Embarking on your language learning journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you’re just starting out, you might find it challenging to know where to begin or how to study effectively. To help you navigate this process, we’ve compiled our best tips for maximizing your experience with Babbel and incorporating additional strategies into your learning routine.
Discover your motivation
Everyone has their unique reasons for wanting to learn a new language. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, connect with loved ones, or simply keep your mind sharp, identifying your motivation is crucial. This personal insight will guide you throughout your learning journey, helping you determine which vocabulary to focus on first and keeping you motivated when life gets busy.
Once you’ve pinpointed your motivation, commit to your learning goals. Consider writing down your reasons and placing them somewhere visible, or find a fellow learner who can support and encourage you along the way.
Here is how to find learning content that aligns with your goals.
Establish a learning habit
After discovering your motivation, the next essential step is to make language learning a regular habit. It’s easy to fall into the trap of binge learning—packing several lessons into a weekend and then neglecting your studies until the following week. Unfortunately, this approach is often ineffective and can hinder your ability to retain new vocabulary in the long term.
Instead of sporadic sprints of learning, view language learning as a long-term commitment: remember, slow and steady wins the race. Dedicate a small amount of time each day to your language studies—even just 15 minutes during your daily commute can make a significant difference. If you struggle to remember to study, consider utilizing Babbel’s learning reminders to help you stay on track.
Learn more about how to establish a language learning habit here.
Review regularly and consistently
Now that you’ve committed to regular learning, it’s equally important to prioritize review sessions. While it can be tempting to focus solely on new lessons, every study session should also include a review of previously learned material. Start this practice after your first or second lesson to seamlessly incorporate it into your routine.
With Babbel, reviewing is effortless thanks to our review function, which employs the scientifically proven method of spaced repetition. This feature is designed to help new vocabulary stick in your long-term memory, keeping track of everything you’ve learned so far and knowing exactly when to reintroduce older items, so you never miss out on important vocabulary.
Learn more about Babbel's Review feature here.
Immerse yourself in the language
If you’re eager to accelerate your progress, immersing yourself in your new language is key. In addition to regular study sessions, consider watching TV shows or movies in the target language, listening to radio stations or podcasts while driving, writing your grocery list using new vocabulary, or even talking to yourself for practice. For the adventurous, you might even consider changing your phone’s display language! The goal is to surround yourself with the language as much as possible.
Here is our complete guide on how to supplement your learning.
Find a practise partner
Finally, if rapid progress is your priority, invest time in finding a speaking partner to practice with. Unless you’re studying a dead language, you’re probably learning to engage in conversations with real people. You’ll grasp the flow of the language and be challenged to recall vocabulary much more effectively when you actively use your knowledge from the start.
If you can’t find someone nearby, don’t hesitate to seek out an online partner who is willing to chat. There are numerous online communities dedicated to language learning, and you just need to connect with someone you’re excited to converse with.
Looking for more ways to practice speaking? Check out this article.