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Tuesday 4 January 2011

Five ways to keep your New Year's Language Learning Resolutions

1. Make your language learning goal attainable : It goes without saying that most New Year's resolutions are easier announced than done-but if you set the bar too high, you're doomed from the start. Instead of a sweeping declaration like "I will learn to speak Spanish this year’’, try something more attainable such as ‘’ I will book a course in Spanish so that I can order a meal in a restaurant in Madrid.’’ In 2012 make it your aim to be able to read a simple book. By taking small attainable steps in language learning, you are less likely to become disheartened by the process.

2. Don't overburden yourself: It's difficult enough for the average person to follow through on one ambitious New Year's resolution; why on earth would you saddle yourself with five or six? If learning a language is just one of five resolutions, it might remain an unfulfilled ambition rather than a planned goal. Try to keep your resolution list short. If you do have other goals, such as weight loss, why not combine goal planning for the two? For example, combine 10 minutes running with listening to your language learning CD.

3 Share your goals: There’s an old adage that a problem shared is a problem halved, and the same can be true of New Year’s Resolutions. The more people to whom you announce your resolution, the more people there'll be to prod you along if you fall behind. There's no shame in seeking help if you can't accomplish your resolution on your own. Equally, by telling people about your plans, the more people will help you achieve your goal. Why would your Aunt buy that German book in the bric-a-brac sale if she does not know you are learning German?

4 Reward yourself: Following through on a New Year's resolution is rarely easy, so a little reward here and there along the way can provide motivation. For many language learners, actually speaking the language is the greatest reward. So why not plan a trip abroad, if only for a short weekend break to give a boost to your language learning? If money doesn’t stretch to a weekend break, why not visit a local restaurant specialising in the gastronomy of your target language? The waiters may even speak your target language and could be a great source of practice!

5 Language learning is a fun process, not a calendar driven task: Sometimes the best way to accomplish a New Year's resolution is to make it at a time of year of your choosing, rather than the one dictated by the calendar. This is especially true of language learning. You might want to kick start your learning with a holiday to your target language destination or perhaps your evening course only starts in Spring? Don’t forget however, that language learning is a continual process that you can enjoy throughout your lifetime. Learning a few words every day is better than a couple of weeks intensive learning in January merely to fulfil a New Year’s Resolution

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