With multilingualism on the rise, how can you efficiently pick up new languages at the same time to stay competitive?
In the global age of today, mastering two or more languages is the norm. Research has proven that the earlier you start learning a language, the easier it is to master it. Below are some tips to help you learn two or more languages at the same time effectively.
1 Choose From Different Language Families
Studies show that learning is reinforced when learners choose to study languages from different families. Some of the largest language families include Indo-European (e.g. English, Spanish, French, German), Sino-Tibetan (e.g. Tibetan, Chinese), Austronesian (e.g. Japanese, Tagalog, Malay), and Niger-Congo, where the largest users are in Africa. Given the current geographical, social, and economic realities of the world, Chinese, Japanese and are worth considering as a second language.
2 Juggling Learning Difficulties
Certain parts of a language may be easier to learn, while others are more difficult to comprehend. For example, one of the most challenging aspects of the English language is its grammar system, including tenses, construction, and so on. In comparison, Chinese has an easier grammar system; however, its writing system and tones are extremely hard. Hence, when language learners study English and Chinese at once, they are unlikely to get stuck in the same area and subsequently lose confidence in both languages. Every language comes with its learning curve, thus learners should avoid feeling overly demoralised and instead seek guidance where needed.
3 Create a Detailed Study Schedule
Learning two languages concurrently is an exercise in time management. Plan a detailed schedule to help you organise your time wisely and maintain a good study balance. Set aside a fixed amount of time you wish to spend on each language per day or week. In addition, pen down your learning goals, which should not be set too high or too low, and work towards achieving them as you progress.
4 Reinforce Learning Through Common Topics
When you are learning a language, the brain can activate the memory of your knowledge in another language if your study materials consist of common or overlapping topics. For example, by studying the names of fruits in English and Japanese, you may think of the word “banana” and “バナナ” reflexively the next time you see an actual banana. This helps to reinforce memory and effective learning.