Learning a language — quickly

Perhaps you are going abroad for a holiday, or to pursue further studies. Perhaps, you want to advance your career or an opportunity for promotion has arisen. Whatever the reasons, you need to learn a new language quickly or to deepen your language skills. However, you don’t feel that you have a natural talent for languages. Is it possible to learn a new language quickly in a few short months?

The answer is a resounding YES, as long as you really want to learn. Language experts say that you can acquire conversational and reading skills in several weeks and proficiency within 3 months.

The first step is to realise that it is not necessary to master a new language completely, as the Pareto Principle which states 80% of results comes from 20% of effort applies also to language learning. Hence, to understand 80% of a language and be conversationally fluent may require a few months of focused learning. To reach 90% or more may require many years of sustained efforts. For example, just 300 words make up 65% of all English written materials! You can also focus your learning on the words that matter to your goals, for example, the technical words relevant to your career, research or study.

The second step is your willingness to interact with the language. The more you can immerse yourself in the new language, the quicker you will learn. However, you do not need to live in a foreign country to obtain the required immersion. A tutor can help you get started with learning new words, after which there are many things you can do yourself to practice your learning through hearing and watching videos online, television or movies, talking with people and reading.

The third step is to use your new words by talking with people. You only need a few words for your first conversation and each time you talk you will build your confidence and make progress. Language skills cannot be improved in isolation. You need feedback from others more proficient than yourself, to help improve your pronunciations, correct your grammar or introduce new words. Do not be overly concern about getting the grammar right, as most language experts agree that grammar can be picked up later, when needed.