Hi there, language learners~ I’m back with a new subject that I wanted to talk about. I’ve been asked several times how to self-study Korean, or English, because I’m learning both languages on my own.
Self-learning a language can be quite difficult. You need to find a way that works for you, have goals and stay motivated when you learn your target language, which can be really challenging sometimes.
But anyway, let’s start with the subject of today : “How to self learn a foreign language”. We’ll explore the benefits, tools, techniques, and the magic of mastering a language solo. Whether you’re dreaming of conquering Korean, English, French, or any other language, this article is for you!
1. Benefits of Learning a New Language
Embarking on a journey to learn a language independently is like setting out on an adventure. The excitement of discovering new cultures, expressing yourself in different ways, and connecting with people worldwide is priceless, and I completely vibe with that wish.
Learning a new language goes beyond communication and it brings numerous benefits:
Mind Expansion
Exploring a new language challenges and strengthens your brain, making you more creative and mentally agile. Whether it’s decoding the characters of Korean or mastering the intricacies of French grammar, your brain gets a workout. Actually, through my language learning journey, I’ve met several people in their late 80s trying to learn a new language to keep their brain engaged at all times, and I think it is such a great way to maintain your brain’s health.
Cultural Connection
Each language is a window into a unique culture. Engaging with English literature, enjoying K-dramas in Korean, or savoring French literature provides insights into diverse perspectives and traditions.
Confidence Boost
Speaking a new language transforms you into a linguistic superhero. Imagine wandering around Barcelona and ordering food in fluent Spanish, watching your favorite kdrama without needing any subtitle, or expressing yourself eloquently in French – it’s a real confidence booster, and it makes you feel good about yourself and your skills.
Career Opportunities
In today’s interconnected world, knowing multiple languages is an asset. Your language skills open up doors to diverse job opportunities and make you stand out in the professional arena. Even when you’re not fluent in a language, knowing the basics can really help you in your professional career.
2. Things you Need to Learn a New Language By Yourself
Motivation
Any language learning journey should begin with a clear understanding of why you want to learn a particular language. Whether it’s the appeal of Korean pop culture, the allure of English literature, or the sophistication of French, your motivation will become the compass guiding you through your language exploration. Now motivation can be hard to maintain, and if you’re wondering how to stay motivated while learning a new language, I invite you to read this article.
Goals
When you self-learn a language, you really need to be aware of your goals. For example, someone who wants to learn Korean to be able to watch movies and series without subtitles and is not eager to visit Korea or live in Korea won’t have the same learning process as someone whose goal is to live in the country eventually. The first case will put more attention on understanding the language and care less about being able to express themselves in Korean, while the second case will really want to focus on being able to speak AND understand both.
Thinking about your WHY and setting goals for yourself and this wish of learning a new language will be extremely important to be able to learn it efficiently, focus on the things that matter for your language learning goals, as well as keeping you motivated.
Textbooks and Resources
When you learn a new language, resources will obviously be super important. To get to know which resources would work for you, I think the most important is to find what you enjoy. It might take a bit of time to really find your way of learning a language, but it’s important. Know yourself and your language learning style before diving deeper and buying resources that might not work for you and end up being money wasted.
Examples of resources :
– Textbooks
– Applications
– Videos, Podcasts
– Books (to read)
– Flashcards
– GrammarBooks
– Physical or Digital Language Learning Notebook & Ways to Organize It
Lots of resources are available for free on the Internet, and I would advise you to try out some of the free resources before buying them.
In my case, I learn best when I focus heavily on “outputs”, and since my current goal in language learning is to speak confidently in Korean, I focus a lot on speaking and writing.
3. Inputs: Immersing Yourself in the Language Flow
If you are not aware of what are inputs and outputs in terms of language learning, let me help you with that.
What is an output ?
An input is basically the language exposure that you would get from reading or listening to your target language. It can be books, podcasts, videos, songs, or anything that you don’t produce by yourself.
Inputs are really important in my opinion when you learn a language. It exposes you to the natural flow of the language you’re aiming to study, and makes your ear and brain used to it, without mistakes.
How to Use Inputs
Listen and Repeat: Immersing yourself in the language begins with listening. Whether it’s Korean dramas, English podcasts, or French songs, listen attentively and repeat the words aloud. It’s like tuning your ears to the natural flow of each language.
Read out loud: Reading is also extremely important. Even more than that, put the focus on reading out loud. While it’s not always easy to do so in all situations (for example, I’d understand if you don’t start reading out loud in a train), it’s also really important to train your mouth to pronounce the language you’re learning.
4. Output: Crafting Your Linguistic Creations
First, what is an output ?
Outputs in language learning basically mean “language production”, which can be speaking, or writing.
Outputs are equally (if not more, depending on your goal) important as inputs in a language learning journey.
While I was learning Korean, I found this to be important. It was the most helpful for me because the root of the language, the words, and overall pronunciation were very different from my native language, and my mouth was really not used to Korean. It took me a long time to realize, and I made the mistake of not putting enough importance on the outputs at the beginning of my language learning journey. I kinda regretted it. Read the article: 6 Mistakes to Avoid as A Korean Learner.
How To Use Outputs
Speak with Confidence: Speaking is your chance to apply what you’ve learned. Engaging in language exchange with native speakers or practicing with language apps like Tandem or HelloTalk boosts your confidence. It’s quite scary at first, and listen, I completely understand if you’re scared. But when you will overcome that fear, you will be unstoppable.
Write Regularly: Writing is your creative outlet. Whether it’s journaling your thoughts in English, composing short stories in Korean, or expressing emotions in French, writing regularly enhances your language skills. It’s like weaving your linguistic tapestry.
5. Balance: Nurturing Your Language Garden
Consistency is Key: Consistency is the heartbeat of your language garden. Daily watering, represented by consistent practice, ensures steady growth. In English, it might be a blog post; in Korean, a daily diary; in French, a reflective essay. Consistency transforms language learning into a habit.
Patience: Patience is your shield against frustration. Learning a language is a gradual process, akin to tending to a blooming garden. It’s about acknowledging that each linguistic bloom, whether in Korean vocabulary, English grammar, or French pronunciation, takes time.
Celebrate Progress: Celebrating your linguistic victories becomes a ritual. From mastering a complex English grammar rule to correctly pronouncing challenging Korean sounds or composing a beautiful sentence in French, each achievement is a step forward. It’s about recognizing the journey’s milestones.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of self-learning a language is an enriching and deeply personal journey, which can lead you to many opportunities and self-development. So, keep going! Remember, even the smallest steps are like giant leaps in your language adventure. Happy learning!
