Have you tried to learn a new language but it has felt too hard? Why wouldn’t you read this article to find out What Is the Easiest Way to Learn a Foreign Language? I will share a few very powerful ideas that can change the way you think about language learning. So, spend 3 minutes to read this article. If you like it, share it with your friends and followers on social media and leave a comment below. Let’s go! 🙂
Start from Your Mind
I have found out that in life 95% depends on your mindset and only 5% or less depends on your talent. I have seen some very ordinary people succeeding with languages, business, and other things because they just created successful habits and they were persistent. But I have also seen some very talented guy losing their potential because they didn’t want to use it.
Everything depends on your mindset. So, first of all:
Never, ever say that you couldn’t learn a new language.
Never say that you are not talented with languages.
Never underestimate your potential.
I believe that God has created you, me and everyone unique and he has given us lot so gifts that we can use. One of the tools we can use is our mouth. What we speak, usually becomes flesh in real life. Start talking things that will make language learning much easier.
Say that you are talented.
Say that you learn quickly. Even much quicker that other people. Because then you will.
Say that you can achieve anything you want because then you can.
God has given us lots of freedom to design our lives. You can decide how you spend your time and how your life looks like. So, live your life with God’s purpose and use your whole potential. Never limit your potential by saying that you can’t learn a new language. “A man who says he can and the man who says he can’t are both usually right.” -Henry Ford
A Story from the Language Guru
If you have read our language blog before, you’ve probably heard already about Benny Lewis (and about his Fluent in Three Months Premium -Course). He speaks more than 10 languages fluently, and nowadays he knows that learning a new language is not so hard. But things were not like that in his life.
Benny is a native English speaker, and he wasn’t able to speak another language until he was 21 years old. Nowadays he speaks, Chinese, Hungarian, Spanish, French, a sign language, and many other ones. But do you know which one was the hardest one him? Chinese? No. Hungarian? No. Sign language? No. Spanish? Yes!
Even though Spanish and English are very similar languages to each other, it was the hardest language to learn for Benny Lewis. Why? Because he had a wrong mindset. He hadn’t learned how to learn Spanish easily. He had all these excuses that too many people still have, “I don’t have a language gene.” “I don’t know how to speak fluently, so I’ll just study grammar.” etc.
But when he learned the right mindset and tools to learn languages, he started learning very quickly. He learned 10 languages fluently without having a single class or something like that. And it’s possible for you if you have the right mindset. It all starts with a faith that you can.
What Are the Easiest Methods to Learn a New Language?
If you want to learn a new language very fast, then you need to use Benny’s method: Speak from day 1. Languages will be very easy after you have started doing that. It makes such fast progress than most likely anything else. But I must admit that sometimes you may need to go out of your comfort zone.
We can define the easiest method to learn a new language also that it doesn’t take effort very much from you. But I don’t like that definition very much because I believe that anything worthwhile in life takes some reasonable efforts.
But if you want to learn a new language without putting very many efforts, then you need to choose a way of learning that you enjoy. Then you don’t feel like putting efforts because you just learn naturally with the flow. One of the best examples from my life was when I was in love with a Spanish girl.
It was such a pleasure just talk to her that learning new words in Spanish was just a breeze. I am not saying that you should get a girlfriend or boyfriend to learn a new language. If that would be the only reason for the relationship, then it’s not wise at all. The point is that when you are practicing a language in a way you enjoy, it doesn’t take any efforts.
Another way that I enjoyed learning Spanish was listening to motivational speeches from Camilo Cruz or other teachers. I could have listened to those speeches tens of hours because they make me feel so good and motivated. Another similar resource for learning French has been Francais Authentique. Even though I don’t agree on everything that Johan Tekfak says, he has many inspiring thoughts for life.
Camilo Cruz says that the opposite of being successful is being average.
Find Your Whys?
If you want to achieve something in life, it’s important to clarify for yourself why are doing it. Why are you learning a new language? Here are 7 reasons to learn a new language but you need to have something that is important for you.
