9 Best Language Learning Methods To Try (Latest Edition)

Languages are incredible gifts that help you to communicate and connect with people all over the globe.

Learning different languages can be a challenging and time-intensive task that needs utmost dedication, hard work, and persistence.

But don’t worry. There are various language learning methods to help you learn quickly. To know them, scroll down the below article. 

In this article, you will come across various language learning methods, along with methods I have also compiled a list of a few online web-based programs to help you learn quickly. 

So without any further delay, let’s dive into the article below. 

Different Language Learning Methods. 

Below are some of the methods that may help you to learn various languages effectively. 

1. Transcription Technique.

Transcription is the systematic representation of the spoken language in written form. 

The transcription technique focuses mainly on increasing your listening skills by writing down the transcribing as you listen to the recording. 

The transcription technique is characterized by two steps as follows.

• Listening to the recording in your target language and transcribing the recording as you listen. 

• Recording yourself speaking the text you have written down. 

It is an active form of learning that involves using all four language skills, such as listening, writing, reading, and speaking at a time. 

2. Immersion Method.

The method of immersion helps the users to learn the language in the most authentic and natural way.

It is one of the best ways to learn different languages and involves diving completely into the language and integrating it into daily life. 

It involves immersing completely into the concept and vocabulary that you are likely to grasp with a context. 

Learning language using the immersion technique allows you to connect directly with the people and their culture.

Unlike the transcription method, you don’t have to practice all four skills daily. You can take it to step by step; one day, you may listen to the podcast, and another may have a conversation with your tandem partner.

3. Dynamic Immersion.

Dynamic immersion offers the most natural way of learning the language that features instruction from advanced speech recognition software and native speakers. 

This helps you to compare your pronunciation with the natives. The system makes use of phonetics and verbalization and helps to encourage logic and memory.

Many language learning programs incorporate dynamic immersion into their software and offer a variety of languages like Spanish, French, Korean, Arabic, and Russian. 

The dynamic immersion software utilizes colorful pictures to captivate students and create a fun learning environment. 

Dynamic immersion program like Rosetta Stone is the most widely used program that utilizes immersion-based learning programs to simulate real-life immersion experience.  

4. The Pareto Principle.

According to the Pareto Principle, 80 percent of the total improvement or the outcome comes from 20 percent of the efforts you put in. 

In simple terms, it means that focusing on 20 percent of the new vocabulary will help you to improve 80 percent of comprehension of the language. 

This technique helps in the effective management of time and mainly focuses on learning the grammar and vocabulary parts that are mostly required to communicate. 

It may not provide in-depth knowledge of the particular language, but it is the most effective method for short stays in a foreign country. 

5. Cognitive Strategies. 

Cognitive strategies are the most effective learning strategies that involve organizing new languages, summarising their meaning, repetition, guessing their meaning from context, etc. 

Below are some of the types of cognitive strategies. 

• Imagery strategies

• Elaboration strategies 

• Analytic reasoning 

• Rehearsal strategies

• Specific aids for problem-solving or memorization. 

This method leverages human psychology in such a way as to learn more efficiently by associating new information with other bits of information and to help new vocabulary stick. 

Activities such as making mind maps, association mnemonics, underlining keywords, scanning, self-testing, monitoring, etc., can be described as cognitive strategies. 

The cognitive strategy also develops thinking skills and helps users to become strategic and flexible learners. 

6. The Gold List Method.

The Gold List Method is a simple vocabulary learning method using long-term memory. This method was introduced by the Polyglot David James. 

The main rule of this method is to write down phrases or a list of words or expressions you are willing to learn every day in your notebook. 

To learn a language using the Gold List Method, follow the steps provided below. 

Step 1. Making four sections, i.e., A, B, C, D.

Use the first double pages of your notebook and divide it into four sections, i.e., A, B, C, and D, in the clockwise direction. 

Start with section A and write down the date, followed by the list of 20 phrases you are willing to learn in the first column and their translations in the other column. This is known as a head list.

Step 2. Create a new head list daily. 

Create a new head list daily in section A of each new double page for about the next 13 days. Avoid looking at the older head lists when creating the new ones. 

Step 3. Test Yourself. 

After 13 days, on the 15th day, go to the first head list and examine how well you remember the phrases by covering the column in your target language.

Step 4. Determine the incorrect answers and copy them. 

Determine the fourteen phrases that you didn’t remember and jot them down along with their translations in section B and also mention the date. It is the first distillation. 

Step 5. Repeat. 

Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all the head lists, and makes sure that there are two weeks in rewriting the forgotten phrases.

Step 6. Test again. 

On the 29th day, come back to the first double-page spread and examine yourself on the 14 phrases. You would have remembered 30%; note down the rest in section C and mention the date. It is the second distillation. 

Step 7. Rinse and repeat. 

Repeat this process for all the sections every day. Write new head lists, and test yourself for the previous ones; mention the date for each list.

7. AHN’S Method. 

AHN’S method mainly depends upon the translation back and forth between the short passages, where each section provides a new vocabulary and Grammar. 

This method was mainly introduced to Latin, French, and Greek languages. The method is based on the principle that the combination of words exhibits the structure of simple sentences. 

This method is preferable for one who enjoys translation, Learns well by reading, and is interested in reading the literature.  

8. The Shadowing Technique.

Shadowing, also known as echoing, is an imitation technique where one imitates the other speaker or other aspects of the speech of the speaker. 

It is the best technique that would help you to improve your pronunciation, vocabulary, rhythm, Grammar, etc. 

This method can be learned in two different ways. 

• Listen to audio and video recordings and, without pausing, echo the speaker.  

• Listen to audio and video recordings and pause after each line or after a certain chunk of words and then echo the speaker. 

9. The Pimsleur Method.

The Pimsleur is one of the effective audio-based language learning methods that helps you to speak and understands a new language.

Pimsleur’s method mainly focuses on conversational skills introducing Grammar and vocabulary through context. 

Pimsleur currently offers fifty-nine languages and fourteen variations in its English language programs. 

The audio lessons provided by Pimsleur help you learn different words and phrases and help to communicate effectively with the native speaker. 

Best Ways To Learn Different Languages. 

Here are some of the ways you can adopt in order to learn different languages. 

Seek Out Online Resources.

If you are in search of the best ways to learn a language, then your search is over. With the help of the internet, you can directly connect with other language learners online through chat groups, read articles or watch videos on Youtube. 

Make Friends With Native Speakers. 

If you know someone who is a native speaker of the language you are willing or trying to learn, then seeking help from that person is the perfect option, as they know all the ins and out’s of the language. 

Be Patient To Yourself And Commit To Speaking In The Target Language. 

Be patient and pace yourself. Remember that learning a new language is like stepping into an entirely new world. 

In spite of any methods you choose to learn, just make a commitment to yourself that whenever you study, make sure you speak and write in the target language. 

Learn Basic Phrases. 

Before learning or mastering a language, start with the basic phrases and use them frequently. Read the full context and analyze the phrases.

Benefits Of Learning Different Languages.

As we have already seen different language learning methods, now let us see the benefits of learning different languages. 

Connect With People.

Language is an excellent medium to connect with people all around the world. With the help of languages, you will be shaped by the communities, humbled by people’s kindness, build lifelong friendships, etc.

Become A Polyglot.

A Polyglot is one who can speak several languages. Learning an additional language not only improves your communication skills and vocabulary in your first language but also makes it easier to pick up different languages, especially in children. 

Boost Your Confidence.

Apart from being fun, learning different languages helps to push yourself, move you out of your comfort zone, and learn something new. 

You can attain a sense of accomplishment after learning different languages and communicating with someone in their native language. It will help you to boost your confidence. 

Advance Your Career.

In the current job market scenario, there is an increased demand for bilingual and multilingual professionals in different fields. 

Learning different languages definitely provides a competitive advantage as it helps you to advance your career and stand out from the crowd, i.e., monolingual peers. 

Courses.

Apart from the methods mentioned above, there are some web-based courses that help to learn different languages. 

Courses	Software Is Best For	Pricing
Babbel	Absolute beginners.	$13.95 per month.
FluentU	Immersion-based learning.	$19.99 per month.
LingQ	Intermediate learners.	$7.99 per month.
Duolingo	Casual learning	Free
Rosetta Stone	Long-term learning.	$11.99 per month.
Pimsleur	Audio-based learning	$19.95
Mondly	Vocabulary practice	$9.99
Omniglot	Quick language research	Free
Internet Polyglot	Multilingual learning	Free
Word2Word	Language learning resources	Free

Conclusion: Best Language Learning Methods

Speaking second languages help you boost your confidence, advance your career, strengthen your memory, and give a better understanding of that language. 

When you are about to begin your language learning journey or look forward to polishing up skills or switching methods, choosing the right method will lead you towards the right language learning course. 

There are several language learning method present; try them out and see which one best suits you. 

Let us know your thoughts and queries in the comments section below. 

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