How to Learn a Language
So you've decided to learn another language but aren't sure where to begin. Here's a few factors to consider to help you get started:
Why are you learning another language?
Language learning is a LONG process, but because of the interminable nature of it, there will always be more to learn, and you'll always be able to improve🙂. Think about your reason for learning another language. This is your motivation that will drive your studies for years to come. It will inspire you to keep going when you tackle challenging grammar concepts and muster the courage to speak a foreign language for the first time, and it'll guide your studies as you decide whether to take classes or self-study.
How much time will you spend practicing?
Like any skill, learning Spanish takes time, and the more you invest, the more you'll progress. You'll need to decide how much time you can dedicate to your studies when creating your schedule. Remember to be practical about what you can reasonably and consistently manage and consider:
It takes many years to become fluent in a language
Daily practice is essential for developing and retaining skills
How long it takes will ultimately depend on you personal learning abilities, motivation, and persistence
What is your budget?
As with anything, you can do it cheaply, or you can pay a premium to facilitate the process. The benefit of taking classes is having resources and lessons prepared for you. Whereas, if you learn independently, you'll need to find, create, or purchase your own learning materials and resources. You can learn either way, but your work will likely be more arduous if your goal is to learn entirely on your own (think of this as doing the teacher's and student's job).
Should I take classes or teach myself?
If you're not sure, I'd recommend starting with a class. Whether you self-study or take classes, you'll need to study on your own as well if you're serious about learning, so ideally, you'll use a combination of the two. In case you're still undecided, I've categorized the advantages of different language learning routes:
College Classes
You might consider taking classes through an accredited university or college (online or in-person) if you:
Have a job or school that requires proof of coursework in Spanish
Are more productive when you have a teacher to guide you and check on your progress
Want a structured curriculum and interaction with other students
Independent Study
You may prefer studying on your own if you (this includes self-paced online courses):
Are learning out of self-interest in the language and don't need a transcript of coursework
Would like to personalize how and when you study
Have experience learning other languages and are confident in your linguistic abilities
Private Lessons
Although college classes and independent study can be sufficient for learning a language, you may consider private lessons if you:
Want the flexibility of studying on your own with the support of a teacher to guide you
Would like to supplement a class you're taking with additional practice and resources
Just want to take private classes personalized to your level, abilities, and interests
There are many components involved in learning a language, and what is appropriate for you is ultimately going to depend on your individual goals, abilities, and time. When deciding which method to use, strive to be as realistic as possible about your study habits and how much time you can and will spend practicing, as your effort and dedication are crucial to your language learning success.