Write down your “Whys” and goals. Repeat them in your mind over and over again. Every week, preferably every single day. Then you won’t forget them and give up the process of learning a language.
My primary target language is now German when I am writing this I notice that I haven’t had strong “Whys.” I need to write them down too and make a commitment to learning it. Maybe I’ll buy Yabla German and study a little bit every day.
But I have had strong “Whys” for building my own online business. I want to have freedom to live anywhere I want in the world and to work whenever I want. Last months I was working around 70 hours per week because my Whys are so strong that I want to break through with my online business and become an online entrepreneur. (If you want to learn how to make money online, check my #1 recommendation on my website YourOnlineRevenue.com)
When you have defined strong reasons to learn a new language, you don’t need to push yourself, but your vision and goals are pulling you closer every day.
Conclusion – What Is the Easiest Way to Learn a Foreign Language?
In my opinion, the easiest way to learn a new language is by doing something you enjoy. If you enjoy eating, go to a foreign restaurant where you can study new words for food. 😉 When a learning method is in line with your values, then you’ll feel how easy it becomes to learn.
All in all, it’s impossible to say a single method that would work for everyone. I enjoy reading the Bible in many languages which I, of course, recommend to anybody because it’s the best book in the world. I like listening to Camilo Cruz or other motivational speakers. But maybe you don’t like that kind of speeches. You need to think what works for you and do that.
Dedicate some time for thinking how you could learn a new language more quickly. It can have an enormous impact on your life. Albert Einstein said, “Thinking is hard work; that’s why, so few do it.” Many people don’t want to think, and they let someone else make their life choices for them. Don’t be like the majority. Be different and think! 🙂
Now I would like to hear from you. What have been the easiest ways to learn a new language for you?
I always wanted to learn the second language but was a bit fallback due to didn’t want to spend money on classes. But self-learning required self-discipline. The language I wanted to learn is Japanese and French.
I do agree with what you pointed out here find out the WHY. I seriously need to think about what my want and WHY. Thanks for the TIPS here. I should find a way that in line with my value.
Between, Do you have any resources that I could learn french from?
Hi Maxx,
nowadays you can learn any language without having a single class because the Internet is full of wonderful resources. Self-learning may require some self-discipline but if learning is fun and it becomes a habit, then it’s much easier than classes.
Next week I am going to publish an article of 7 wonderful resources to learn French. If you are an intermediate speaker already, I recommend to take a loot at Francais Authentique. If you are a beginner, then Duolingo and Memrise are the best free resources. If you want to sound like a native, take a loot at Mimic Method by Idahossa Ness.
My #1 recommendation is still Benny Lewis’ Fluent in 3 months Premium.
After trying some of them, I would like to hear what did you like and what kind of progress did you make? 🙂
-Roope
Wow I really like how motivational this is. A lot of blogs I’ve seen don’t address the psychological part of learning new languages! It IS all in your mindset! I personally enjoy studying Spanish, French, and German, but sometimes my lack of confidence trips me up…good to see some inspiration to keep going! 🙂
Hi Vanessa,
Interesting that you have studied the same languages like I did :). Spanish, French and German are quite similar to each other which makes it much easier to master them.
I’m happy that I was able to share some inspiration through this post. I wish you all the best with your language studies.
-Roope
Hi there,
Thank you for such a great post!
I love learning different languages. My native language is Portuguese. I learned French, Spanish, Latin, Greek and I had some English classes.
English was the language I learned the least, but nevertheless it is the one I most develop now, because I like it and because I started to strive to write in English.
As you say, it all starts in your mind. I have a talent for languages ​​simply because I love different languages, a taste that comes from my mind … and when we love something everything it’s much more easier, right?
Thanks
Cheers
Alex
Hi Alex,
wow, you are a real polyglot speaking 6 languages! (or something like that)
It seems that you already write English very well. I think it’s the most important language nowadays because people speak it all around the world. Most of the content on the Internet is also in English.
I totally agree with you that things are much easier when we love what we are doing. Of course, there can be still setbacks and temporary failures but our passion/love whatever, keeps us going forward 🙂
I wish all the best for your language studies!
