How to START learning a new language on your own？Step by step tips! (Subtitles)

Summary

In this video, Zoe shares her personal journey of learning multiple languages, offering practical advice for beginners on how to start learning a new language from scratch. She outlines essential steps such as researching the language, selecting reliable resources, and organizing study plans. Zoe emphasizes the importance of consistency, focusing on real-world conversations, and practicing with native speakers once you've built a basic vocabulary. With tips on using tools like spaced repetition apps, creating effective study schedules, and balancing grammar and vocabulary, this video is a comprehensive guide to kickstart your language learning journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Do thorough research before starting to learn a language to understand its unique features, such as writing systems and pronunciation challenges.
• 😀 Prepare your learning tools, including a structured book with audio, spaced repetition apps like ANKI, and a reliable dictionary with conjugation tables.
• 😀 Stick to one main resource in the beginning, whether it's a book, YouTube channel, or app, to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• 😀 It's important to start learning with basic conversations that relate to real-life situations, such as greetings and introductions, rather than isolated words or phrases.
• 😀 Organize your vocabulary by categories (e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives) in an Excel sheet or notebook to keep track of your progress and gradually expand your knowledge.
• 😀 Create simple sentences early on using newly learned vocabulary, even if it's just a few words, to reinforce your learning and make it more practical.
• 😀 Use ANKI to review and test new words and sentences, and avoid creating a deck that is too large to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
• 😀 Practice speaking with a native speaker when you have the basic structure of the language and a solid foundation in vocabulary and grammar.
• 😀 Incorporate grammar gradually through conversations, not as isolated lessons, and try to use grammar points that are relevant to your life and experiences.
• 😀 Consistency is key: study every day, even if it's just 15 minutes, to build a habit and maintain steady progress in language learning.

Q & A

Why is it important to research a language before starting to learn it?

Researching a language helps you understand its unique features, such as the writing system, pronunciation, and potential challenges. This prepares you mentally for the difficulties ahead, helping you avoid frustration and setting realistic expectations.

What should you focus on when preparing your tools for language learning?

You should gather essential resources like a structured learning book or YouTube channel, a spaced repetition app like Anki, a reliable dictionary with audio, and a conjugation table. These tools help organize your learning and ensure consistent practice.

How can you choose the right learning resources for your language?

Choose resources that offer quality audio and video with real conversations, clear grammar explanations, and vocabulary lists. The material should allow you to engage in practical, conversational language use from the start.

When is the best time to start practicing with a native speaker?

You should start practicing with a native speaker once you have a basic understanding of the language, such as knowing 100 high-frequency words and having an understanding of basic grammar like verb conjugations. This allows you to engage in simple conversations.

How can you organize your language studies effectively?

Organize your study time by creating a daily routine, even if it's just 15 minutes per day. Use tools like Excel to track vocabulary and categorize words by type (verbs, nouns, adjectives). Consistency is key, so study regularly and integrate grammar and vocabulary into your practice.

What role does grammar play in language learning according to Zoe's approach?

Grammar should be learned progressively through context and conversation, not in isolation. Zoe advises not to focus solely on grammar rules, but to learn them naturally as part of the language's structure while engaging in practical conversations.

What are some effective strategies for reviewing vocabulary and grammar?

Use a spaced repetition system like Anki to review vocabulary, but don't just test single words. Include full sentences in your reviews to practice context and grammar together. Add words gradually to your Anki deck and review them consistently.

How important is consistency in language learning?

Consistency is crucial for language learning. Even short, daily sessions are more effective than long, sporadic study periods. Daily practice helps reinforce the language and build habits that lead to long-term retention.

What are some tips for staying motivated during language learning?

Staying motivated involves setting a routine, avoiding distractions, and focusing on using what you've learned in real-world situations. Zoe suggests making language learning a part of your daily life, even if it's just for a few minutes each day, to keep the process engaging.

Can watching TV shows or movies help in learning a language?

Watching TV shows and movies can be useful for intermediate and advanced learners to improve listening skills, but for beginners, Zoe recommends focusing on structured lessons first. Starting with clear, focused material gives you the foundational knowledge needed to understand more complex media later.