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How long does it take to learn a new language?

Article by GVI

GVI

Posted: December 14, 2022

Learning a new language can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It can open up new career opportunities, help you connect with new people, and give you a deeper understanding of other cultures. But how long does it take to learn a new language?

How long does it take to learn a new language? Factors to consider

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the individual’s natural aptitude for languages, the amount of time they are able to devote to studying, and the complexity of the language they are trying to learn.

On average, it takes approximately 600 hours of dedicated study to learn a new language. This translates to about 20 hours per week for a year, or 10 hours per week for two years. However, this is just a rough estimate, and the actual amount of time it takes to learn a new language can vary greatly.

Some people may be able to learn a new language more quickly than others, thanks to their natural ability with languages or previous exposure to the language they are trying to learn. Others may find the process more difficult and may need to devote more time and effort to become proficient.

In addition to individual differences, the complexity of the language also plays a role in how long it takes to learn. 

Read: 7 Reasons to learn a foreign language

How long does it take to learn a new language: Tips for English speakers

It is generally considered that languages that are closely related to English – such as Spanish, French and Italian – are relatively easy for English speakers to learn. This is because they share many of the same vocabulary words and grammatical structures, which means that English speakers already have a good foundation on which to build their language skills.

In addition to being closely related, these languages also use the Latin alphabet, which is familiar to most English speakers. This means that English speakers do not have to learn a completely new writing system in order to read and write in these languages.

Furthermore, these languages are widely spoken and are used in many different countries, which means that there are plenty of resources available for learning them, such as books, videos and online courses. This makes it easier for English speakers to find materials to help them learn these languages.

Overall, the main reason that Spanish, French and Italian are considered to be relatively easy for English speakers to learn is because of their close relationship to English and the abundance of resources available for learning them.

Read: Ten tips to make language learning fun

Online tools to help you learn a new language quickly

There are many online tools that can help you learn a new language quickly, including:

Language learning apps

There are many language learning apps available that offer a variety of features to help you learn a new language. For example, Duolingo and Babbel use interactive games and exercises to make the learning process fun and engaging, and offer personalised lesson plans to help you learn at your own pace.

Online courses

Many websites and platforms offer online courses that can help you learn a new language. For example, Coursera and Udemy offer a wide range of language courses, including video lessons, quizzes and other interactive materials to help you practise your skills and track your progress.

Language exchange websites

Language exchange websites are a great way to practise speaking and listening in a new language with native speakers. For example, Tandem and HelloTalk allow you to connect with other language learners who want to learn your language, and you can practise speaking with each other over the internet.

Online dictionaries

Online dictionaries are a valuable resource for language learners. For example, WordReference and Oxford Dictionaries allow you to quickly look up words and phrases in your target language, and many of them also offer audio pronunciations to help you improve your pronunciation.

Regardless of how long it takes, the most important thing is to be consistent and dedicated in your language learning efforts. Set aside a regular time each day or week to study, and try to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible by listening to music, watching TV shows or movies, or speaking with first-language speakers.

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