-Roope
Hello! (I just came from your Youtube video✌)
I have been trying to learn a second language (Spanish) for awhile now. It is actually easy for me. My problem is that I am so shy I never use it. Even though I don’t live in a Spanish speaking country, I work at a restaurant where all of the workers speak Spanish constantly.
I have 2 problems: not having the courage to converse with them; not being able to understand what they are saying. I can read Spanish easily enough, but even if I know the words I can’t understand spoken Spanish. I also can’t bring myself to learn anymore detailed vocal, but I have a great grasp on grammar.
By the way, I have been following Penny Lewis ever since I started my language journey, and I think he is awesome too! I wish I had money for pinsleur (I did a trial, and it was AMAZING), but sadly I don’t.
Thanks for the inspiration to get off my lazy butt and study!!!
Hi Shylah,
it’s very nice to connect with you. I’m glad to hear that my content has inspired you.
I also understand your challenge with Spanish speaking. It’s quite typical challenge what people have.
I would recommend Italki for you. It’s a community of language learners from all around the world.
There you can find language partner so you can practice Spanish speaking easily from the comfort of your own home. You will for sure gain more confidence over the time course. More skills also bring more confidence but it’s also the attitude what Benny Lewis teaches, “The more mistakes you make, the more you are learning.”
I have found through Italki some Spanish speakers and it really made a huge difference with my skills. I gained so much more confidence. Before I always said that I only speak some Spanish but afterward I was able to say that I’m a fluent speaker because I learned so much.
What do you think about Italki? It’s also completely free. They have some paid tutor and teacher lessons but they are not obligatory at all.
Cheers,
Roope
The easiest way now is the use of internet, watching movie, and my willingness to learn about the language. It is also important to exercise it many times because practice makes perfect.
Thanks,
Great Day
-Rye
Hi Rye,
that’s true. The Internet is full of great opportunities to learn a new language. Watching movies, especially with subtitles and audio with your target language is very profitable and easy at the same time. Have you tried Yabla? They offer that kind of services and you can try it for free.
I like learning new languages through language exchange. By teaching others I learn myself as a side effect. And I have learned a lot of my mother tongue as well, that I would not have learned otherwise.
Sounds great Jussi! I also enjoy language exchanges. When I was studying Spanish and French I used Italki to find language partners.
Every time you start a new video game, you have to learn the controls. The first time you play, it takes a while to learn the controls. But the next game and next are easier since there are many similarities.
But think back to how video games teach you the controls, or at least the good games. They give you just enough training so that you can start playing. That was your goal. To play a video game.
So the sooner you’re playing, the sooner you’re having fun. And isn’t that the whole point of the exercise? And if you’re having fun, you don’t even realize that you’re still learning how to play the game. It just happens.
And before you know it, you just react without thinking. And you’re doing things — hard things — with ease. How did you get so good? By practicing. But it didn’t feel like practicing because you were too busy having fun to realize that you were practicing.
Now imagine if video games taught you how to play the way languages are traditionally taught. They’d have you practice jumping for 20 minutes. Then crouching. Then tomorrow, more jumping and then sneaking. Then the next day… Well, you get it.
Learning a language is the same. You came here to speak. Not to conjugate. Or memorize. So the faster you can get to speaking, the better.
You need just a tiny bit of starting vocabulary and then you should start conversing. Isn’t that the whole point of the exercise? Isn’t that the goal?
So the sooner you get to speak, the sooner you’re having fun. And when you’re having fun, you won’t quit. And if you don’t quit, you’re going to learn. And you’ll learn much faster than the traditional boring methods.
You need to put in the time to learn anything. Imagine if that time was always fun. Before you know it, you’re speaking another language.
By the way, this is how music should be taught. But that’s a subject for another post.
Hi Marvin,
thank you very much for this great comment. I like how you relate language learning to playing video games. Learning any skill has many similarities. We learn to ride a bike, play football, speak new languages and so on. All it takes is enough practice, repetition and persistence.
