How to NOT stop learning a foreign language

As I have mentioned in the previous post about parental challenges we faced rising trilingual child, both me and Tomek were trying to study Japanese a few times before. Unfortunately, we have always stopped for long enough to be forced to start from the beginning when we got back to it.

We do not recommend doing so as it is not only discouraging, but also a tremendous waste of time. To prevent that from ever happening again I have assembled a list of things you (and us!) can implement to keep you going after the initial hype will extinguish. Because it eventually will… unfortunately.

1. Book yourself in for lessons

And make them your priority. If you are anything like me, you will be more motivated to stay consistent if you have lessons scheduled regularly. Even if life gets really busy, I may not spend any additional time studying, but I will come to the lesson. When something will suddenly come up at work or home, if the lesson is scheduled, I will usually make it. Hardly ever I have cancelled a lesson. Especially if the lessons are in small groups or one-on-one, you develop a relationship with your teacher, and you do not want to disappoint them. If you skip the class, they will ask why. If you are not prepared second time in a row, you will feel embarrassed and want to do better the next week. Other humans are the best motivators.

2. Find a friend who speaks the language you want to learn

You can find a person in real life or online, or a pen-pal. It does not matter. The rule is the same, if you have a relationship with another human being, you are more likely to keep going with your learning endeavour. You can find a forum or chat on a topic you are passionate about and  in a language you want to learn and try your language skills there.

Offer help (any help, also with your language) to a foreigner coming from a country with a language you want to learn. They will likely struggle with explaining themselves and they will use the language you want to learn, so trying to help them, you will be learning their language at the same time. Also, trying to teach your language to someone gives you a deeper understanding of how languages work in general which may be helpful in advancing your own knowledge.

3. Find a book/movie/series/singer/artist you genuinely enjoy

The more the better actually – find all of them, all in the language you want to learn. If your favourite singer or  a band releases a new album, you may want to understand the lyrics of their songs. A new episode of the series may teach you some useful phrases. There is no better feeling than watching your favourite movie in the original language. Also reading a book in a language it was written, can be just magical, it is like a window into author’s soul.

4. Find a textbook which is funny

There is nothing more important for viability of learning than having fun. If your textbook is funny you are more likely to stick with it. For example, there is a series of kanji study books which feature a main character who is a poop. If you are into studying Japanese, check out our post on how to study kanji effectively.

5. Use spaced repetition apps

There are gazillion of web and mobile apps to learn vocabulary for many languages. They provide vocabulary lists on different levels, from a beginner to very advance, use different modes of learning (listening, reading, writing) and adopt repetition schedule to your performance. You can also set up notifications and reminders if this is something that would motivate you. Just find the one that you like and off you go. Apps like Anki will not only optimise your learning but also keep you accountable. As soon as you stop using the app, your flashcards will pile up, urging you to catch up.

6. Gamify your learning

Set up challenges with rewards. Keep these challenges short and sweet. They should be small enough to accomplish easily but not too easy. Keep the rewards exciting too and proportional to the size of the challenge. This is a great method of positive reinforcement, and can keep you motivated beyond the initial hype of starting something new. Apps like Duolingo draw a lot from gamification concepts, making learning a bit more fun with achievements, pretty badges, daily goals and leaderboards.

7. Set up a schedule

Whether you decide to sign up for lessons, or you plan to study at home, book the time for it in your calendar at regular intervals. If it is not scheduled, it can easily get pushed off by other ‘important’ things. On the other hand, if it is booked in, it is physically there in your calendar, so at least you will not accidentally book something else at that time.

8. Establish an ambitious long-term goal

This can be an exam. The deadline of the exam and a certificate if you pass, are motivating for some. If you are this type of person, sign up for an exam, even before you are ready. Language exams are usually divided into levels, so surely you can find a level which is attainable for you within 6 to 12 months. After you sign up for the exam, schedule a process to get to the level to pass the test. Voila! You are on your way to improve your language skills rapidly with a powerful incentive at the end.

Also, booking your holiday in a country using the language you are learning, can be an excellent motivator. First, you are motivated because you are about to go, and after you come back, you are motivated, because you had all these amazing experiences. Even a few days of being immersed in the language will boost your confidence and inspire you to study more.

9. Implement the culture in your everyday life

Bring in some elements of the culture, crafts or cuisine of the country which language you are studying in your everyday life. If you can incorporate some of these elements in your daily routine, you will be constantly reminded of your goal of learning a language in a nicest way possible: in your favourite tastes, activities or events. Maybe there are some cultural events available in your city? Embassies usually are excellent places to start looking for that. Ideas for learning crafts and cuisine are easy to find on YouTube and blogs. Have fun and get inspired.

10. Document your learning journey

Start a blog, vlog, instagram account, facebook page, or write a diary or a scrap-book, whatever makes you happy and gives you this instant gratification. There will be a moment in your language learning journey when you will study for long enough to know something, but not long enough to be able to enjoy using a language. This is the moment when we usually would fall off the wagon with our Japanese studies. If we would have a proof of how much we progressed, it could be easier to motivate us to not stop. Maybe.  

You may not like all of the ideas listed here, but if you implement some, you should be on your way to succeed in NOT STOPPING. No matter how slow you go, as long as you make progress, you are way ahead of most.

Please let us know your thought in the comments, how is your language study journey going, have you tried anything from the above, would you have other suggestions how not to stop learning a foreign language?