1. Post-it's, Post-it's, Everywhere...

Well... not literally everywhere. One of the things slows language learners down is a problem with the process of word-association. That is, the association between words and the things they represent. For example, if you're learning Spanish, you will learn that the Spanish word for 'Apple' is 'Manzana', then go ahead and start learning that 'Apple' is 'Manzana' in Spanish. In your mind, you're associating the word 'Manzana' with the word 'Apple'. The problem is, this isn't how we learn words in our native language and is a really inefficient way to pick up new vocabulary. In our native languages, we learn words through their association with the things they represent. So, we associate the word "Apple" with the physical thing, the apple, that the word refers to. This is a more natural, and efficient, way to learn vocabulary. So, how can we start associating foreign language words with the things they represent? Probably the easiest is labelling. Obviously don't go overboard, and try to be discreet so as you don't look like a crazy person. But placing labels on common items around the home and rotating what you label every week or so, is a really convenient way to start associating words with the things they represent. While you're at it, try referring to these things by their foreign language names when you're using them, which will further reinforce the word association.

2. Bilingualise your Shopping List

Carrying on from the last point about word-association. Whenever you're going shopping, you should write your shopping list in both your native language and the language you're studying. Ideally, you should write two lists, rather than placing the two side by side. Then, while you're shopping, try to use the foreign language version of your list as exclusively as you can; referring to your native language list only when you absolutely have to. This will both help you to practice, but will also help to create associations between the physical "thing" and the foreign language word for that "thing".

3. No, you're not crazy if you talk to yourself

In fact, it's actively encouraged. Vocalising is far more efficient than internalising your language use. It also helps get you into the practice of speaking the language. Whether its rote vocalisation of vocabulary, narrating what you're doing, vocalising what you're writing as you write it, or even singing; vocalisation helps.

4. Music, your entertainment power-tool

You'll often find that people who are really fluent in a foreign language also have a love of music in that language; and there is a connection. Music is a really efficient way to learn new vocabulary, learn new grammar and get into the flow (or rhythm) of the language. It's far more efficient than TV shows or movies. There are several reasons for this; firstly because verses in songs tend to be short, and songs are typically quite repetitive; the structure of songs is ideal for language learners. Rhythm also helps you to memorise and tune into the lyrics. We also tend to listen to music over, and over. Far more than we ever watch TV shows over and over. Translating songs is also less taxing than other forms of media for this reason, as is comprehension. The bottom line, music is a power-tool and you should use it as much as possible.

5. Don't neglect phonetics

It really should go without saying, however; the alphabet, pronunciation, and more broadly phonetics, is one of the most neglected parts of language study. The likely reason why is that it's not that interesting, and you don't feel like you're making progress. However, it's extremely important. Having a solid grasp of pronunciation gives you a better flow with the language, which means you'll read and speak more confidently, and find it easier to comprehend the spoken language. It also helps you to wrap your head around some of those taxing words that frequently crop up in foreign languages. But, most importantly, it'll allow native speakers to understand you. Using a language with native speakers, whether that's while visiting a country that speaks that language, or by connecting with native speakers online, is essential to reaching fluency in that language. Approaching native speakers, saying all the right words, only to be greeted by a look of confusion and panic; really isn't helpful to you, and can seriously damage your confidence. Similarly, understanding pronunciation rules, and having a good understanding of a language's flow and rhythm will help you to understand native speakers when they speak; especially when they're speaking quickly.

6. Engage with native speakers

You should engage with native speakers at the earliest possible opportunity. Whether it's on internet forums, social media or dedicated language exchange apps like HelloTalk. Finding native speakers to talk to, and ideally, who will help to correct you, will benefit you more than any other method of language learning. This is especially true if you start to make friends, giving you the opportunity to use the language daily in a natural, non-study environment.

7. Re-think your vacations

So, you speak English, you're learning Spanish, and you're planning a holiday. To Cancun, or popular Spanish tourist resorts, perhaps? Ideally, you probably shouldn't - at least, provided you aren't an absolute beginner. You speak some of the language, which, of course, unlocks less touristy destinations to you. If you're going to a destination that's popular with foreign tourists, then you're going to be surrounded by people who speak the same language as you, and most of the native speakers are probably going to be bilingual themselves. You're also going to find multi-language signs, menus and so-on everywhere. If you go as the locals go, you're going to have more opportunities to use the language, have better exposure and a better cultural insight. Sure, it might be a little 'in at the deep end', but as long you have the basics down, you'll come away with a more rewarding experience and your ability with the language will have improved.

8. Choose your entertainment wisely

Ever heard of that stereotype about foreigners rolling up in Japan and talking "the anime"? People speaking to Latin Americans and had them wince while they use words they picked up from reggaeton, or cheesy lines they picked up from telenovelas? Or on the flip side, had non-native speakers drop profanity at you with little awareness that f*** isn't a word you can just throw around freely? Or start speaking like a gangster, or something out of Downton Abbey, out of nowhere? It happens a lot, and it can become a big problem. Entertainment media can be realistic, but it can also be really exaggerated, edgy, people often don't talk like real people, and, you get the jist. It's important to be selective about what entertainment media you're using to learn a language. Especially when you don't have a cultural filter to weed out what's normal, and what's not.

9. Beware inefficient gains

This is related to selecting entertainment media carefully, but also applies to study materials too. Try to keep the materials you use to study and practice at a level that's appropriate to you. Obviously, media aimed at older teens and adults is going to be more interesting. But if your foreign language reading age is about 7, you're probably going to be slow and won't get much out of content aimed at teens and adults. Likewise, as you start to reach a more advanced level, childrens cartoons probably aren't going to benefit you because they'll be far below your level. It sounds obvious, however many language learners tend to gravitate towards what excites them, or what they can comprehend easily. Both of which, will become a wall.

10. Write it down

With so many apps, and how many of us now write on our phones or computers more than we pick up a pen, writing is becoming fast neglected. However, it's important to sit and write stuff out; preferably from memory. Recollection helps to reinforce language, and writing is a more taxing way of doing so. Every time you do an exercise, write it all out; make copies of your notes; keep a diary in the language you're studying. Use every opportunity to write.