No matter what language you're learning, study smarter with these language-learning tips! http://takelessons.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-learn-a-new-language

2. Use a few new vocabulary words on a daily basis. This is much less overwhelming than trying
to memorize several different words all at once.
Incorporate vocabulary into your daily routine, this will help you commit these words to
memory and learn to use them in real-life situations.
– 6 Ways to Simplify Your Foreign Language Learning by Lifehack expert Allison Lounes.

3. Textbooks and grammar workbooks are only one small element of learning a language. You’re
not actually fluent and/or functional until you can use your new language in conversation.
The best way to do this is to practice with native speakers.
– How to Learn A Language in 90 Days – zen habits (guest post by Maneesh Sethi of Hack the
System)

4. Keep a notebook handy and write down anything you don’t understand while you’re studying
– watching TV in your foreign language, doing exercises on an app, or listening to foreign
music.
Plus, as Go Overseas blogger Jenny Marshall points out, “something as simple as a Moleskin
pocket notebook fits easily almost anywhere, and looks downright important when you pull it
out to take notes.”
– 5 Easy Hacks for Learning a New Language Abroad

5. Put yourself in a situation where you have to learn your new language, or face failure.
Travel to Germany and don’t allow yourself to speak English. Sign up for a language
immersion program and jump in without looking back.
Whatever you can do to increase your sense of urgency will help you learn your language in a
more useful, efficient way.
– Three Powerful Hacks to Learn Any New Language by Ryan goes abroad.

6. There are cognates in every language, so no matter if you’re learning Korean, Japanese,
Spanish, or German, you can use this language-learning hack to your benefit.
Believe it or not, you may already know several useful words in your new language!
– 12 Rules for Learning Foreign Languages in Record Time-The Only Post You’ll Ever Need –
The Tim Ferris Experiment.

7. Want to learn a new language? There’s an app for that!
Smart phone and tablet apps are super convenient because you can take them
anywhere and practice on the go.
There are apps available for just about any language, and they generally include grammar
lessons, vocabulary, and pronunciation guides.
– 5 cool apps that will help you learn a new language by Jessica Hullinger.

8. Learning a new language can be an overwhelming endeavor. It’s hard to determine where to
start and which approach to take. To simplify this process, focus on the things that are most
important or interesting on a personal level.
“You’re more likely to learn vocabulary that’s related to your interests, than you are to learn
the names of kitchen utensils (unless you happen to love kitchen utensils) and other stuff
that you don’t care about.”
– 21 Tips and Hacks for Learning a Foreign Language by Marelisa, creator of Daring to Live
Fully.

9. Learning anything new is easier when you make it a recurring part of your life. Make practicing
your new language a non-negotiable part of your day.
Remember, learning a language is not a one-size-fits-all experience. You’re more likely to stick
to your routine if it’s realistic and feasible. Try to set up a routine where you do the same
things every day.
– The Secret to Learning a Foreign Language as an Adult by David Bailey.

10. Some of the most rewarding language-learning experiences happen outside of the classroom.
“Local events are a unique opportunity to practice, learn, and at the same time, pursue your
other interests,” says travel writer Isabel Eva Bohrer. “There are a myriad of opportunities, it’s
just a matter of finding one that is useful, fun, and interesting for you.”
– 6 Ways to Learn a Foreign Language Fast

11. No matter how far along you are in your language-learning journey, it’s important to be
mindful of why you started this process. Understanding your purpose will help you stay
motivated and keep you on track.
“…if you don’t have a good reason to learn a language, you are less likely to stay motivated
over the long-run,” says Babbel author John-Erik Jordan. “No matter your reason, once
you’ve decided on a language, it’s crucial to commit.”
– 10 Tips and Tricks to Pick Up Any Language

12. Keeping track of your progress will help you celebrate the small victories along the way. This is
crucial to help you stay motivated.
“Document your adventures with photographs and add captions in your new language,”
says Huffington Post writer Stephanie Oswald. “The more you learn, the more fun your story
will become to write.”
– Want to Learn a Foreign Language?

13. This is one of the most important phrases you can learn in your new language. If you need to
ask for directions, introduce yourself, or ask for help, this phrase is critical.
– 22 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language by Mark Manson

14. You know the phrase “take what you like and leave the rest”? Well, it applies to learning a
language, too.
Determine the most important things that you need to know, and learn these things first.
“So, put aside the grammar book and get yourself a travel phrasebook instead (they are small
and only cost a couple of dollars),” says Benny Lewis from Fluent in 3 Months. “Learn the
essentials in a few hours that would be pretty universally needed as the core of basic
conversation, and then learn what you want to say.”
– Becoming a Man of the World: How to Learn Another Language

15. When you’re studying a new language, you usually want to know the fastest way to learn. One
of the best ways to learn quickly, however, is to pace yourself and learn little bits at a time.
“Learn faster by exposing yourself to listening and reading in short bursts, several times a day,”
says Get-It-Done Guy Stever Robbins. “Five minutes here and ten minutes there makes the
language sink in much better than marathon language study sessions.”
– How to Learn a Language Quickly

16. Study smarter, not harder. How you study is much more important than how much you study.
“What I mean by this is that studying a language four hours a day for two weeks will be more
beneficial for you than studying one hour a day for two months.”
– 22 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language by Mark Manson

17. When you first start using your new language, you’re going to stumble and make mistakes,
and that’s OK!
“For me, there came a point, though, when I just became totally unapologetic about it,” says
Jason, blogger and founder of the Spanish Vault. “I’ve got to start somewhere, and the more
mistakes I make, the faster I learn.”
Read more about learning a foreign language from this interview with Jason on Language
Surfer.

