31 Steps to Learn a New Language: Step #21 - Converse With Native Speakers

As mentioned before, language needs practice. A learner must devote time to speaking it rather than just memorizing it in order for their tongue to become comfortable with the language. This is where conversing with natives comes into play. One need not fly halfway around the world and live in a strange, foreign land to do this. The internet is abundant with websites that allow the learner to practice speaking or writing skills, or both. These programs are often free and signing up for them is easy.

Source

It is convenient to find language partners that assist in tutoring and correction on the internet. Skype is also an invaluable way to chat with native speakers. An hour or so of conversation in the chosen language with a native is almost as good as a day spent in the classroom. If the learner lives in or nearby a place where there are a lot of native speakers of this language, it is good to converse with them. Most people are more than willing to help. This experience also provides a large network for the learner to understand their culture better.

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Here are the previous parts/steps of this series:

_{Step #01: Identify Your Learning Style}

_{Step #02: Set Achievable Goals}

_{Step #03: Accept That You Cannot Always Be Fluent}

_{Step #04: Be Patient and Prepared to Put in Effort}

_{Step #05: Take Advantage of Free Resources}

_{Step #06: Adhere to a Strict Study Schedule}

_{Step #07: Visualize Your Goals}

_{Step #08: Write Notes by Hand}

_{Step #09: Use Flashcards}

_{Step #10: Prepare Visual Aids}

_{Step #11: Revert Back to Childhood}

_{Step #12: Embrace Mistakes}

_{Step #13: Learn How to Listen}

_{Step #14: Read Children's Books}

_{Step #15: Consume Foreign Media You Find Interesting}

_{Step #16: Listen to Radio Stations}

_{Step #17: Learn Practical Phrases}

_{Step #18: Record and Listen to Yourself}

_{Step #19: Tolerate Ambiguity}

_{Step #20: Learn the 100 Most Common Words}

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THANK YOU FOR READING

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