Time flies! We’re halfway through 2022 already! Was anyone's New Year's Resolution to master a foreign language? How are things progressing so far? Come and share with us what achievements encouraged you to keep going, or what difficulties kept you where you were. You can also sum up some useful learning tips for exchange.
Hi everyone, I'm here to reflect on the goals I set and see what progress I've made. My goals were to improve in German and work towards C2, but I've fallen short of them. Here are some methods I will employ to do better from now on:
1. Use A calendar, just one!
I used many calendars and often got confused between them. This caused me to miss a meeting between a really nice language partner. I feel really bad about it but all I can do is hope for forgiveness and do better next time if s/he doesn't answer.
2. Streamline my process
I tried many books to find which one fits. I've learned that it is better to pursue a second best book consistently than to spend a lot of time finding that one best book. I am going to pick one book and stick with it for the next half of 2022.
3. Consistency > Irregular lumps of time
Using many calendars made it hard to set aside time regularly, ahead of time. Instead, I would spend a chunk of time learning and catching up on what I would have learned gradually if I did so. This is better than not learning, but a better way still would be to consistently learn. I'm planning to set aside 30 minutes 5 times a week on language learning.
That said, there were successes as well:
1. The language exchange partner process
I know about how the search for a language exchange partner works now. It is not always easy, but I am encouraged by every kind exchange partner I meet. They are gems.
2. Determination
This reflection has made me realise my determination to learn German. From a casual hobby, my German language journey has progressed far and will, I believe, ascend new heights yet.
To be continued...