**Before reading this blog post, be sure to sign up for one of our picnics in Calgary this month on June 11th (today) and June 25th.
How to Get Started Learning
If you want to learn another language, but don’t know where to start, you have come to the right place. With so many resources to choose from, it’s hard to know which ones are the most effective. Thankfully, this blog post will help For those of you that would prefer listening to this blog post instead of reading it, I made a podcast about this same topic which is directly below this paragraph.
Let's Start with the Conclusion: What IS the Best Way to Get Started?
This blog post evaluates seven different language learning resources, each one with their pros and cons. Assuming efficient progress is your main goal, be sure to select:
→ At least 1 resource that involves at a fluent speaker of your target language (private/semi-private lessons, HelloTalk/Tandem, or Meetup/Duolingo Events)
→ At least 2 other resources of your choosing
It is also worth mentioning that the best overall way to guarantee progress is private/semi-private lessons. With that aside, have a read through to see which resources appeal the most to you!
If you would like us to build you a personalized study plan, contact us or book a free consultation.
How Useful Are Free Self-Study Apps? (e.g., Duolingo)
Speaking: usually not helpful
Writing: usually not helpful
Printing: usually not helpful
Reading: moderately hepful
Listening: moderately helpful
Grammar: usually not helpful
Vocabulary: moderately helpful
Engagement level: high
Affordability: high
Ease of use: very easy
Free self-study apps are a great way to get your feet wet since they don’t cost any money and fun to use. Free apps can also be moderately effective for improving listening, reading, and vocabulary especially for beginner learners. However, seeing as most free apps fall short in terms of helping with speaking, writing, and grammar you will eventually want to incorporate other resources. It is also worth mentioning that free apps are typically less useful for intermediate and advanced learners.
How Useful Are Paid Self-Study Programs (e.g., Pimsleur or Babbel)
Speaking: moderately helpful
Writing: not helpful
Printing: not helpful
Reading: moderately helpful, depending on the program
Listening: moderately helpful
Grammar: moderately helpful
Vocabulary: moderately helpful
Engagement level: moderate
Affordability: generally affordable
Ease of use: very easy
Paying for a self-study program is an affordable and structured way for self-motivated and self-accountable individuals to learn the basics of a new language. There are plenty of programs to choose from with Babbel and Pimsleur being two of the most popular ones. It is worth pointing out that while paid self-study programs are useful, they will not take you all the way to fluency. There is no substitute for interacting with real speakers of your target language.
How Useful Are Private/Semi-Private Lessons?
Speaking: very helpful
Writing: very helpful
Printing: moderately helpful
Reading: very helpful
Listening: very helpful
Grammar: very helpful
Vocabulary: very helpful
Engagement level: high
Affordability: moderate
Ease of finding a skilled tutor: moderate
Assuming you can find a good tutor, private/semi-private lessons are one of the best tools to have in your language learning tool belt. This is why it is the primary service offered at the Calgary Language Nerds. Click here to learn more. If our prices are well outside your budget, book a free consultation for third-party budget options.
Private/semi-private lessons allow you to interact with a real speaker of the target language, learn in a low-pressure and friendly environment, have peace of mind that you will have a reliable person to practice with, be held accountable to your learning, and have lessons tailored to your level and needs. Private tutors are also one of the only resources that can help you improve in literally every element of a foreign language (speaking, writing, printing, reading, listening, grammar, and vocabulary). It is recommended to take at least 2-4 lessons per month.
An alternative to taking private/semi-private lessons is to enrol in a group class. They are a little bit cheaper, though you will progress more slowly due to a lack of personalization and individual attention from the teacher.
Want to Read the Remainder of this Article?
Check out this page on my website! I reviewed four other possible ways to get started learning another language.