Some people seem to have a knack for learning languages. They can pick up new vocabulary, master rules of grammar, and learn to write in the new language more quickly than others. They do not seem to be any more intelligent than others, so what makes language learning so much easier for them? Perhaps if we take a close look at these successful language learners, we may discover a few of the techniques which make language learning easier for them.
First of all, successful language learners are independent learners. They do not depend on the book or the teacher; they discover their own way to learn the language. Instead of waiting for the teacher to explain, they try to find the patterns and the rules for themselves. They are good guessers who look for clues form their own conclusions. When they guess wrong, they do it again, trying to learn from their mistakes.
Successful language learning is an active learning. Therefore, successful learners do not wait for a chance to use the language; they look for such a chance. They find people who speak the language and go to ask those to correct the mistakes. They will try anything to communicate. They are not afraid to repeat what they hear or to say strange things; they are willing to make mistakes and try again. When communication is difficult, they can accept information that is inexact or incomplete. It is more important for them to learn to think in this language than to know the meaning of every word.
Finally, successful language learners are the ones with a purpose. They want to learn the language because they are interested in it and the people who speak it. In order to communicate with these native speakers, they learn the language by heart and find it easy to practice the language regularly.
What kind of language learner are you? If you are a successful language learner, you have probably been learning independently, actively, and purposefully. On the other hand, if your language learning has been less than successful, you might do well to try some of the techniques outlined above.