18. Watching, reading, listening, and talking about the news in your new language is a fantastic
way to learn vocabulary and usage.
Olly Richards, founder of I Will Teach You A Language, recommends this as a Japanese
learning hack, but this strategy can be applied to any foreign language.
The news will help you become more comfortable with the language, and also give you up-
to-date information about the country and culture.
This will come in handy when you plan to travel!

19. Discovering new foods is one of the most fun aspects of learning any new language! You may
discover some new favorite foods or recipes, and you will be able to practice your vocabulary
and speaking skills.
It’s a delicious, win-win learning strategy.
– 5 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Learn a Foreign Language by Cher Hale

20. In many cases, you intuitively know how to interpret social cues and behavior. When you
begin using your language in real-life situations, your intuition will come in handy, especially if
you hear unfamiliar words or phrases.
“Basically, spend most of your time figuring out meaning from all the cues in a situation,” says
Ron, a Language Surfer writer. “But every once in a while, take the time to study the language
and understand the language rationally.”
– How to Learn a Language Fast: 5 Things to Speed Up the Process

21. Put on a movie in your language of choice and take notes on any words or phrases you don’t
understand. Pay attention the vocabulary you already know, and listen to the pronunciation
and intonation.
Don’t just listen, watch the characters’ body language and see what you can infer from their
actions.
FluentU recommends this strategy in this article about learning French, but it’s a great
learning tool for any language.

22. Confidence is half the battle. You have to believe you can do something in order to succeed.
So while you may struggle along the way, pick yourself back up and keep moving forward!
“My belief is that everybody has the ability to learn a foreign language,” says Lingholicwriter
Sam Gendreau. “After all, you learned your mother tongue, didn’t you? You just have to learn
to step outside of your comfort zone and believe in yourself.”
– Learning a foreign Language – 10 Most Common Mistakes

23. This doesn’t just mean giving yourself downtime between study sessions (although this is
important); find ways to relax in your new language.
Watch TV shows, listen to music, learn about pop culture. Whatever you like to do to relax,
find a way to do it using your new language.
42 Insane Japanese Language Learning Hacks! by Olly Richards

24. This one word can be a big help when it comes to learning a new language.
You have enough time, you have enough resources, and you have enough brain power to
accomplish what you set out to do.
“This word should be your mantra when learning a language,” says Language Mastery writer
John Fortheringham. “When you find yourself procrastinating, making excuses, and putting
off speaking practice out of fear, this string of six letters can help put you back on track.”

25. Again, you’re going to make mistakes and you’re going to struggle.
This is a natural part of the learning process. Don’t fight it; embrace it.
Rather than beating yourself up for making mistakes or not learning as quickly as you’d like to,
congratulate yourself for your hard work, and acknowledge your accomplishments – even the
little ones.
– The Best Ways to Learn a Language as an Adult

26. Put your acting skills to the test and role play in your new language. Not only is this fun, it’s
effective because you learn how to use the language in different situations.
Connect with native speakers or find some study partners in your area.
Learn and have fun at the same time.
End scene!
– Pangea Learning

27. Flaschcards are useful, portable study tools to help you learn vocabulary and essential
phrases.
If you prefer digital flashcards, try these downloadable flashcards from anki.
Feeling crafty? Make your own flashcards and bring them with you to study on the go!
7 Secrets to Learning a Language Fast

28. Get your creative juices flowing and come up with some fun stories using vocabulary words.
This method also helps you break up vocabulary into smaller parts, so you can master one
thing at a time.
Zooming Japan blogger Jasmine T. used this strategy to learn nearly two
thousand kanji characters in only two months.

29. If you've challenged yourself to learn a new language, grab your best friend and encourage
him or her to do the same.
"It's fun doing something with someone else, and often if one person loses motivation, the
other person will help keep you both on track. I also am very motivated by wanting to help
the other person, and while doing something for myself is also a great goal, doing it for
someone else helps a lot."
- The Best & Less-than-Best Motivations for Learning by zen habits writer Leo Babauta.

30. Learning synonyms in a new language can be the difference between understanding the
language in a classroom setting, and being able to apply it to real-world situations.
"Fluency is not just the ability to function in all contexts, it’s also the ability to function well,"
says language teacher and polyglot Alex Rawlings. "If you haven’t grown up with a language,
you will probably be largely unaware of certain nuances or connotations that words and
phrases may have. You will remain unaware of these, unless you immerse yourself culturally."
- Synonyms: your shortcut to fluency

31. Making language practice part of your day is mandatory when you're in a country that uses
that language. It's no longer an obligation, but instead a necessity to be able to function and
communicate.
"When you don’t have any choice but to speak the language you are learning, you will make
faster progress."
- Slip of the Tongue