I am writing this post from the comfort of my "home for the holidays" decision, drinking scalding hot tea and brainstorming my plan for the new year. Personally, I want to pick up where I left off with learning Ukrainian and Polish.
This isn't my first time learning a language. I taught myself Spanish, Russian, and hurtled through the German language vortex over three years until I was able to work a job in Germany. All of those languages will be a constant work in progress. Why choose a fifth? There are many reasons which I can (and will) elaborate upon later. My main concern right now is convincing you that 2024 is indeed your time to learn a language, be it the second or the fifteenth.
Here's the part of the show where I throw you 3 golden tips on how to start changing your life with a new language. No, I mean it... that wasn't drastic in the least. Languages have had a domino effect on my past and present that sent me around the world like Jason Derulo, gave me a new lease on life, and improved my prospects of finding my "tribe." You can do it, too. Rant over... here are your tips:
1. Establish a Concrete Goal
Be specific, and kind of bold. Make it a goal to pass an A1 or A2 level test in the first quarter or half of the year. Make it a goal to master 200 verbs and their uses, memorize 10 of your favorite songs, or travel to a nation speaking your target language by the end of the year. If it's within your power and affordable with your resources, write it down. Anticipate it. Live and breathe it. This is step one.
2. Create a Schedule
"Three days a week, I'll study my grammar book. I'll take a day on the weekend to practice with a native speaker, and I'll read aloud to myself as many nights a week as I can."
Whatever rhythm works for you is what you should do. I'm not saying to make a schedule so rigid and so concrete that you beat yourself up upon missing a day. Be kind to yourself, but make the schedule as concrete as your goals. You'll be thankful for it later, and you'll miss it when it's gone. The object is to not wear yourself out, but to keep yourself accountable.
3. Find Helpful Resources (...like me, for example)
I learned more languages because of who I know than what I know. If you can befriend a native speaker, agree to language or culture exchange with someone, or just haunt your local immigrant community, do it. These people are not only (usually) delighted that you want to speak their language, but will be the pillars of your immersion. If you can't afford to travel, this is even more valuable. Put yourself out there, join a speaking group, strike up a conversation with that bakery owner. Find what you have in common instead of focusing on your differences.
There is much more to come on this page. I will be with you throughout 2024, and we will learn together. :)
There are many more bits of insight I want to share, because I believe everyone is so much more capable than they believe. It was true of me, and it's true of you. The great news is that we don't have to waste another year procrastinating and doubting ourselves. Let's make it great... happy new year!
I met my friend Maria on my first immersion solo trip to Ukraine in 2021. We met by accident, but our paths continue to cross in different countries. I am inexplicably thankful for her as a friend and as a window into her culture and way of life. When I say, "have tea with a native," this is what I'm talking about.
I'm sending much love and hope to Ukraine this holiday season. <3
Copyright Lauri Speaks℗, 2023