Looking to reach that 100-day streak in your Fluent Forever app? We’ll show you how with these 6 tips to create an effective language learning routine!

How to practice a language effectively 

When it comes to learning a new language, everyone is different: some prefer going solo, while others enjoy working with a language coach. Whatever your method of choice is, it’s practice that makes perfect. 

That’s why having a solid language learning routine is key. So, to help you get the most out of yours, here are 6 tips to help you practice effectively. 

1) Think about why you’re doing it 

We’re all learning a new language for different reasons. 

Maybe it’s a requirement for that dream job or foreign exchange program, or simply wanting to surprise our partner with a love letter in their mother tongue. Whatever the reason, make sure you keep it in mind. 

Think about your ultimate goal and remind yourself about it when you sit down to put in the work. If possible, write it down and place it somewhere that’s visible. 

Every time you feel unmotivated during your study routine, look at your written goal and remember why you’re doing it.

2) Set SMART objectives

Now that you have the finishing line in mind, it’s time to break the race down into SMART objectives. That means they’re Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.

Your language learning routine is part of a long journey that needs small checkpoints that’ll let you know you’re on the right path. By breaking down your bigger goal into SMART objectives, you’re able to tackle the process in bits and pieces while tracking your progress. 

This also helps you stay motivated throughout the process by achieving smaller yet significant victories. 

3) Find a time that works for you

You’ve mapped out the route; now it’s time to put in the work. But when?

Depending on the person, there are different hours of the day when you tend to study better. Some people focus better early in the morning, while others feel more energized late in the evening. 

Knowing which hours work best for you can help you choose when to carry out your language learning routine. To discover that, all you need is a bit of trial and error to identify when you get those spikes of motivation.

(Hint: If you’re looking to learn with an online language tutor, remember that our Live Coaching program lets you choose the days, times, duration, and frequency of your personal sessions!) 

4) Commit to that time

You’ve identified when you learn better and organized your language learning routine around those hours. Now it’s time to commit! 

Developing good learning habits takes time for any language learner, so you want to make sure you make the most out of your study time. Try to avoid distractions and commit to focusing on the tasks in front of you.

Of course, distractions abound and life gets in the way sometimes. Luckily, there are plenty of handy time management tools for language learners. 

5) Plan for breaks

It’s one thing to stick to your language learning routine, but it’s another to over-commit and forget about your well-being. Like we said, learning a new language is a long journey. Even though it takes effort to reach the end, it also needs rest stops along the way.

Don’t forget to plan for exhaustion, days off, and time away from your studying. Balance is key!

6) Make it fun!

Don’t forget to have fun! 

Even though learning a language can be tough, it doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. Add some fun to your language learning routine by trying some alternative ways of practicing your target language: 

• Watch a movie or series with and – even better – without subtitles
• Listen to a podcast or audiobook 
• Follow the news of different countries where the language is spoken
• Try doing short, everyday activities like following a cooking recipe

Whatever your routine, we’re here to help you reach your fluency goal. Download the Fluent Forever app and boost your language journey today.