Are you planning a vacation and have no idea how to speak the local tongue? Perhaps you have a significant other from another country? Maybe you just want a challenge?

Learning a new language can be challenging and rewarding. Many of us learned a second language in school but it didn’t stick. It’s time to get serious. 

In this article, we’ll go over seven ways to learn a language fast. You’ll be a pro in no time (ok, maybe not a pro, but you’ll be able to get by without any problems). 

1. Get a Program for Building Vocabulary in Your New Language

Building vocabulary is one of the most important steps when learning a new language. It’s hard to talk if you don’t know any words. 

Many programs can help you start your journey. Examples include Duolingo, FluentU, and programs that generate flash cards. The free version of Duolingo is great for learning vocabulary. 

However, merely learning vocabulary isn’t enough…

2. Get a Program for Speaking You New Language 

You’ll need to be able to actually say the new words you learn. For this reason, I also recommend investing in a program that helps you listen and speak in your new language. 

There are tons of programs out there, but my favorite it Pimsleur. The lessons are 30 minutes and focus entirely on listening and speaking. There are written lessons as well, but the real value comes from learning how to hear and make sounds. 

3. Watch TV Shows and Movies in Your New Language 

Watching TV in your new language can be a great way to improve listening skills. The “beginner” method is to have the audio in your new language with subtitles in your primary language. This way, you can hear the conversation in your new language and see what it means by reading the subtitles.

The “medium” level is having both audio and subtitles in your new language. “Advanced” TV means audio in your new language and no subtitles. Can you still tell what’s going on? 

4. Listen to Music in Your New Language

Many of us listen to music all the time. At the gym. On the way to work. While cooking. 

If you are going to have headphones in, you might as well listen to music in your new language. It’s a great way to learn different accents and slang. Pull up the lyrics and look up any words you don’t know. 

Listening to music is also great because it can help you get to know the culture better. It’s much more fun to dance to reggaeton if you already know the words. 

In addition to music, try listening to podcasts in your new language. There are lots of great podcasts that specifically teach second languages. Why not give them a try?

5. Speak With Natives in Your New Language

Now we’re getting into the advanced techniques. If you know people in your area who speak the language you want to learn, ask if you can practice with them. If they’re an immigrant, it might be nice for them to speak in their native tongue. 

With the internet now reaching so many nations, there are many opportunities to speak (or text) with people all over the world. While you might need to run all the messages you receive through Google Translate at first, it will keep getting easier. 

Some apps to check out include Hellotalk, Hinative, and Tandem. When you start messaging people, you’ll want to add new keyboards to your phone. On an iPhone, go to Settings –> General –> Keyboard, and add your new language. If you’re feeling confident, switch your whole phone to your new language–it’s a great way to be constantly exposed.

6. Read Books in Your New Language 

Reading books (or articles) in your new language is a great way to learn more vocabulary. Feel free to take it slow and look up any words you don’t know. 

Like listening to music, this can be a great way to get to know the culture. Try reading some of the most famous authors to get a taste of literature in your new language. 

7. Move 

There’s nothing like actually being there. If you’re really committed to learning, then moving to a country that speaks the language is by far the best way to go. 

When you live in a foreign country, you’ll be completely immersed and you’ll have no choice but to learn. You might have some difficult encounters at first, but you’ll improve rapidly. 

Learning about a new culture is an incredibly rewarding experience. Even spending a few months abroad can teach you so much about the world (and yourself). If you really want to learn, this is the way to do it!