Understanding the Secrets For Effective Foreign Language Learning will save time and motivate learners effectively rather than being dispirited and giving up.
1. Study vocabulary, phrase, and sentence
For beginners, you must understand the English Learning Roadmap for Beginners and step-by-step center on accumulating VOCABULARY every day, then learning PHRASE, and ultimately absorbing SENTENCES. It would help if you did not cram all three in the early stages, as such an approach will easily discourage your brain and give up.
2. Understand the brain function
A normal person’s brain needs at least a few years of diligently learning a language to master the four skills. We can examine whether our brain is brilliant or a “goldfish brain” to apply the proper direction in learning foreign languages. Suppose we possess the seed from previous lives with the English language or a sharp brain. In that case, we can acquire new words quickly, memorize them immediately in long-term memory, and use them whenever needed. However, the masses apparently have a goldfish brain and fail to realize the genuine process of studying, so they haven’t devoted strict time to learning.
Instead, they constantly seek various techniques and different English language centers. They also search and investigate on the internet to download online documents to their computer since initially, they felt interested and passionate. But after a while, they turn to neglect them as they grow spiritless and in a low mood like: “Oh, there’s too much vocabulary. So many new words. Why is it that the more I study, the more confusing it gets? Why do I keep studying and not remembering everything?” Then, they set them aside as there are too many documents, and don’t know where to start.
3. Apply spaced repetition
The reason is because we do not truly understand the principles of learning and our own brain function. According to some scientific studies, when our brain is exposed to a new word, it will take a certain number of encounters to be recorded in short-term or long-term memory. An effective learning method is Spaced Repetition, which is scientifically researched to apply knowledge from short-term to long-term memory. After a period of acquisition, knowledge will lie passively in one place, so we need further time to practically apply it many times before the knowledge will be stored in long-term memory. Not to mention cramming too much without knowing how to motivate or balance ourselves, our brains will become overloaded and depressed.
4. Don't need to find an ideal environment
The vast majority suppose that learning English requires finding an environment, either traveling abroad or reaching English-speaking countries. This is just the reason for the challenge of persevering when we have not invested the sufficient time and endeavor that most English learners experience. We need to consider which level we are at to avoid following the crowd’s idea.
For those who have the opportunity to tutor or study directly with native instructors, it is incredible. Those who cannot afford it must exchange it with their perseverance. We can self-study through many available and valuable resources online or shared by friends. More crucially, we need to comprehend that if we do not have adequate basic vocabulary and confidence to communicate, even if we engage in an international environment, we will not be able to comfortably converse and discuss due to the mental restrictions of shyness and embarrassment.
The ideal environment to save finances is to self-study right in Vietnam with countless free online learning tools and persistently filter slowly, with no need to rush. Nowadays, based on the value and benefits of modern 4.0 technology, learning English is accessible with just one click. We should wake up; the learning atmosphere only available in Vietnam is the most convenient for learners on a tight budget. When we are fully equipped with weapons, we can use them effectively.
5. Invest in learning for a long time
Furthermore, it is impossible to be able to communicate in English after studying for 3-6 months or just going through a few courses. Even the first stage of learning pronunciation to be capable of correctly pronouncing takes at least several months of arduous time investment. Thus, we must have a manifest mindset; with limited finances, we just need to plow ceaselessly. Even if you pay tuition, it’s just a trade-off to gain motivation as you regret paying the tuition to attempt.
6. Create self-motivation
Occasionally, we think we can’t continue, but reflecting on the pinned goal that’s in front of us won’t allow us to stop. We need to be obviously aware that even if learning English is such a simple task, while numerous people can do it, why can’t we do it, and how do we move forward with the more significant objectives in life? Or for renunciants, when will the process of liberation and enlightenment be attained? So much novel knowledge and new horizons are waiting for us to open each door of discovery. Possessing more languages means the brains will propel our ability to ponder quickly and not readily believe in unverified information.
In addition, we can contemplate that the future generation will be very outstanding when living in a scientific world that is becoming increasingly sophisticated and modern, so we—our predecessors at a young age—do not prepare for quality insight, we may be ridiculed and not contribute much to society. Not to mention, many degree holders cannot utilize their knowledge effectively because of a lack of application skills. Hence, as long as we are proficient in English, many bright opportunities await us.
In summary, most novices undergo the above psychological stages, so after understanding the problem, you should not worry too much. This is also considered a common experience and experience in learning all languages. So, determine a solid target from the beginning, why you study, and just bravely move on, persistently and consistently. When you endure dispirited, become released to permit your body to unwind, relax, and then persist in studying. Therefore, we need to cultivate our brains with such thoughts daily; then, we will automatically be industrious in our efforts.
Those who are successful in learning a foreign language have only one secret: perseverance and consistency.
Sayalay Vijjāñāṇī (Tue Minh)
