How to Learn ANY Language - A Biligual’s Tips
Learning a new language opens doors to new cultures, enhances your CV, and connects you with people worldwide. It is also a fulfilling hobbies (and, let’s be honest - we all need more hobbies!). As someone who is fluent in two languages (Italian, my native language, and English, my second language), I've developed a a plan to help you learn a language in a smart and efficient way. This guide will help you achieve proficiency in your target language without requiring hours of daily study.
1.Finding Your Motivation
The first step to learn a language fluently is to establish a strong motivation.
So take some time to think about what drives you to learn a new language. Perhaps you're fascinated by a particular culture or country, you might want to connect with native speakers when travelling, you might have a family member, or partner who speaks the language. Whatever your reasons, write them down in a journal or note-taking app. Make sure to keep these motivations accessible—they'll serve as powerful reminders during challenging moments when your enthusiasm naturally decreases.
2. start learning
In order to learn a language effectively, you need to be confident with the four main communication domains: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Reading
Reading builds vocabulary and familiarizes you with sentence structures. Be mindful to choose books that are appropriate to your level. If you are very new with your target language, children books are a great place to start, as they are very accessible and their main purpose is to help children learn. As you get better, you can progress to more complex books. Another great resource are social media: follow influencers that post contents in your target language, so that you can use your time on your phone and social media productively by getting more and more familiar with your target language.
Writing
Depending on your goal, writing in your target language might not be essential for you. However, if it is, writing can be a very helpful way to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. You can incorporate it into your daily life by wiring short journaling entries in your target language. initially, you would need dictionaries or translators, but with time, you will be able to wean your self off these aids. If you want to be even more time-efficient, you can practice writing by typing short sentences during your commutes or other short windows of time.
Listening
Listening is perhaps the most enjoyable domain to develop, and it is also my favourite. You can practice listening by watching TV shows in your target language, listen to music whilst analysing the lyrics, or finding podcasts designed for language learners. You might find very helpful the Chrome Extension “Learn Language with Netflix and Youtube”, which allows you to use dual-language subtitles when watching contents online.
Speaking
Speaking is the communication domain that people finds most difficult, possibly due to the limited opportunities there are to practice it. To make sure you can get your regular speaking sessions, you can try recording yourself speaking in your target language, or you could find a language exchange partner through platforms like Language Exchange - there are many people on that website willing to meet weekly to speak their native language with you in exchange for your native language. This method of learning is also effective because it provides accountability (if you have a session scheduled with your correspondent, you will be unlikely to cancel!). In addition, practicing with a native speaker will help you building confidence.
3. Create a Realistic Schedule
The third and last step to learn a new language is to make time for it. As with anything, if you don’t put the time to actually dedicate to your target language, you won’t go very far. However, remember that learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on being consistent, rather than dedicating hours and hours of studying to your target language. Even if it’s an hour every week, make sure to maintain that commitment with yourself. Every week, assess your calendar honestly to determine what time you have available and schedule specific periods for your language practice. Also think about making your learning more enjoyable by incorporating activities that you genuinely like (e.g. watching your favourite TV shows in your target language). Finally, look for opportunities to multitask! You can listen to a podcast whilst doing house shows, or watch shows whilst on the treadmill.
Effective Tools and Resources
I want to end this article by providing you with a number of resources that can help you in your language learning journey:
Duolingo: Whilst it won’t help you become fluent, Duolingo can provide an excellent foundation, and help you learn the basics of your target language if you are a beginner.
Language learning books: find a language learning book in your target language, and make sure only your target language is used in the book - if there are signs of any other language, then the book is not a very good one.
Language Learning with Netflix and YouTube extension: Enables dual-language subtitles, so that you can watch your favourite shows or creators with both your native and target language subtitles
Children's books: A great resource to start reading as a beginner
Music and podcasts: Provide engaging listening practice
Anki: Uses spaced repetition with flashcards to optimize long-term retention
Language Exchange websites: Connect you with native speakers to exchange languages, which is great for conversation practice
Tracking Your Progress
To make your learning easier, I have created a FREE Notion Template for you (access it here), that will help you document and keep track of your language learning journey to maintain motivation and identify areas for improvement. In the template you will find databases to record your reading, listening, writing and speaking with a comprehension percentage and a space to add any new vocabulary you learn.
conclusion
The most successful language learners aren't necessarily those with the most time or natural talent—they're the ones who practice consistently. Learning a language is a deeply rewarding journey that enhances both personal and professional aspects of life. With the right approach, even the busiest individuals can achieve proficiency in a new language.