It can be difficult for adults to start learning a foreign language from scratch because you need to feel like a student again, who does not yet know simple words and elementary rules. However, there is nothing humiliating about starting to learn a language as an adult; on the contrary, a thirst for knowledge is generally respected. As for children, it can be easier, because there are too many ways to do that. For instance, bilingual children’s books are the perfect way to learn a foreign language for children. If your kids will read a bilingual kid’s book, they will never have a problem with language, because in that way you will raise bilingual babies.
Many people ask the question: “What is the best way to start learning the language?” To begin, you should decide whether you want to learn in a group, individually with a teacher, or on your own.
The best option for those who are going to learn a language from scratch is classed with a teacher. You need a mentor who can explain how the language works and help you build a solid foundation in your knowledge. A teacher is your interlocutor who:
- Help you start speaking a foreign language;
- Teach the correct pronunciation;
- Explain grammar in simple words;
- Will tell you how to develop the skill of understanding a foreign speech by ear.
You don’t want or have the opportunity to learn with an instructor for some reason? Then take a look at our beginner’s step-by-step self-study tutorial.
To begin, we’d like to offer some suggestions for properly organizing your classes so that your efforts are not wasted. We advise you to:
Exercise for an hour at least 2-3 times a week.
Ideally, you need to allocate at least 20-30 minutes to the language every day. However, if you want to arrange a weekend for yourself, practice every other day, but at double the volume – 40-60 minutes. Actually, repeating everything you’ve learned is the best way for the thing you study to stick in your mind forever. So don’t think that you already know the thing you are studying recently, just repeat and exercise as much as possible until it sticks in your brain.
Work on speech skills.
 
Write brief paragraphs, read simple articles and news, listen to beginner podcasts, and find a conversation partner to help you practice speaking. There are tons of materials on Youtube for beginners. There are so many bloggers with their channels who speak in a foreign language and try to sound more natural and understandable for beginners.
Immediately apply the knowledge gained in practice.
In speaking and writing, use the vocabulary and language structures you’ve learned. Simple cramming will not produce the desired result: if you do not use your knowledge, it will fly out of your head. Learn a dozen new words, then write a short tale with them and read it aloud.
Do not spray.
The main mistake beginners make is trying to take as many materials as possible and work with all of them at the same time. As a result, the study turns out to be haphazard, you get confused by the abundance of information and do not see progress. So try to be fair with yourself and take materials with your language level. This obviously will help you to not stuck in the same level but will make that level perfect before going to another.
Repeat past.
Do not forget to repeat the material covered. Even if it seems to you that you know the words on the topic “Weather” by heart, come back to them in a month and check if you remember everything. Repetition is never superfluous. In our blog, we have already written about how to repeat so as not to forget anything. Familiarize yourself with the techniques and put them to the test.
Some advice.
- Install useful apps
- Study online
- Read simple texts
- Watch the news in a foreign language
- Listen to podcasts at your level
- Learn grammar
- Start building vocabulary
- Clarify how words are pronounced
- Learn the rules of reading a foreign language
- Read bilingual books
We have compiled for you only the most essential ingredients for a successful English or another language that you are starting to learn. We didn’t use the most vital talent, however: speaking. It’s nearly tough to train it alone. The most you can do is find an English learner friend. However, a friend with a higher level of knowledge is unlikely to want to work with a beginner, and a beginner like you cannot be an assistant. Moreover, when you study with a layperson, there is a risk of adopting his mistakes. So take from everything the most useful things, and that will help for your future efforts.
