Did you know that learning a new language can improve your memory? In a study by a lecturer at Edinburgh’s school of philosophy, psychology, and Language Sciences, it was found that learning a new language helped individual learners to concentrate better, pay more attention, and by extension improve their memory!
Easier said than done? Studies have shown that adults more than children, find it difficult to learn a foreign language. It is speculated that this is because of the superior cognitive function children possess. Does this then mean that adults cannot learn a new language? Not necessarily. In fact, with a little effort, adults can excel in a new language. Here are 6 proven tips that will smoothen your learning process.

1. Set goals
Learning a new language as an adult can be tiring, mostly because a lot is involved to get the language into the mind. However, once you set your goals straight, by knowing the exact reason why you are studying the foreign language, you will be able to beat burnout. Some of the reasons why people learn a new language include, intent to build a better professional image, the desire to increase one’s confidence, or the need to expand connections to mention a few. Such clearly stipulated goals can motivate a learner to remain on track to the end.

2. Motivate yourself
Self-motivation also called intrinsic motivation, can help you to remain focused in the process of learning a language. A motivated person will not treat language as an object, but as a skill, and will thus understand that learning a new language takes time. With this motivation, you will shun the fear of embarrassment when you make a mistake. As a tip to boost your motivation, why not set aside 10 minutes each day to review your vocabularies!

3. Get surrounded
Surrounding yourself with people who speak the language can help you learn the language faster. You do not have to travel all the way to a foreign country to surround yourself with the native speakers of the language. Thanks to technology, you can listen to the music in the language you are learning. This will help you pick up common words. Here is a tip, write the lyrics of the songs you are listening to. This will help you to grasp concepts in the language. Remember as you ink it, you think it.
Additionally, other than being in the physical company of native speakers of the foreign language you are trying to learn, you can make it an aim to watch movies in the local language, with subtitles. This helps in grasping the intonation of the language. It is also a great way to learn about the culture of the new language.

4. Speak it out
Mimicking a native speaker’s tempo and rhythm can help you master the language’s intonation. So as much as possible, try to recreate what the native speakers say, and how they say it. Producing a language as often as possible sticks into your brain. You can take advantage of friends online who speak the language, or if you are in touch with friends who speak the language, you can engage them in a conversation. Most of them would love to help you. In situations where it is not possible to speak to a native, speak to yourself. As long as you are speaking it out, you are reinforcing what you have learned and soon enough, the language will subconsciously stick in the mind.

5. Read children’s books.
Children’s books have a simple vocabulary that will help you learn much faster. As your vocabulary enlarges, proceed to more complex books.

6. Take advantage of online language applications
Language applications are often designed to give you extra resources and extra aid that can help you express your vocabulary. It is a great way to gauge your level as far as learning a new language is concerned.

In Conclusion
As you set yourself into this expedition of language learning, remember, learning a new language requires a lot of patience. You will make mistakes, learn from them. Eventually, you will become fluent in whatever language you are learning.