Learning a language

Have a reason.

Without a reason, with only a feeling that you "just do" it will be very difficult to stay motivated. For instance, a "just do" feeling means you can just randomly pick any language with no reason. Put slips of paper in a hat and just pick. You might end up with Spanish or maybe you learn Swahili, Latin, or Klingon.

Hi amberangelx,

I also have a desire to learn languages. When you say you feel like you need more of a reason to learn other than than the urge to do so, why is that? What's wrong with having an internal desire to do something and then pursuing that? Learning a language gives you a new skill and can be great fun along the way! For me that's a good enough reason.

I am trying to learn Spanish now and have been for several months. What inspired me to start was when a couple of friends went travelling (completely separate friends) in South America to improve their Spanish. I also had a Spanish colleague at the place I was working and it was fun to try and speak some Spanish with him (though I was terrible - and still am unfortunately!). I am hoping to travel to Spain soon for a holiday (I suggested the place as I have been learning the language...) and that is even more motivation for me! So overall I realised that what drives me most is knowing that if I learn a language I can interact with people in a different way and make deeper connections. I love that. Also, being able to see things from a different perspective and possibly understand other cultures better.

There is a great app that you can use called Duolingo. That's how I started, because I found that it was good to use it when commuting to/from work and it keeps me motivated. I actually picked up some basic phrases and vocab from it. It's free and you can get it on your phone, otherwise there is the website which has a bit more functionality - there are forums, etc. I am also doing some free online courses. There is a website called FutureLearn which offers all sorts of online courses including some language ones. I find that it gives me a more structured learning and can be done at any time in the comfort of your own home!

I also use Duolingo to try and brush up on my French and German, both of which I did in school but can barely speak at all! And I also want to learn Arabic. I did a short course on it a couple of years ago but have not gone back since. The language is complex but that's what makes it so beautiful. I guess my main tip for you would be to find a language that you feel connected to, that your heart is inclined towards. The connection to people is what sparks it for me...

What languages do you want to learn?