A NOT To Do List for Successful Language LearnersHere is a run down of the top 10 things NOT to do when learning a foreign language. While what works may differ somewhat from person to person, the following should be avoided for ALL language learners:
One: Do NOT spend more than 5% of your study time on grammar, translation, vocabulary lists or any other overt information about the language. Languages are “acquired,” not learned. And acquisition by its very definition happens subconsciously over time given proper input. Which leads us to number 2.
Two: Do NOT spend time on materials that are too difficult or don’t interest you. Motivation is one of the greatest keys to success in foreign language learning, and motivation’s favorite fuel is interest. There is a wealth of free language learning content available today; you need simply look for it.
Three: Do NOT study in long, infrequent sessions. Behind motivation, consistency is the most important factor in language learning. If you are strapped for time (and who isn’t? ), it is far better to study a little bit everyday than doing marathon study sessions a few times a month. For example, if you only have 2 hours free per week to commit to language studies, it is far better to do 20 minutes per day, 6 days a week than doing the whole 2 hours on one day.