One of the best ways to learn a foreign language is to immerse yourself in a country that speaks the foreign language. For example, if you want to speak English fluently, then studying in America or another country that uses English as the main language of instruction will help you to improve your English skills.
First of all, let’s think about why we are fluent in our mother tongue? Of course, because those around us use it. Since childhood, we have lived in an environment where we can listen to our mother tongue every day, then slowly we begin to learn to speak, and finally get to know letters, read and write, so that we are fluent in using the language now.
The same theory also applies to learning a foreign language. Some of the tips below will help you to master a foreign language better:
Remember the language components
The language component consists of listening, speaking, reading and writing. First of all, of course you have to start from listening first. The more you get used to listening to a foreign language, the more you will pick up, although it may still be difficult to get it out of your mouth, but don’t give up. That is why living in an environment that speaks a foreign language will help your listening skills, because in that environment, everyone uses a foreign language. Once you get used to listening, subconsciously your ability to speak will become more fluent, and of course this will help your ability to read and write.
Be patient
Many are embarrassed to start a conversation with local people because they are not confident in their foreign language skills. Sometimes some people feel that speaking in language that is too simple sounds like a child. However, without starting you will not get results. Start speaking in simple language. Believe me with more practice, your language level will also improve by itself.
Follow the lessons in class well
Classroom lessons can be boring and less effective than socializing directly with local residents. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore what you’re studying in class. Apply what you learn in class into everyday conversations, and the experience will help your performance in class. Language cannot be separated from local culture and customs. Knowing these two things will help you to understand foreign languages ​​better. Therefore, lessons in class and lessons learned from socializing actually support each other and will increase your foreign language fluency more quickly.
Take notes
Once you find words or sentences and phrases that you don’t understand, you can make notes and then ask your teacher. And conversely, if there is a sentence structure or language use that is difficult for you to understand in the classroom, you can ask a local resident. They could have provided examples that are easier to understand from use in everyday conversation. You can take notes anywhere, on paper, a recorder, or the most practical thing now is with a smartphone. You can make notes in the notes application, or record directly from your smartphone.
Be a good listener
Sometimes we are in such a rush to practice our speaking skills that we forget to listen. Any foreign language is differentiated at various levels, from informal language to formal language, everything needs to start from listening. If you feel you are fluent enough with the basic level language, move on to the intermediate level, and so on. Each stage always starts with listening first.