You are right that we should move to the “fun stuff” earlier than we do nowadays at school. If we want to learn to speak a new language, we just need to speak it. Simple. 🙂
I think we should new learn new language for have a new thing to do. Also we help also for the future.
Hi Glenn,
yeah learning a new language definitely helps our future.
Learning new language makes life easier. It makes communication much more precise and concrete. With better understanding communication is passed on correctly. Make our future more peaceful.
Hi Jojo,
That’s true. When you speak more languages, your life is easier especially when you’re traveling.
Im from philipines and english is not our national language but it is known to be the universal language. To be honest it’s not easy to learn english but neither hard, but filipinos are prone from bullying because we are not good at it. I believe speaking foreign languages is not a measurement of intellegence an advantage indeed but it doesn’t mean your knowledgable.
Hi,
you are definitely right that speaking foreign languages isn’t a measurement of intelligence. Anyone can learn languages despite of their IQ.
However, language skills definitely help your brain in many ways.
Learning a new language is very interesting. It would be nice to someday call myself a polyglot.
Hi Veganmisa,
you can become a polyglot for sure.
I think the best advice I can give is this: “If you do what other successful people do, you will eventually get the same results that they do.” That’s why I highly recommend Fluent in 3 Months course by Benny Lewis. You’ll learn tips from guys who speak up to 40-50 languages.
I strongly agree with your conclusion. There’s some zero chances of learning and comprehending something you’re not passionate about. The need to love what you do In an effort do have a better understanding is in completely undeniable.
This takes me back to a previous article you posted on Pimsleur which in my opinion is the best and easiest way of getting your head around a new language. Majority of people tend to be good at what they do as its driven by passion. So yes! If how if have little or no passion in what you do, I doubt you’ll ever achieve any form of success.
That’s true Rumu. I strongly believe that it’s important to do in life the things you like. Of course, there will be times when you just need to do things and it always doesn’t feel so nice. But if you are doing something all the time you don’t like, then it’s not very nice.
I think that’s also one of the biggest reasons why most people don’t like their jobs. They settle for something so they can get a living but don’t seek for the best for themselves.
Hey Roope.
Thanks for the response. I really enjoy going through your post and articles, am also impressed with your research skills. Very little people have, make out time or even put as much effort to informing others as you do always. More than half of the products/servicea you talk about are new to me. Your doing a great job. Maybe I should make you my mentor.? Pardon me asking, how many languages do you speak?
Thank you very much for the positive feedback! I appreciate it.
I speak Finnish, English and Spanish fluently. Then I can have conversations in French, German and Swedish but my skills aren’t yet perfect in those languages.
Recently, I haven’t put so much effort for studying new languages but after spending so much time researching the best ways to learn languages I know that I could master new ones quite quickly.
> “Thinking is hard work; that’s why, so few do it.”
That was Henry Ford. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2016/04/05/so-few
Hi Keith,
probably both of them have used this phrase because other sources tell it is a quote from Albert Einstein. They were certainly right 😉
I’m using internet always because I know that there’s a lot of language tools in it. But I don’t know what language tool that I am going to use. I want to learn French and I will become fluent on it in the future.
Did you check out these 7 awesome resources for learning French?
Hi I am from the Philippines and English language is one of the course students take in school. That is why we are able to learn and understand the language.
But most of us still having a hard time speaking it. We do not have problems in understanding basic English though. But the problem is when we speak it because some of the English words are quite hard to pronounce.
Although some just have the skills in speaking it. I have experienced working in a BPO company and I got to utilise my English speaking skills that even when I was at home, I still speak the language, but when I stopped working there, I got back in speaking my dialect.
Therefore I can say one of the ways to learn and practice a language, is that you should be in a place that requires you to do it. Well, that is my own experience.
Today I only use our Tagalog language and my own dialect.
*I want to learn Korean language though but it’s kinda hard.
