How to Avoid Forgetting a Language: 8 Proven Tactics

Which methods do you use to learn a language?

Have you tried learning a language in some unexpected ways?

And what do you do when you start forgetting the language?

People can learn any language they want and choose the way they want to learn it.

But the thing they can't choose is forgetting a language.

It mainly occurs when people don't use languages.

As you surely know, language takes practice, ideally speaking practice with native speakers.

All the things you've learned won't stay in your active part of the brain if you don't use them regularly.

Fortunately, we've prepared for you 8 proven ways that can help you learn how not to forget a language.

Let's dive in.

Language is a living thing. It changes fast.

Even though it changes quickly, forgetting one, however, doesn’t have to happen.

With the following 8 ways and suggestions, not only will you avoid forgetting a language, but you will improve your language skills.

Talk to People

One of the main reasons we learn foreign languages is that we can speak, ideally, with native speakers.

When we practice speaking, we actually practice all language skills- grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary. Even when we make mistakes while speaking, we learn that way, too. We learn how not to make that mistake again.

So, here's a simple tip. If you don't want to forget a language you've spent too many hours learning, give yourself some time to practice speaking with native speakers.

Tutors on Justlearn are an ideal solution. Besides being professionals with years of teaching experience, they are native speakers as well you can talk about anything you want. Lessons 1-on-1 isn’t old-fashioned classes. On the contrary, they are pleasant, informal lessons where you don't have a feeling that you are actually learning and practicing. Besides, if they see that you are having difficulties with something, they can help you with that, too.

Don't wait any longer to forget things in your target language. Book a lesson whenever you want and do something about your target language.

Watch Movies And Tv Shows on Netflix

One of the things that relax you is tv shows and movies binge-watch on Netflix.

And when you watch them in your target language, it’s like a jackpot!

Luckily, it is very easy to get addicted because there are so many amazing movies and series in many different languages, especially because Netflix regularly expands its offers.

If you, for example, wish to practice your British accent, you will enjoy these British series. Or if you want to practice Spanish and learn different Spanish accents, such as Mexican Spanish, don’t miss watching these Mexican movies on Netflix.

Set Goals to Expand Your Vocabulary

If you want to avoid forgetting a language, set goals to practice the language.

To stay on a decent conversational level, even to get to the advanced path, you have to expand your vocabulary.

For example, learn every day around 20 new words or phrases by reading a book, blog posts, or newspapers in your target language.

If you make specific goals and stick to them, it will be easier for you to stay focused and into the language.

Listen to Music

Besides relaxing, listening to music in your target language is very useful.

Expand your vocabulary with ballads or some catchy songs you'll sing all day.

If you are learning Spanish, you might even find a salsa class too, besides practicing your listening skills and improving vocabulary, you'll be having so much fun.

By the way, did you know that learning Japanese with songs is one of the most efficient ways to learn the language?

Chat And Make Friends

We are social human beings so having friends is important to all of us. It is even more important if we have native speakers among our friends. The social benefits of learning a foreign language are numerous. If you don't have friends who speak your target language, there are other ways you can find them.

Luckily, today you can easily find a native speaker you can practice your target language with.

Discussion forums and chat rooms are a great place to practice your spelling, writing, and listening skills, but also improve your vocabulary, even learn some slang words and colloquialisms.

Make Learning Fun

Until now, you’ve probably been aware that you have to use the language every day.

To keep doing that regularly, find some entertaining ways of repeating and practicing the language.

Here are some of them we suggest:

Use flashcards. Whether you make your own flashcards or you prefer to use flashcard apps, you can make a whole game out of it. You can even involve your friends so that one casual evening turns into fun.

Another synonym for fun is, undoubtedly, playing games. Even though some may think that games are just for kids, it’s not true. Games can help you with your vocabulary and grammar, too. You’ll be having fun and you will do something useful at the same time.

Read a Lot

Reading something before you go to sleep can become a good habit, especially to read in your target language.

Today, many books are available online for free in any language, so you just have to decide from where you’ll start and find a book that interests you. Goodreads, for example, not only offers many books in foreign languages but also great reviews and honest suggestions.

Reading can help you to sound like a native, or near-native speaker. Many benefits come from reading: improving your reading skills, grammar, boosting your vocabulary, and even learning many different and amusing things from books.

In case you aren’t a book lover, you can turn to read newspapers or blogs. Find a newspaper or blog you find interesting and something that will keep your attention. 10 to 15 minutes before going to sleep will be enough.

With reading, you can also keep up with your speaking skills. You can read books and newspapers aloud. This way, you can also hear your pronunciation and work on it.

Travel Abroad

If you want to keep up with the language, one of the best ways is to travel abroad.

Visiting countries where the language you are practicing is spoken gives you a lot of benefits.

From refreshing your language skills to new experiences, which include meeting new people and making friends, visiting and getting to know the culture and tradition of the local people.

After visiting the country, you’ll stay more motivated to continue learning the language. You can even plan your next trip to one of the countries that speak your target language, so that will make you want to improve your vocabulary and speaking skills.

 

Don’t let yourself forget the language.

Keep in mind how hard work that was and how much time, dedication, and organization was necessary to reach some decent level of your target language.

So, don’t let that go so easily. Refresh your vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and speaking with tutors or your friends, native speakers.

Make it a daily habit and part of your life. After all, that’s usually all that we want from the language.