“To have another language is to possess a second soul.” - Charlemagne

Listening

Since our ears haven’t been trained to respond to foreign words as we have been to English, we can teach ourselves to also grow accustomed to these new sounds. Try watching Youtube videos or movies in this language. Read class materials aloud to yourself. It’s only when you get used to exactly how words sound, that you start to imitate these sounds yourself.

Speaking

This is something that will only improve if you commit to doing it. Talk to others in the language you’re learning, talk to your phone, or even your wall. This will make you feel more comfortable with the sounds. When listening to songs or the radio, why not try to copy what’s being said or sung? With constant practise, you will soon hear the language rolling off your tongue fluently.

Reading

Similar to listening, my advice is to read widely, especially on topics that interest you. Aside from classroom materials, try reading the news or novels in the language you’re studying. Drawing on a wide range of sources would expose you to more vocabulary, new grammar points and useful phrases, thus improving your comprehension skills as a whole.

Writing

Every few days, you should aim to write something, even if it’s just a few lines. However, to enhance your grasp of the language, practise with a variety of text types such as essays and speeches. Make sure to apply grammar and vocabulary accurately. You can also go online and make a penpal, gaining a deeper understanding of the culture while making new friends.  

Overall, practise consistently and immerse yourself in the culture.