Where to Start: Learning a Language 

Maybe recently you’ve decided to try learning a new language (if not, check out my last post!) , but you just don’t know where to start. 

We can all admit, the task does seem daunting at first. Because of that, I’ve decided to compile some ideas for language learning at the beginner, intermediate and advanced level. Hope this helps!

Beginner: 

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular apps for learning languages. It advances you through a series of levels, using images and context clues. Plus, every word can be translated, so the examples are very helpful in learning new vocabulary. Of course, being an application it has its flaws, and it is definitely not as individualized in the learning process as a class would be, but it does the job for simple daily practice. The app also creates a streak when you practice for consecutive days, which makes you more motivated to practice and keep the streak. After over 10 years of learning French, I still use this app every night!

2. Making flashcards

When learning the basics of French, I find it very useful to use flashcards. The flashcards can be handwritten or on Quizlet. It might even be helpful to Google “100 most frequently used words in [language]” and make flashcards of these everyday words. Otherwise, flashcards are useful to memorize conjugations and verbs, too. 

3. YouTube videos

This strategy is one I would use for beginner, intermediate and advanced language learning. Because of the infinite amount of videos on YouTube, there is content for every level with numerous options on each topic. You may not know exactly what to begin searching for, but you can search for things like “learning subjects/pronouns in [language]” or “[language] for beginners” and so on. Comme une Française is a great YouTube channel for beginners in French. 

4. Taking a class

If these beginner methods don’t sound that practical for you, there is always the option of taking an introductory class to start the process. Some people work better with a teacher where they can ask questions or get personalized corrections and explanations. There are classes online and in-person for most languages, so this is certainly an option if you’d like more guidance. There are also classes that are like workbooks, where you can go at your own pace. Specifically for French, this might be biased but I’d recommend Damon Dominique’s course. Yet, most, if not all courses will cost money, so consider what you’d like to invest in the language.  

Intermediate:

1. YouTube videos

As I said in the beginner section, this one applies to all three levels. As you progress, the videos you can search for, watch and understand become more expansive and challenging. Street French, Bla Bla Kaity and French morning with Elisa are great channels for learning French that are at the intermediate level. 

2. Study group

If you are in school or know people who are also interested in/studying French (or another language), try forming a study group! This way, you can practice and converse together. I’ve always enjoyed being able to practice with my peers, as it’s definitely a good place to start before talking to a native speaker. 

3. Songs

Listening to music in a different language is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to learn. It teaches you new vocab and allows you to hear the pronunciation of the words, too. During quarantine in 2020, I really began listening to French music, writing down lyrics and making lists of words I didn’t know. I credit this method for raising my level in French above to a higher intermediate, especially back in early 2020. 

4. Exposure 

This strategy was suggested by my sister, so thanks Lauren. She said that if you are able to, exposing yourself to native speakers would be very beneficial in this stage. In an ideal world, we could all travel to new countries and be surrounded by the language. But, when this is not the case, you could try reading the news of a different country, listening to podcasts and spending more hours of the day exposed to the language you’re learning. Le Monde is the news app that I enjoy reading in French.

Advanced:

1. YouTube videos

For the advanced level, watching native speakers on YouTube is a way to continue learning. In French, I’d recommend innerFrench, Piece of French and Ben Névert. Listening to natural, fluent conversation is great practice and works on comprehension of faster speeds. Fortunately on YouTube, videos can be slowed down and there are often closed captions if needed. 

2. TV shows and movies

Similarly to YouTube, watching TV shows and movies in the language you are learning is another excellent step for the advanced level. In French, I’d currently recommend Dix Pour Cent, L’Agence and Les Intouchables. A great feature on many streaming platforms is that you can change the language of many shows and films. If you’ve watched a specific thing several times and know the plot, try changing the language and see if you can follow along.  

3. Reading

This is probably one of the hardest things to do as a language learner. Reading can be complicated and is often more formally-written than conversational vocabulary. It probably requires one of the highest fluency levels of these strategies, but teaches words that may not be heard on YouTube or in shows. Personally, reading in French is something I’d like to work on this year. 

4. Conversation

Once you feel comfortable enough, having conversations with native speakers is another great way to learn. In the past I’ve used the app HelloTalk to talk to French speakers, but there are definitely some weird people on this app and it has evolved in a way that I don’t love. Instead, I’ve heard Tandem is another option to meet native speakers, or you could try meetup.com or conversationexchange.com, too. But again, filter through the people you meet on these apps. Once you have, it is so fun to practice! 

Let me know if you have any other tips for learning a language, or if any of these strategies have worked for you!