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Writer's pictureNazia Muzammil

Language Learning Made Easy: Strategies to Help Your Child Learn a New Language

Updated: Jul 3, 2023


Introduction to language learning:

Children acquire perfection over the languages used at home and in their respective nations effortlessly. On the other hand, studying a foreign or new language requires a significant amount of dedication and motivation. However, it is worthwhile to try as we are working towards preparing our children to succeed in today's globalized world. Learning multiple languages can be beneficial in many ways including boosting one’s professional, academic, and personal growth.


Rewards of acquiring a new language:
  1. Ease of communicating with people of various cultures

  2. Plenty of academic possibilities

  3. Opens up a world of job opportunities

  4. Makes traveling enjoyable

  5. Improved cognitive abilities and slowing down of cognitive decline in old age

  6. Boosted confidence

  7. Expanded social and professional network

  8. Motivation to learn more languages, and ease of doing it


Though it may seem overwhelmingly challenging to go out of the way for learning a language from scratch, proper planning and a practical approach can make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Discussed below are some of the smart and effective ways that your child can employ in this journey.


Fool-proof steps for seamless language acquisition:

Setting realistic language learning goals is critical for progress and motivation. Here are some pointers for establishing achievable language learning goals.


Determine your motivation: Determine why you want to learn the language and what you hope to achieve. This will assist you in developing meaningful objectives that are in line with your interests and aspirations.


Be specific: Define your goals in clear and specific terms. For example, instead of setting a general goal like "improve my language skills," set a specific goal like "learn 100 new vocabulary words in the next month."


Break down your objectives: Large goals can be overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, easier-to-accomplish steps. This will help you keep track of your progress and stay motivated.


Set measurable objectives: Make a method for tracking and measuring your growth and success. This could be accomplished through the use of a language learning app, a study journal, or a progress chart.


Set a realistic timetable for achieving your objectives: This will assist you in remaining focused and accountable.


Review and adjust: Review your progress regularly and make any necessary adjustments to the goals you've set. This will help in remaining on course and adapting to changing circumstances.


Step out of your comfort Zone: Though it may seem intimidating to speak the language in the beginning, take the effort to put it into use as spoken language. Practice makes you perfect.


Know your learning style:

Learning styles are the various ways in which people receive, process, and retain facts. There are various styles of learning, but they are commonly divided into three categories: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile.


  • Visual learners prefer visual tools such as images, charts, and animations to learn. Kids could also benefit from reading and writing activities like story books, vocabulary lists, and comic illustrations.

  • Auditory learners like to learn through listening to and speaking to others. Language lessons, listening to audio recordings of native speakers, and engaging in discussion with others will be beneficial.

  • Physical activities and experiences are preferred learning methods for kinesthetic learners. Language immersion programmes, role-playing, and interactive games involving movement and touch may be beneficial to them.


Every individual has a different learning style, and what works well for one person may not work well for another. It will thus be beneficial for the child to try out different ways and see what works best for them when learning a new language.


Tips and tricks for expanding your vocabulary:
  • Begin with the basic concepts: Start with memorising the language's most widely used vocabulary, such as pronouns, prepositions, and fundamental verbs. These are the terms that will serve as the foundation of your vocabulary. Write new words on flashcards and review them regularly. You may also utilise digital flashcards, such as Quizlet, to speed up your learning.

  • Read and listen to the content of the target language: Extend your exposure to the language as much as possible. Listen to music, read books, and watch TV episodes or movies in the language you're studying. This will assist you in learning new words and phrases in context.

  • Communicating with native speakers is one of the most effective strategies to expand your vocabulary. This can help you learn new terms and practise using them in conversation.

  • Maintain a vocabulary journal in a notebook or digital document and write down new terms you learn. This will allow you to keep track of your progress and recall words that you may have failed to remember. Mnemonic devices can also be useful. Make connections or visual ideas to assist you in remembering new terms.

  • Use spaced repetition and practice regularly: Spaced repetition requires revisiting new words at increasing intervals to help them retain the vocabulary in long-term memory. Learning a new language requires a lot of practice. Make it a habit to set aside focused study time each day or week.

  • Look for online resources such as apps, podcasts, worksheets and gamified learning platforms.

Significance of relating a language with its culture:

Understanding the culture of the language you are studying may significantly improve your language-learning experience. Here are some of the benefits of exposing your child to cultural study:

  • Provides context for the spoken language, and can help in using the language more effectively and appropriately.

  • Being immersed in a culture exposes you to the language in real-life circumstances, which can help you enhance your listening and speaking abilities.

  • Aids in understanding the intricacies of the language. Language is strongly linked to culture, and immersing oneself in the culture may help you grasp idioms and slang.

  • Cultural awareness may help you respect the practises, traditions, and values of those who speak the language you're studying. This can help you communicate with them more efficiently and compassionately.

  • Cultural studies may help to make language learning more enjoyable and fascinating. You may learn about the culture's cuisine, music, art, and history, which can make studying more fun.

  • Finally, travelling to the location where the language is spoken natively can be more productive and enjoyable, particularly if the visit is for a longer stay for study or job purposes rather than a brief holiday.


Cultural understanding is a vital component of language learning. It can aid the child's language learning experience and help them converse more effectively with native speakers. Therefore, encourage your child to learn as much as possible about the culture of the language they are learning, whether through travel, social events, or other cultural experiences.

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, successful language learning involves a comprehensive strategy that includes establishing clear goals, participating in a range of interactive activities, immersing oneself in the culture, and leveraging technology and internet resources. By adopting these tactics, students can gain mastery over the language. Learners must also have a good attitude, persevere, and seek out chances for practice. While learning a new language might be difficult, the benefits of being able to converse in it and have a better knowledge of another culture are well worth the effort.


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