• How to Improve Your Memory

    When learning a new language it’s helpful to know how to improve your memory. Memorization is an important part of learning. I am currently learning Spanish and have found some helpful tips on how to improve memorization skills: Get enough sleep. Your mind is like a muscle: it won’t perform its best if it is too tired. It’s also important not to get too much sleep, which can make you feel lethargic and foggy. So how much sleep is enough for you?  Try keeping a regular sleep schedule and adjust according to how you feel. You will eventually find the right number for you. Continue paying attention to your body and mind and adjust that number as needed. Exercise regularly. Exercise does wonders for the mind, such as raising oxygen, delivering endorphins, …

  • Top Ten Secrets of Learning a Foreign Language: Tip #5

    Tip #5 to Learn a Foreign Language The More Senses You Use, the More Effective the Learning Repeat Aloud – Repeating aloud actually helps stimulate the part of the brain that controls motor skills (like speaking) and helps develop the part of the brain as related to the new language (known as “Broca’s Area” in the science world). This means that you will be more effective at the moment of conversation if you’ve practiced saying the foreign language words you learn aloud.  Type or Write the Words – As you type or write the words you learn, you are using the sense of touch to kinesthetically learn the words at a higher brain level. This also helps with future recall. Also, as you walk around your home or office, try …

  • Top Ten Secrets of Learning a Foreign Language: Tip #4

    Tip #4 of Learning a Foreign Language: Foreign Language Pronunciation – As an adult, your mouth and brain have been programmed to pronounce words according to your native language. When you start learning a foreign language, you tend to pronounce the new words based on your native language. In other words, you will have an accent and sound like a foreigner – it is possible that you may not even be understood. So what should you do? The key to great native pronunciation in a foreign language is to learn, see and hear how natives pronounce it, and then form habits of pronouncing the new sounds correctly. Having native pronunciation is all about forming correct habits from the beginning. If you start learning a foreign language with incorrect pronunciation, you …

  • Top Ten Secrets of Learning a Foreign Language: Tip #3

    Tip #3 of Learning a Foreign Language: Repetition (Do I really have to?) – According to the experts, in order for new foreign language words to cement themselves into your long-term memory, they must be repeated around 50 times in a meaningful way. Some courses tout “no repetition” – it’s a great thought, but words simply can’t get into your long-term memory without repetition. This presents a problem because you don’t want a repetitive, boring and tedious course to teach you; however, you do have to repeat words enough so they can have a chance to lodge themselves into your memory for later recall. The answer to this dilemma is simple. What you need is a way to repeat words and concepts in a fun way without realizing that you are …

  • Top Ten Secrets of Learning a Foreign Language: Tip #2

    Tip #2 of Learning a Foreign Language: Visualization – As humans, we link the words we use to pictures; for example, if I said the word “shoes” you would maybe think of your favorite pair of shoes or possibly the ones you have on. When you learn new foreign language words, it’s important to link them with pictures so they can start penetrating your long-term memory. If you link the new words you learn to pictures, instead of having to translate from English to the foreign language, you can instantly recall what you’ve learned as your mind links the picture to the word you need to use. Repetition, the next key, along with pictures, helps words to be retained in your long-term memory better, faster and longer. Also, if the …

  • Top Ten Secrets of Learning a Foreign Language: #1

    Tip #1 of Learning a Foreign Language: How to Study – When learning foreign language, avoid cramming which simply does not work. Your brain needs frequent sessions – approximately 3-5 per week that last between twenty and forty five minutes each. If too much is learned at once, your brain may start going into “language-learning overload”. With this in mind, it’s great to set a goal of the number of times per week you will study and a consistent study time for each session. For example, you may choose to study Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. during your lunch hour, or you might want to study 1/2 hour each evening before going to bed. That’s what I like doing best. Take Care my friends – we’ll …

  • You Will Make Mistakes But Keep Practicing

    You have probably heard the old saying, “Practice Makes Perfect”. If you have never heard that saying, well, now you have. In my opinion, the fear of making a mistake while practicing a new language hinders more people than maybe any other factor of learning a language. Here are a few tips to help you overcome the fear of making a mistake and just practice: Have a sense of humor and laugh at yourself because it’s probably okay. Whoever you are speaking with will most likely appreciate your efforts. Realize that you will make mistakes. That’s part of it. Think: “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”. It’s probably not that bad. Keep practicing, because practice will increase confidence. Watch this video about an experience I may have had on …