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7 key principles that make learning a new language easier 14. January 2015Learning the local language opens up a whole new dimension to your new home country, and dramatically improves your social interaction both at work and socially. Unfortunately, it can be demanding to pick up a new language, especially as a new expatriate with many other obligations. However, by using these seven principles, it will become a lot easier!

1. Set attainable goals. Learning a whole new language at once is daunting so instead set yourself the manageable task of learning 50 words, and use them whenever possible. Once you are comfortable with them, start thinking about the grammar.
2. Make learning language a habit. Integrate language into daily routines, such as using local words when shopping, ordering at a restaurant, or starting every conversation with a sentence in the language. While it takes some time to create a durable habit, once in place, it will stay even when there are disruptions in your life.
3. Integrate it into your day. There are opportunities all around, from reading subtitles on the TV, reading headlines in the newspaper, understanding advertisements, reading children’s books, and listening to the radio. Even just naming things around you in the office or home helps.
4. Use technology. Change the language settings on your computer, browser and cellphone; and in that way, get used to the foreign words. There are also many language services online, like Duoligu, which makes a game of it, or Anki, a way to learn words using smart flashcards.
5. Think of language as an entry to favorite activities. While there are many activities available to expats, there are vastly more in the local language; such as learning local cooking skills, art classes, exhibitions, parks, or even road trips. By having specific domains that motivate you, learning the language becomes more rewarding.
6. Make local friends. Social interaction forces you to use the language you have, and gives you immediate feedback and help, rather than just translating for yourself  in solitude. Optimally, find someone with whom you do not share a common language, and who also wants to learn. Split the time between you, creating mutual benefits from the interaction. Search locally online where there are many looking for just such a language partner.
7. Become comfortable about making mistakes. Lastly, but possibly the greatest barrier to learning, is the fear of making mistakes. Remember that locals appreciate you wanting to learn their language, and will be generous and forbearing with your attempts. You can also start with children, whose language is not yet well developed, or shop assistants, where the dialogue will be topic specific, and o short duration.

The most important is to get started, not to give up and continue as long as you can.
Good luck!

To see the original post, please see:
http://blog.ted.com/2014/11/04/how-to-learn-a-new-language-7-secrets-from-ted-translators/