Anyone who has learned a second language knows the amount of effort it takes to achieve fluency. From my own experience in becoming bilingual, I know first hand the difficulties.  Here I have compiled 4 of the best tips that helped me become fluent. 

 

1. Study Every Day

This is a very important part of any learning. Set yourself an amount of time every day to study. Studying your target language doesn’t only mean grammar and memorization. Pick one day to listen to songs or a podcast in your target language and another to read an article or watch a movie. Vary your studying and keep it interesting. If you find yourself stuck and unable to concentrate, try using binaural beats to help. Binaural beats do not work for everyone but I personally have found them useful. Here is an interesting article about the benefits of binaural beats. https://www.binauralbeatsgeek.com/binaural-beat-research/

You can find binaural beats on Youtube and Spotify

2. Learn The Alphabet 

Make learning the alphabet a priority. Learning the alphabet in your target language is the first steps to writing and reading. However, the sounds of the letters will help immensely in your pronunciation and well as understanding. When you become familiar with the sounds of the language, the language begins to feel more comfortable on your tongue and in your ears. Youtube is a great resource here. Find an ABC song, just as you learned in your native language and sing along! Write daily. Whether you are just learning the Alphabet or you already know some words, find time to write everyday. We communicate by writing nowadays more often than in past times. Learning to write is also important of the next tip:

 

3. Find a Language Exchange PartnerIf you come away with nothing else from this article, do this. The best place to learn a language is in the country that speaks it. However, most of us do not have the opportunity to spend years in a foreign country. Language exchange is the next best thing. From native speakers, you can learn slangs, correct pronunciation and spelling plus it is a great way to practice speaking. Find a partner, friend or parent figure who is interested in learning your native language and set up times to speak. Speaking is often the most daunting part of learning a foreign language and being able to do it from the comfort of your home is invaluable especially in the beginning. There are several ways to do a language exchange:

1. Set aside 30 min one day a week to speak. Both of you speak 15 min in your native language and then 15 min in your target language
2. You speak only in your target language while your partner speaks only in your native language
3. Agree upon an article to read and to discuss in both languages.

In my experience, speaking with as many people as you can, will give you a wide exposure to the language, it's slangs and various accents. Language exchange is also about writing, so when you are not able to speak, write to someone in your target language. Here are some of the best language exchange Apps and websites:

HelloTalk- Talk to the World 

This app has built-in correcting features, voice recordings, and voice calling all for free. More options are available for premium members.

Tandem

This app has all the same features as HelloTalk as well as video calls for the free version. It also has more features available for premium members. I find this app second best as the calls are not always clear.

Italki

Italki is not only a great website to find language exchange partners but also a great place to post articles you have written in your target language for native speakers to correct. Here you will also find teachers, community tutors as well as great articles on language learning.

Conversation Exchange

A great website to find partners and write to them without giving any personal information.

4. Think in Your Target Language

Reading writing and speaking are all good. But if you do not learn to think in your target language you will not become fluent. Practice thinking in your target language by speaking out loud to yourself when you are alone (or not, your choice) Make a commentary of what you are doing step by step. Over time it will become more natural and you will stop translating from your native language. Here's a great video on how to think more in your target language:

How to Eliminate Your Native Language When Learning a Second Language

 

If you put these 4 tips to use, you will be fluent in no time. Good luck!