How to...
Learn a language
February 2007
Our expert: Rob Geraghty (BA 1999), Managing Director of Languages at Lunch
Lots of people say they would like to learn a language and start with some good intentions, but often they don’t come to much. Yet there are lots of ways to make language learning work for you.
Mix it up
Learning a language doesn’t just have to be done in the classroom. For example, as you drive you work you can practise your numbers by reading them from car registrations. There are lots of good resources on the internet too to give you an opportunity to listen to the language you are learning.
Create a support network
Learning a language on your own can be tough going so try to find someone else who wants to learn with you. The commitment to the other person will also help encourage you to do any work that you have said you will do. Everyone who takes part in a Languages at Lunch course has a ‘buddy’ so that students can help each other in their learning.
Break it up
Rather than studying for three hours on one night of the week, try to break your learning into smaller chunks. There are lots of fun activities that you can do in order to make your learning more manageable.
Cultural support
Go and see films or concerts in the language that you are learning. In the early days you might not understand every word, but it is important to understand the culture of the language and to hear the sounds as often as possible.
Use what you learn
It’s really important to see the progress you are making so have a go at using what you have learnt right from the early days. Don’t say, ‘I’ll start talking when I’m fluent’ – try now and gain confidence from what you already know.