How many words in a day?

I have always heard that taking 10,000 steps per day is recommended to maintain good health, which is about 5 miles or 8 kilometers, but how many words should you acquire in a day when learning a new language? Certainly not 10,000!

I suggest learning phrases and whole sentences instead of individual words. Your conversation flows better, you sound more natural, and it’s more logical than simply memorizing random words in your head. One of the first phrases I ever learned in Italian was, “Dove vai così in fretta?” As a beginning speaker, I didn’t know what the individual words meant but I knew what the question meant (and now I know what the individual words mean too: "Where are you going in such a hurry?").

Within your busy day, try to learn at least one or two phrases. I guarantee it will make more sense to you. Of course, new vocabulary is important but it becomes more useful within the context of sentences. Strive to be more conversational in your new language and you will feel confident and natural.

Play instead of work

For most of us, learning a foreign language is work. You must find time in your busy day to study, memorize, practice grammar rules, speak, listen, and improve. It's a challenge.

I say play instead of work. Participating in learning activities that you like is more attractive, obviously, so play a game of Scrabble, tell a joke, watch that good movie, learn the words to a new song, do a crossword puzzle, whatever it is that you consider a pleasure, relaxation. Doing something you like every day to learn your new language. The best methods for me are songs and crossword puzzles. Music really helps me learn new vocabulary and verb forms in Italian and Spanish. I like it so I do it. What works for you?

Don’t Worry--Keep Talking

I know it’s easy to feel shy or nervous about making mistakes when speaking English and I encourage you to overcome it to move forward. Everyone makes errors with English -- and Americans are no different.

When I was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we were required to first pass a grammar usage test to be accepted into journalism classes. If we failed we could take it another time (or even another time) until we passed, and I knew many students who had to do this. I was pleased to have passed the test on my first attempt but knowing that others (American university students) failed again and again surprised me and made me realize that English grammar is a challenge for many.

Keep talking, learn from your mistakes, and keep talking. You can do it!