Renán L. Cuervo
Content Writer
Curious about how to learn a language on your own? This one’s for you! We bring you 8 everyday hacks for practicing your target language from the comfort of your home.
How to learn a language on your own
Every language learning journey is different, and some people prefer or need to travel solo. The good news is you can become fluent in any language without a class or group. Sure, those things are nice, but not necessary! Just ask Gabriel Wyner, Fluent Forever’s CEO, how he learned French.
If that’s your path, there are plenty of exercises and tricks that can help you boost your experience and reach your goals.
So, if you’re wondering how to learn a language on your own, here are 8 everyday hacks you can do at home!
1) Label objects in your house with flashcards
Flashcards are great tools to memorize new words and learn a language on your own. The ones we recommend you use – the type we use in our app – rely on images and no translations, allowing you to create more long-lasting memories of the words you learn.
So, why not make flashcards with everyday objects in your house?
On post-its, write down the names of things in your target language and place them on their surface. That desk in your room, packaged food in your fridge, random objects lying around – anything goes! Create daily vocabulary reminders and literally learn a language from home – your home.
2) Create self-immersion
Learn a language on your own by surrounding yourself as much as possible with your target language. Change everyday activities and texts to the language you’re learning and make sure you’re constantly exposed to its grammar and pronunciation.
Here are some fun things you can do:
- Change your phone’s setting to your target language
- Do the same with your computer and Google settings
- Try a cooking recipe or how-to instructions in the new language
- Listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and songs in that language
- Watch movies, series, and scenes with and without subtitles
- Follow news from countries that speak the language
3) Set attainable goals to stay motivated
Want to know how to learn a language on your own and stay motivated? Set goals for yourself. Without a teacher or course, you’ll need to come up with your own weekly, monthly, or yearly milestones to reach.
Setting and reaching objectives in any process keeps us motivated. The same goes for learning a new language. Set attainable, short-term, date-bound checkpoints to reach and stay pumped while you’re learning.
Aim to learn and memorize 10 new words a week, recite a poem in your target language in a month, and take an online language placement test in 6 months. Reaching smaller goals will help you to keep working towards bigger ones.
4) Schedule your practice and be consistent
To learn a language on your own you need to be consistent. Showing up, as they say, is half the battle!
Set a time and day to practice your language and make sure to stick to the schedule. Avoid distractions and try to get the most out of that time. It can be an hour, 30, or 15 minutes – whatever you can commit to.
We have a great list of tools and techniques you can try to manage your time better.
Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay
5) Plan for breaks and time off
Avoiding burnout is as crucial as being consistent. When creating your schedule, make sure to plan for exhaustion: set small breaks, allow yourself time to decompress, and include days off.
Learning a new language is a journey, not a race.
6) Practice with a native speaker
Excited about all these ideas on how to learn a language on your own? Well, there’s more!
Find a native speaker you can talk to! Social media is a great place to find a language exchange partner you can practice with. If you need more professional help, you can always try our Live Coaching program to get tailored, 1-on-1 private language lessons exclusively on subjects you’re interested in talking about.
7) Use our app
You saw this one coming a mile away, didn’t you?
What better way to learn a language by yourself than lying on your couch, whenever you want to, and with a method that works? Download the Fluent Forever app to learn any of the 11 languages we offer from the comfort of your bed.
Our app combines pronunciation training, vocabulary building, and grammar lessons. All you need to get fluent is a working smartphone!
8) Learn to appreciate mistakes and be kind to yourself
No journey is a straight line from start to finish – there are ups and downs, wins and losses. Learning a language on your own can be tough if there’s no one you can share the process with. Remember to be kind to yourself, and learn to enjoy the journey as much as the results.
We’ll be rooting for you, every step of the way.
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