself by watching drama series, movies, documentaries, vlogs and listening to songs in your target language. Use free sites like 123Movies, Gomovies, HdMovies, YouTube and 9anime or paid platforms like Netflix, Prime Video etc. You may learn about:
⊳ Social Norms
⊳ Etiquettes
⊳ Honorifics
⊳ Customs and Traditions
Tip: Read books and engage with native speakers to develop your cultural awareness.
6. Pronunciation
Pronunciation is often overlooked, but it's a vital component of language learning. Focus on:
⊳ Phonetics: individual sounds and their combinations
⊳ Phonology: sound patterns and rules
⊳ Intonation: rising and falling tones
Tip: Listen to native speakers and practice speaking regularly to develop your pronunciation skills.
7. Strategic Skills:
⊳ Listening: actively listening to spoken language
⊳ Reading: reading with comprehension and fluency
⊳ Writing: writing effectively for different purposes (e.g., persuasive, informative)
⊳ Speaking: using language to communicate effectively in various contexts
Remember, practice is key! Set aside time each day to practice speaking, writing, listening, and reading in your target language. Engage with native speakers, watch TV shows or movies with subtitles, and read books or articles to improve your skills.
Can you learn a language within 3 months?
While it's possible to learn the basics of a language within 3 months, becoming proficient in a language takes time, effort, and consistent practice. The amount of time it takes to learn a language depends on various factors, including:
1. Language similarity: If you're learning a language that's closely related to your native language, you may pick it up faster. Like if you speak Hindi, you may learn Urdu within a few weeks of keenly studying it.
2. Language complexity: Languages with complex grammar and syntax may take longer to learn (Japanese, Chinese, French, Hindi, Urdu, Turkish)
3. Study frequency: The more consistent and quality-focused your study routine is, the faster you'll progress.
4. Learning pace: People learn at different rates, and some may be more apt to pick up a language quickly than others.
5. Exposure: Surrounding yourself with the language and culture can greatly accelerate your learning process.
Now, assuming you're a beginner with no prior knowledge of the language, here are some rough estimates of what you can achieve in 3 months:
Basic Level (A1-A2 CEFR):
▶ Learn basic phrases and vocabulary (e.g., greetings, introductions, basic phrases)
▶ Understand simple sentences and dialogues
▶ Start to develop basic communication skills
▶ Time commitment: 1-2 hours per day, 3-4 days a week
Intermediate Level (B1-B2 CEFR):
▶ Expand your vocabulary and grammar
▶ Understand more complex sentences and dialogues
▶Develop more advanced communication skills
▶ Start to use the language in everyday situations
▶ Time commitment: 2-3 hours per day, 4-5 days a week
Advanced Level (C1-C2 CEFR):
▶ Develop a high level of fluency and accuracy
▶ Understand complex texts, videos, and conversations
▶ Use the language with precision and nuance
▶ Time commitment: 3-4 hours per day, 5-6 days a week
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and the actual time it takes to reach each level will be different depending on individual factors.
To give you a better idea, here are some specific goals you can achieve in 3 months:
▶ Learn the basics of a language (e.g., alphabet, common phrases, basic grammar)
▶ Reach A1 level (CEFR) and have a basic conversation with a native speaker
▶ Learn around 1000-2000 words and phrases
▶ Develop a basic understanding of the language's grammar and syntax
Remember that learning a language takes time, effort, and dedication. It's important to set realistic goals, stay motivated, and consistently practice to make progress.
Hope this helped!
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