People pursue language learning for various reasons — to connect with relatives or build friendships, to study abroad, to enjoy entertainment, for career opportunities, or for travel. No matter the reason, learning a new language that differs from the one you’ve spoken since childhood can be challenging. The level of exposure to that language also plays a major role in how quickly one becomes familiar with it. Depending on your awareness and understanding of the target language, here are some tips to help you learn it more effectively.

1.  It is very important to immerse yourself in the language every day. Watch movies in your target language, read simple books, listen to songs, radio shows, or podcasts, and try to utter words or make simple sentences.

2. Practice speaking and starting conversations early. Don’t procrastinate—grab every chance to use the language. For example, talk to a native speaker or find a language partner. You can even prepare short scripts for conversations. If you can’t find someone to talk to, try reading dialogues aloud.

3. Make mistakes. Yes, it’s perfectly fine to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Don’t feel shy if you think you sound awkward. Never let that discourage you. Nobody becomes an expert overnight. Every great man or woman in this world started humble—they rose through mistakes.

4. Set realistic and achievable goals. For example, “Learn 10 new words a day and use them,” or “Be able to have a three-to-five-minute conversation by the end of the month.” These goals will serve as your north star. Like a traveler with a destination, you should know where you are headed.

5.  Read and write every day. When you read, you encounter many new words and become familiar with sentence patterns and grammar. Through writing, you get to use the words and structures you’ve seen while reading. It reinforces what you’ve read through application. Reading and writing truly go hand in hand—the more you read, the better you write, and the more you write, the better you understand what you read.

6.  Practice thinking in your second language. Most learners think in their native language and translate as they speak. However, translating is time-consuming. Try making simple sentences in your head. This will train your brain to use the language naturally.

7.  Focus on simple words and phrases first. Start with commonly used words and expressions in everyday conversations before moving on to more complex vocabulary. Don’t rush the process!

8. Remember that consistency is the key. Always spare a few minutes of your day to practice. Don’t allow yourself to become stagnant. Aim to be consistent, not perfect.

Learning is not an overnight process. It takes effort, patience, and time. According to Confucius, "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." After all, great things take time.