There are a lot of apps that claim to help you learn a new language. Some are quite good, and useful for learning a few basics such as being able to order food in a restaurant, but they generally don’t cater to people who want to become fluent enough to have real conversations in a foreign language. This short article is based on my own experience as a native English speaker learning Swedish and Norwegian. If you’d like more detail, you may like to read a longer version of this article, which goes into detail about how to make the most of language teachers, gives some practical tips on becoming a fluent reader, and how to prepare for language tests.
Have realistic expectations
Most people will find it difficult to become fluent in a new language. While it is easier to develop native fluency if you learn a language from childhood, research shows that it is possible to attain “native-like” fluency if you begin learning a new language as an adult. Attaining native-like fluency means being fluent enough that you can have meaningful conversations, work, or study in a foreign language.
It is only going to be possible to achieve this level of competence if you devote a large amount of time to learning. For most of us, native-like fluency is likely to take years to achieve. My experience is that the only way to become a fluent listener and speaker is full immersion. If that is not possible for you, it will almost certainly limit your ability to become fluent. So, have realistic expectations not only about what is possible.
Apps are limited
Some apps are fully-automated, and essentially present material that you then mirror back to the app, following some kind of learning theory. Other apps connect you to other learners. By all means use apps, but be aware that they are limited and that it is probably not sensible to rely on one learning method.
It is difficult to drag yourself to the gym two or three times every week, but it is not hard to get fit if you do hit the spin bike and freeweights that often — in fact, you’d have to actively work not to get fit! So, don’t confuse the challenge of learning a new language with the challenge of building learning habits like using an app regularly or carving out time every week to do homework — both are difficult.
Find good teachers
There is no substitute for good teachers. You will need different teachers at different stages of your learning, and the definition of “good” will vary based on who you are, and your level of study.
Most apps and online language learning services use recorded or synthesized audio snippets. These are definitely useful for trying to pick out words and phrases you have studied. However, for this reason they are also synthetic and unrealistic. The actors are following a script, speaking clearly, perhaps in some “correct” version of the language, and are probably avoiding slang. Canned conversations will usually be very linear, focussed on a single topic. This is not how people actually speak. Working with a teacher who grew up speaking your target language will expose you to the some of the reality of the language and how people actually use it.
Make a habit of reading
Being able to read is perhaps the most important aspect of understanding a foreign language, and also the one that is easiest to become proficient at: we usually have time when we read, allowing us to re-read and look up new words - you can only ask someone to repeat themselves so many times before annoying them and feeling stupid. If you cannot understand what kind of food is in the can, read a job ad, or pick out the most important details in a home rental contract, or simply understand which bus or train to take, you are going to struggle with the basics of functioning in a foreign land. Being able to read is super-important!
Perseverance pays off. My advice is to start with textbooks, which are designed to teach you how to read and write. Once you know the basics (how to introduce yourself and ask questions that have simple answers like names, places, and numbers), try to find a source of text that is relatively simple. Once you get a little proficiency, I suggest looking for an online newspaper with a relatively low reading age. The content will be updated frequently and is likely to have reasonable overlap with news you are already seeing in your own language.
An additional benefit of reading news is that you will learn how people who speak your target language think differently compared to people from where you are from. Learning new ways of thinking is one of the major benefits of learning a new language .
Take it seriously
If you really want (or need!) to learn a new language, you are not going to succeed unless you take it seriously and commit time and energy. It takes moments to download an app, but if you don’t use it every day, it won’t do a thing for you. It is entirely possible to learn a new language, and doing so has many benefits, but you have to work at it. Good luck!
If you found this useful, you may like to read a more detailed version that will help you choose a good language teacher, gives practical tips on becoming a fluent reader, and suggests how to prepare for language tests.
