Learning a new language is easier than you think, but old-fashioned methods like memorizing vocabulary lists aren’t going to cut it.
Here’s the secret: get your head out of the books and start speaking to real people as soon as possible.
The goal here is to spend more time speaking the language rather than studying it. Many people assume they need to master a new language before they start to converse with fluent speakers. Nothing is further from the truth. Starting with just a few sentences or phrases is sufficient for a basic conversation.
Another helpful trick is that it’s absolutely fine to cheat. Jot down a few tricky words on a sheet of paper, or even pause to look something up. People tend to be more patient with new learners than you might imagine. There’s no need to be perfect. Learning a language can truly change your life in unexpected ways. Look for more shortcuts in our Instaread on Fluent in 3 Months.
