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Immersion - The most important thing you can do is immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. If you can't live somewhere where the language is spoken, do your best to speak, listen, and think in the language.

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100 words - Studies show that the most common 100 words in any given language make up for 50% of communication. Once you know these words, switch to using them in a conversational format.

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Dictionary app - Download a dictionary app on your phone to make it easier to look up vocabulary throughout the day.

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Avoid group classes - Although they are normally the more economical choice, group classes can be an insufficient use of time, as everyone learns at a different pace.

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One-on-one tutoring - If possible, opt for one-on-one tutoring instead of group classes. You will receive personalized instruction that will help you learn faster and tackle your personal difficulties with the language.

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Study right - Instead of studying for long hours every day, make it your goal to study intensely for shorter periods of time.

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Study right - Most people never remember what they learn in classes because the lessons are spread out and don't provide enough repetition.

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Study right - Repetition is another key part of learning a language. Take advantage of spaced repetition learning.

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Spaced repetition learning - Spaced repetition learning involves slowly increasing the intervals between study sessions to take advantage of how information is stored in our memory. Flashcard app Anki takes advantage of this learning method.

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Ask for help - Don't be afraid to ask people what a word means or how to say something. Most times, people are very open to helping someone who is clearly making the effort to learn their language.

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Motivation - Before you even begin learning a foreign language, define your reasons for doing so. Figuring out why you're investing your time and energy into learning a language can go a long way in helping you maintain motivation.

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Talk to your pet - If you have a pet, practice talking to them in your target language. Even if you don't have one, don't be shy to talk to yourself out loud as you go throughout your day.

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Television - Watch movies and shows in your target language.

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Find a partner - In addition to finding native speakers of your target language to talk with, find someone else who is also learning your target language to help stay motivated.

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Online language buddy - Smartphones now have a range of apps dedicated to matching speakers of one language to those of a language they want to learn. Take advantage of them!

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Conversation - Speaking is the key to learning a new language. Hours of awkward and strenuous conversations are how you reach advanced levels.

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Listen - It may seem like a no-brainer but one of the most important parts of learning a new language is listening. The more you expose yourself to the sounds, the easier it will become to reproduce them.

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Pronunciation patterns - Figure out pronunciation and word patterns within a language to maximize the amount of words you can learn and remember.

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Vocabulary learning - When you learn a new word, repeat it several times and find ways to incorporate it into your conversations or internal monologue as much as possible to ensure it becomes encoded in your long-term memory.

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Fluency vs. accuracy - When learning a new language, it is more important to just speak as best as you can and not worry too much about saying everything correctly or perfectly. You will naturally improve with time and practice.

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Study time - Plan study time around your interests. There are many mediums through which you can be exposed to your target language—film, music, podcasts, books, and video games are just some of them.

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"How do you say...?" - "How do you say X?" is the most important phrase you can learn. Make sure to use it often.

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Read - The best way to learn new vocabulary is to read. This even applies to your native language. Pick up a book and your pocket dictionary and get to it!

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Set attainable goals - Don't be an overachiever. Set small, easily achievable goals to keep your motivation high and allow you to see progress. 

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Don't be shy - Let go of your inhibitions and be willing to make mistakes—and lots of them!

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The brain melt - When you are studying or conversing in your target language, make sure you are getting the most out of the experience and effort by pushing yourself. This essentially means that you should go until you feel as if your brain is melting.

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Think in the language - Challenge yourself to think in the target language, even if it's just during short periods of time or with basic sentences at first.

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Make it fun - Instead of sitting in a class or staying home alone staring at a book, have fun with the learning process. Attend events in your target language and make friends with people who share your interests.

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Group conversations -

Language learning happens in phases. When you can follow a group of native speakers without getting lost—while also occasionally interjecting in the conversation—you'll know you've hit an advanced stage.

See also: The world's most difficult languages to learn.

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