Anything is hard until you find the right techniques or learn a good mindset. That’s why I offer many resources on my website that make language learning easy and fun. 🙂
Hi,
I find your article to be very inspirational in learning different languages. I come from a family that speaks Spanish, Hebrew, French and English. And on the occasion, my father loves to throw in a bit of Japanese.
Personally, grasping languages is the hardest thing for me. But after reading your article, I find that your blurb about the mindset and how it is the important starter of learning a language is really inspirational.
As a teacher, when a child is learning something new, you provide that open mindset that they are able to do it. It seems that the older we become, the more we put ourselves down and believe that we cannot do something. But in reality, we can if we put our minds to it.
Thank you for your wonderful article!
I’m happy to hear that my article and thoughts were able to inspire you.
While talking with hundreds of people about language learning I have started to realize how many people have those “mind locks” which hinder them for learning languages easily. I hope that LanguagesAreEasy.com will help people to get rid of those locks and learn languages in a more enjoyable and easy way.
I think there would be a huge need for a language course that teaches step-by-step how to learn any language easily. Actually, there are such courses like Fluent in 3 Months by Benny Lewis and some others but still many people aren’t willing to open their mindset. I think I’ll create some kind of a course in the future.
Jim Rohn (famous success coach) always said, “when a student is willing to learn, a teacher will appear.” I think one of the most important parts of success is the willingness to learn.
Nowadays, the competition for the new generation is so tight when it comes to educational background. The more language you know , the more better opportunities you could possibly have. This article awake me from being just contented with my native language and English.
It’s a good opportunity for me who’s willing to learn but no time to go to center for learning. With these , it’s more accessible and convenient for me and for my daughter who’s thinking to learn French by next year as part of their ESF curriculum.
Yeah, language skills open new doors. I have experienced it several times in my own life. That’s why I can say from my own experience that being able to speak new languages can help in many ways.
One way of learning languages could be in reading their books. I think most of countries had their own language dictionary so that people around the world can communicate using that material.
Some learners preferred to visit some places just to adapt the culture and language will follows. Others looking for just a language school that will requires them to pay for every session they got enrolled. It will be a successful task for learners if they will have dedication on it and eagerness to push whatever it takes.
Yes, reading books is great for those who enjoy it. You can also learn lots of new vocabulary and phrases. Usually, I prefer listening to audiobook but reading is also great.
I think that dinning in a commonly used restaurant where the natives comes to eat is actually a nice idea. It would help you to associate with lots of the people and from time to time, you would begin to learn a few new words.
Also going to their football (Soccer) viewing centre is definitely going to assist in learning from the football fans a few things about their football culture. The use of Google translate is also very helpful.
Interesting ideas for learning a new language Heatman!
I like your first point. It carries more weight than the rest. It all starts in the mind. If we always tell ourselves positive things, the outcome will be positive. I also believe I can. 😀
Doing what we enjoy to helps us learn a new language will work after we convince our minds that we can learn a new language faster and using the easiest way. I will also be implementing the methods you mentioned when learning a new language.
Yes, everything depends on the mind. That’s so interesting.
For me, the easiest way to learn foreign language is just look or read those foreign language book or in the internet and should have a English meaning so that you understand better for those foreign words 🙂
I found the whole post quite effective but among them 3rd point is very logical. It will really help students to do good in that. Thanks for your awesome writing.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed!
So far as I know the one of easiest way to learn foreign language is to go to any school where they teach different foreign language and you may able to learn they’re. And if you learn those basic foreign language you may able to find another something school that also teach foreign language to improve more what already you have.
I think that’s the “old-school” way to learn language. There’s nothing wrong with going to a school and having a course. In my opinion, I think it’s just much more expensive and not as effective as online methods.
Thank you for this nice motivation. I’ve been learning Korean for few months and I lacked inspiration and starting to get uninterested in learning because I’m just learning it by myself. However, I started to grind again and collect all my resources and start learning again tomorrow. I don’t want to waste this generation’s resources because you can learn anything online and start with a foreign language that interests you is a must as it will give you tons of advantages in the future.
Yeah, today we have so awesome resources for everything we want to achieve. It’s a great time to live 🙂