How to Choose the Second Language to Learn

A rare person remembers a moment when they started learning their native language. Even though it is one of the most natural processes, it took months and years of constant practice to sharpen your speaking and writing skills. It can be much harder to start learning a new language when you are a grownup because a kid is like a blank sheet of paper, so it is much easier to write something there.

On the contrary, an adult has already developed some skills and subconsciously tries to apply them when dealing with something new, so learning a new language is like writing words over existing text. Anyway, this process will require persistence and time on your part. If you have a tight schedule because of assignments, it is worth turning to the do my homework for me service to make some room there. However, you should make sure you have chosen the right second language to learn. Otherwise, you may lose motivation and quit earlier than you achieve the first result. So, what things should you consider when choosing a second language to learn?

  1. Find Something Behind Personal Preferences

Choosing a language based on personal preferences is a two-edged sword, and you should weigh all the pros and cons. On the one hand, it will take about two years to study a new language from scratch to start speaking fluently, and you will have to immerse yourself completely in this process. In this case, your interest may become a driving force and motivation to stay on track and go deep down in all the nuances. But, on the other hand, many learners who chose the second language just because they liked it or its cultural background faced a wide range of challenges. Thus, they found it hard to motivate themselves through the basics and gave up too fast. Indeed, it might be difficult to make oneself devote time to learning all the peculiarities of Japanese hieroglyphs just to watch original anime. In other words, there should be something else besides personal preferences that will help you stay on track in the long run.

  1. Consider Overall Expenses

You can come across dozens of people who claim that it is not a big deal to learn a new language, so you can do well without hiring a tutor, buying specialized literature, and so on. However, the US Foreign Service Institute doesn’t agree with such statements and claims that a person can start speaking a new language fluently only after about 590 hours of study. Of course, that’s assuming the second language is similar to your native. If you decide to learn a completely different one (for example, your native language is English, and you learn Russian or Chinese), it can take up to 2300 hours. Thus, if you lack time, you can read mymathgenius reviews to find a professional helper. However, if you lack money, it might be better to opt for an easier language, especially when the chosen option falls outside your college curriculum, so you have to cover expenses for these classes and learning materials. Another way out is to choose a language that suggests many free online learning tools.

  1. Check Career Prospects

Most young people decide to learn a second language to increase their significance in the labor market since bilingualism can help them stand out from the crowd. It may seem that selecting a globally spoken language, for example, Spanish, can be a win-win option, but if your goal is to become a more appealing candidate in your major, it is worth doing research. Your specialty may require professionals who speak Chinese or Russian, and even basic knowledge can tip a scale when an employer chooses a suitable applicant. Thus, if you want to learn a second language to become in-demand in the labor market, it is worth going deep down this question.

  1. Determine Your Key Goals

To stay motivated even when you feel overwhelmed, you should keep your key goal in mind. Learning a new language can be challenging, so you may have a huge desire to give up and do something else. However, such an approach will not allow you to achieve the desired result. If you dream of moving to another country, making a lot of money, or standing out from your rivals, you should stay focused on your goal. Devote some time to creating a well-tailored detailed plan on how you can achieve the desired outcome and stick to it no matter what. Such a strategy will be more fruitful in the long run.

  1. Look for Appealing Elements

Even though personal preferences shouldn’t become a decisive factor, it will not be superfluous to search for interesting and appealing things about the chosen language. For instance, you can plunge into culture and look for aspects that can become wonderful learning tools and help you stay motivated. For example, you can watch movies of your favorite genre in the original language, read a fascinating book with a dictionary, or listen to music. If you cannot go abroad and immerse yourself in the linguistic environment, you can do your best to recreate it within the comfort of your home. The modern world offers a wide range of opportunities and effective tools to improve your speaking and writing skills. Your main task here is to notice them instead of looking for excuses why you fail.

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