Learning a new language like Tagalog can be both exciting and challenging. You may be motivated at first, but that motivation can dwindle without self-discipline and a dash of good habits. Here are some long-term language learning tips to help you out.
Tips for Long-Term Language Learning
While Tagalog may not be as commonly studied as Spanish or French, it is rich in history, culture, and expression. Developing consistent habits can make your language-learning journey smoother and more effective, whether for travel, work, or personal reasons.
You can adopt some or even all of these habits to create a language-learning routine for lifelong improvement.
1. Set Achievable Language Learning Goals
- The keyword there is achievable. A common mistake beginner Tagalog learners make is setting their sights only on that one major goal. And so, they get demotivated when they think they’re not getting closer to that goal.
- What you should do instead is to divide that one major goal into smaller bite-sized goals. That way, you can see your progress as you make your way through these smaller milestones. Before you know it, you’re nearly reaching your final goal.
- Here’s an example of how to divide your major goals:
1. Pronunciation
- Vowels
- Consonants
- Stress
- Other sounds
2. Pronouns
- Ang pronouns
- Ng Pronouns
- Sa pronouns
2. Immerse Yourself
- One of the most effective habits for language learning is to surround yourself with the language every day. For instance, surround yourself with Tagalog speakers. It doesn’t have to be a physical meeting either, this can be achieved online through social media groups or forums.
- If that’s not feasible, there are also other ways you can surround yourself with Tagalog:
- Watching Filipino Movies Or TV Shows
- Movies and TV shows are a great way to learn conversational Tagalog and apply it. They are also perfect for pronunciation practice instead of just relying on audio lessons. Watching these with subtitles can help you pick up useful phrases and colloquial speech.
- Listening To Filipino Music
- A song’s rhythmic quality is beneficial for memorizing new words and sentences.
- Try listening to OPM (Original Pilipino Music) artists like Cup of Joe, IV of Spades, or, if you like a challenge, Gloc9.
- Follow Social Media Accounts That Use Tagalog
- Platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram are filled with Filipino content creators. Following them can help you absorb everyday Tagalog expressions and slang.
- Watching Filipino Movies Or TV Shows
Watching these content creators is also another way to learn about the culture, making you aware of possible faux pas.
3. Learn From Your Mistakes
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. These are natural when learning a language, and they apply to both practice and application. Instead of viewing them as setbacks, see them as opportunities for growth.
- Each mistake you make helps solidify the lessons you’ve learned. When you make an error, it often sticks with you, making it less likely to happen again in the future. Plus, encountering the same mistake repeatedly gives you a chance to better understand the nuances of the language, which will only improve your fluency.
- Besides, if you’re conversing with native speakers, don’t worry about sounding perfect. Filipinos are generally very supportive and will appreciate your efforts to learn their language. In fact, they might even correct you gently, which will further improve your skills.
4. Set A Consistent Study Routine
- Consistency is key when learning any language. It’s better to study 10-15 minutes every day rather than cram for hours once a week. By practicing daily consistently, you establish a routine, and that routine eventually turns into a positive habit.
- You could also try and start a vocabulary journal where you create entries of difficult Tagalog words you may encounter. For each entry, you can add illustrations, sample sentences, synonyms, antonyms, or any description that can help you memorize and understand the word. You can either use a physical journal or use an app on your chosen device.
- Maximize your time. Turn your idle time into opportunities for learning. You could dedicate time to studying Tagalog in the morning during breakfast or practice listening while commuting. By consistently engaging with the language, you’ll see progress.
5. Vary Your Tagalog Resources
- If the usual books or online lessons are not enough to retain your attention, you might want to try other Tagalog resources. Everyone learns differently, and sometimes the typical methods just aren’t enough to hold your attention or make the lessons stick. Fortunately, there are a variety of creative and enjoyable ways to learn Tagalog, and incorporating them into your routine can make all the difference.
- Language Learning Apps
- Apps like Turong Wika are an excellent resource for learning Tagalog on the go. They offer structured, but interactive lessons and can help with pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Word Games
- Playing games can be another way to expand your knowledge, especially your vocabulary. You can start with games like Boggle, Scrabble, and Super Text Twister.
- Finding A Learning Partner
- Lessons are more likely to stick when you have someone you can bounce ideas with. Learning a language on your own can feel isolating at times, but having someone to share the journey with not only makes it more enjoyable but also significantly enhances your retention and understanding.
- You can either exchange ideas with a Tagalog speaker who is learning a language you know or partner up with a fellow Tagalog learner.
- Language Learning Apps
6. Apply What You’ve Learned
- Speaking regularly is key to fluency. Even if you’re a beginner, practice speaking out loud from day one. After all, fluency is like a blade. It will eventually rust when not regularly used.
- If you don’t have anyone to practice with, that’s okay. Try recording yourself instead. You can then revisit these recordings and take note of things you can improve on.
- Another way you can apply Tagalog is by labeling the things around your house with their Tagalog equivalents. You can go even further and add some sentences related to that object. For example:
- Pinto → Door
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
Pakisara mo ang pinto. | Please close the door. |
Nakabukas ang pinto. | The door is open. |
- Tinidor → Fork
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
Ilabas mo ang mga tinidor. | Bring out the forks. |
Pakiabot ang mahabang tinidor. | Please bring me the long fork. |
Looking Ahead
Learning Tagalog requires time, patience, and dedication, especially when creating a language-learning routine for lifelong improvement. It’s a gradual process that involves consistent effort, regular practice, and the willingness to make mistakes along the way.
The journey can often feel slow and challenging, but with the right mindset, you’ll start to see progress. Every small step you take brings you closer to your goal, and over time, you’ll find that all those little efforts add up to significant improvements in your language abilities.
For a constant companion to help you out in your Tagalog learning journey, we recommend using Turong Wika.
Turong Wika is an app designed to teach you conversational Tagalog through interactive lessons. It’s not just about memorization; the app uses engaging exercises and real-world examples to ensure that you’re learning the language in a way that’s both meaningful and enjoyable.
Turong Wika’s Practice feature allows you to regularly test your skills and track your progress over time. Meanwhile, the Cheat Sheet option aids with quick memory refreshers of previous lessons, ensuring that essential knowledge is never far away.
Don’t forget to plan for the long road ahead. Scan the code below to download the app now!
Don’t forget to plan for the long road ahead. Click on the button below to download the app now!
