#language study tips
A complete guide to self-studying a language
Check it out here!
Self-studying a language is an amazing way to learn, if you’re careful to avoid the pitfalls! Here are the steps I go through when making a study plan:
Step 01: Decide what you want to do and what you can offer (what language(s), how much time/money/energy/etc)
Step 02: Gather resources (decide what type you like best and then research and test)
Step 03: Make S.M.A.R.T goals (follow the guidelines and make good goals that will encourage you)
Step 04: Create your plan (using the 3 steps above and some prompting questions on the guide, form a schedule. Be organized, but stay loose and adaptable)
Step 05: Add some back-up or pressure (find an accountability or tandem partner, add the pressure of a scheduled exam, etc)
Check out the link for more Info on each step + tons of tips and links to resources and other guides!!
Good luck!!! Self-studying a language is not easy, but it’s so rewarding and fun!!!
1. Find a language partner on Hellotalk/Tandem
Talk over the phone with your language partner, it may be daunting at first but stick with it and you will really see the benefits in terms of your every day speaking. It’s free and you can make a new friend. If you are uncomfortable, try sending audio messages through the app and build the confidence to speak on the phone. It may be best to find a partner who is willing to do half the time entirely in chinese, half entirely in English, or you speak entirely in chinese, them entirely in English. If you have a partner who doesn’t seem genuinely willing to help you speak Chinese and only wants to practice English, move on!
2. Pay for 1-1 lessons on iTalki etc.
Over Hellotalk it may be difficult to make your teacher explain everything clearly and keep repeating certain things you missed because you may feel it’s just for chatting. With a teacher they also have better experience teaching so you’ll waste less time, they know what you are trying to say already (because teachers do have the magical power, they’ve seen hundreds of students before too)
I myself last semester hired a Chinese teacher and during our lessons I came prepared with all my questions and things I wanted to practice and the lesson must have been really boring for her, but I paid for lessons so I wanted to get the most benefit for myself, ha!
Additionally, if you have Wechat/Alipay you can find a teacher over Hellotalk and cut out the agent fee on apps like iTalki!
3. Listen more! (and repeat the audio material out loud)
Listening to podcasts, especially situational ones, such as ChinesePod and CSLpod are the best for improving everyday speaking, you can get used to the rhythm and words used in everyday speech. You can also listen to bilibili or Youtube content creators who are speaking naturally to a camera. Listen more and you naturally can improve your speaking also. Haven’t you ever met those English non-natives who have good accents and speak well, ask them why and they often say they watch a lot of American TV?
4. Record yourself on your phone talking about a topic
Sometimes there are times when I want to learn about a topic but don’t have a partner to discuss. It also gives you time to ‘slow down’ and really think about the words you want to say and how to get your point across because you are less nervous. For example, I am interested in politics and nutrition, but when talking with somebody the conversation may go into a different direction and I can’t practice the words I wanted, I therefore occasionally record myself talking on a topic. It is also good to keep as a record of progress and to re-listen for your own mistakes, particularly in tones and grammar!
Do you have any other tips? Share them in the comments!
