What does it take to be a good language learner? Research has shown that the best language learners are those who take every opportunity to practice and learn. They are often outgoing, not too self-conscious about making mistakes, and strong communicators. Even if these traits don’t necessarily describe you, you can improve your language learning skills by adopting strategies that will help you create and build on opportunities to learn. Here are some you could try out:
Keep talking
Pretend to understand
Join a study group
Learn standard sentences in the language to keep the conversation going
Create situations with native speakers in order to practice
Initiate conversations with teachers, fellow students and native speakers
Ask questions for clarification, for verification, for correction
Direct the conversation to where you feel your linguistic strengths are
Think in the new language, speak to yourself in it, silently answer questions addressed to others
Co-operate with your peers in any learning situation
Joke, smile, use conversational fillers
Another key to being a good language learner is identifying your priorities and planning your objectives for learning. Once you have gone through a Self-assessment exercise, you should then take further steps to plan your learning and monitor your progress.