What to Watch Out for When Learning a Foreign Language on Your Own

Yuriy Ivantsiv
3 min readFeb 8, 2024

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Photo by Emily Marie on Unsplash

Learning a foreign language is a fascinating and exciting process. Many people decide to self-study foreign languages in order to be independent and flexible in their language skills. However, self-study can be a challenge and it is important to know what to watch out for in order to learn and progress effectively in learning a foreign language. In this article, we will look at a few key things to look out for when learning a foreign language on your own.

1. Make a study plan: Before you start learning a foreign language, it is important to make a study plan. Determine your goals and the approximate amount of time you are willing to devote to your daily language study. Divide your learning into different aspects such as mastering grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading and writing. This will help you structure your learning and focus on each aspect of the language in turn.

2. Choosing resources: Learning a foreign language on your own requires the right study materials and resources. Nowadays, there are many online resources, apps and books to help you in your learning process. Choose resources that are appropriate for your level and learning goals. Pay attention to the quality of the materials, their comprehensibility, the availability of practice exercises, and the opportunity to receive feedback.

3. Regular study: In order to make progress in learning a foreign language, it is important to study regularly. Establish a study routine and stick to it. Allocate a certain amount of time each day to study the language. Gradually increase the time devoted to studying and maintain constant progress.

4. Practising speaking: One important aspect of learning a foreign language is developing your speaking skills. Don’t be afraid to speak a foreign language out loud. Practise your speaking skills through a variety of methods. Find a language exchange partner or join an online community where you can communicate with native speakers. There are also special apps and resources to help you practice speaking.

5. Reading and Listening: Don’t forget to develop your reading and listening skills. Read books, articles, listen to audiobooks, music, podcasts in a foreign language. This will help you expand your vocabulary, improve your listening comprehension, and explore new aspects of the culture and language.

6. Constant repetition: Repetition is a key aspect of memorising information. Constantly repeat the material you have learnt to consolidate it in your memory. Establish a system of repetition and regularly revisit the topics and exercises you have learnt.

7. Evaluating and correcting mistakes: In self-study, it is important to be able to self-critically evaluate your progress and correct mistakes. Analyse your mistakes and take time to correct them. Strive for gradual improvement and do not be afraid to make mistakes.

8. Motivation and enjoyment of the process: Learning a foreign language can be an intensive and time-consuming process. Keep yourself motivated, set yourself goals and reward yourself for your achievements. Remember to enjoy the process of learning a foreign language and find interesting sources that inspire you.

By following these tips, you will be able to effectively learn a foreign language on your own. Keep in mind that this process requires time, patience and regular practice. The book “Polyglot Notes. Practical Tips for Learning Foreign Language” (e-book and paperback) will help you master the language in a short time. The practical manual contains many approaches on how to improve your language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Gradually you will notice your progress and succeed in achieving your language goals.

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Yuriy Ivantsiv

Master of History, specialist in culture and museum pedagogy.