Learning a New Language: Staying Motivated

May 18, 2023

Learning a second language is not easy, but it is an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you are learning for personal or professional reasons, it requires a lot of dedication and motivation. At Babel, we understand the challenges that come with learning a new language and we want to share some tips on how to stay motivated throughout the language learning journey.

🎯 Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals is the first step to stay motivated when learning a new language. The goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, you could set a goal to learn 50 new vocabulary words per week, or to have a conversation in the target language for 10 minutes every day. Setting these goals will give you a sense of direction and purpose and will help you track your progress.

📺 Surround yourself with the language

Immersing yourself in the language is one of the best ways to stay motivated. Listen to podcasts, watch TV shows or movies in the target language, and read books or articles. You could also change your phone and computer settings to the target language. By surrounding yourself with the language, you will become more familiar with it and it will become more natural for you to use it.

🧑‍🏫 Find a language learning community

Joining a language learning community can be a great way to stay motivated. This could be a group of people who are also learning the language, a language exchange programme, or an online language learning platform. These communities will not only provide you with opportunities to practice speaking the language but will also help you stay accountable and motivated.

🎉 Celebrate small victories

Language learning is a long process, and it can be easy to feel discouraged if you don't see progress right away. Celebrating small victories, like mastering a new grammar rule or learning a new word, can help you stay motivated. Recognise your progress and be proud of the work you have done.

☕ Take breaks

Taking breaks is important to prevent burnout and stay motivated. It is better to study consistently for shorter periods of time than to study for long periods of time and then give up. Find activities that you enjoy and that relax you, and make sure to include them in your language learning routine.

At Babel, we believe that learning a second language is not only about acquiring new skills but also about discovering new cultures and broadening your horizons, whether that is for personal or professional reasons. Our language learning programmes are designed to help you achieve your language goals while enjoying the journey. Get in touch to find out more!