The Centre has been abuzz with activity as teaching resumed on September 4. Why the significant jump? One reason is the increase in faculty implementation of The UWI’s Foreign Language Requirement policy. Thanks to this initiative, the CLL is now welcoming a larger number of students from the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Technology, Medical Sciences, Social Sciences, Food and Agriculture, Law and Humanities and Education. We are certainly thrilled to deliver our blended courses in Mandarin Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish, to all University students, but especially to those who might have initially undervalued the importance of foreign language learning. Of course, effective language learning requires effort. Having delivered high-quality language courses and promoted a plethora of cultures over the last 25 years, here are our top 7 tips. Not a student of The UWI? That’s okay, you’ll find these tips useful too!

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Define your goal(s)

Motivation for learning a foreign language varies from person to person. For the average Joe or Jane, utility might be the determining factor. Learning language X opens up opportunities for international employment, internships, travel or study abroad opportunities. Or, learning language Y means being able to consume a wider variety of social media content. For the more socially inclined, learning another language means making connections with people from different, sometimes unique cultures. And yet for others, language learning is a leisurely activity. Whatever your reason, it is important to establish your objectives before diving in. With your goals clearly defined, you will know how best to charter the course ahead. You may also find that as you accomplish smaller goals along the way, you will be able to keep yourself motivated throughout the journey.

Choose wisely

Certainly we don’t discriminate when it comes to learning other languages. In fact, for us, the more the merrier. But there is a connection between motivation and effective language learning. It begs to reason then, that choosing a language that complements your goals and interests should increase your motivation to succeed. Some are guided by practicality and relevance when choosing a foreign language. Among the top most widely learnt foreign languages are French, Chinese, Spanish, German and Japanese. However, with over more than 7000 languages existing to date, the best language in your context or for your personal interests will likely vary from someone else’s.

Immerse yourself

At the CLL, we consider ourselves to be a melting pot of languages and a hub of cultural activity. Obviously then it should come as little surprise that we see opportunities for immersion as key to successful language learning. While you may not currently be able to travel to a country where the language is spoken, why not look for opportunities locally to engage with speakers of that language? Have you ever tried ordering tacos from the staff at 51 ingredients in Spanish? Or ordering your favorite Chinese takeout at Me Asia in Chinese? Of course, if you’re not quite ready to dive off the deep end and engage with native speakers, there are also numerous online apps and platforms that can connect you safely with native speakers. You can also consume a lot of the target language via other media like movies, books and music. At the Centre, we have a dedicated space, The Self-Access Facility (SAF) filled with authentic material, from books to DVDs, for student use. Really, when it comes to immersing yourself in the language, you are spoilt for choice.

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Get into a routine

Oh did we say effective language learning requires effort? We’ll repeat it for those in the back. Learning another language requires effort. We definitely recommend developing a regular, daily or weekly routine for studying and reviewing your work. If your approach is more self-paced, then dedicating some time each day, consistently, to practicing your target language will undoubtedly help you reach your proficiency goals. Just remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. So don’t expect to achieve much if you haphazardly practice the language.

Use technology

We are big proponents of technology-use in language learning. It may come as a surprise that we even learn from our students! We are certainly impressed when they share their latest favorite app or YouTube channel that they’ve found particularly useful in their language learning. There are also countless of free, language learning apps and online resources at your fingertips. Many of these offer interactive activities and quiz-based learning, which some argue can be quite effective. So get creative, start with a simple online search and see what works for you.

Get talking

We cannot emphasise this enough. Unless you’re learning the language to read manga or literature, it’s likely that you’re learning it to be able to communicate with others. So, even if you’re only just starting out, don’t be afraid, start speaking! The more you practice conversing in the language the more fluent you become, your pronunciation will improve (native speakers often offer correction) as will your confidence in the language. Trust us, speaking in your target language is key. No one around to practice? There are a number of social apps that can connect you with native speakers. Or, why not simply try making up sentences about what you’re doing and saying those out loud? Even that will help.

Be patient, be persistent

We’ve said a lot thus far. But perhaps the best advice we can give you is to be patient with yourself. We often describe language learning as a journey and that is because we truly believe that it is. There will be challenges along the way, maybe even a plateau or two, but at the heart of successful language learning are patience and persistence. Try to maintain a positive attitude and don’t get discouraged. You’ve got this!

We hope you find these seven tips useful. As we mentioned previously, effective language learning is a journey. It requires dedication, consistency, and a well-organized approach. By setting clear goals, immersing yourself in the language, and using technological resources, you can open doors to a new world of communication and diverse cultures. Language learning is definitely not a short-distance race but a rewarding adventure. Learning another language will enrich your life in countless ways. We look forward to hearing about your experiences! Connect with us on social media (Facebook, Instagram) to tell us about your language learning experiences or to share your tips for effective language learning.