Getting Organized
Organizing your language study will help you develop the skills you want more quickly and effectively. Check out these resources to make a plan and set yourself up for success.
Learning a new language is fun and exciting — and sometimes it can be frustrating and intimidating, too. Have you ever forgotten vocabulary you once knew? Spoken confidently in class but then fell silent when speaking with someone new? Struggled to push through a learning plateau? Our resources provide practical, easy-to-follow suggestions to help you become a more effective language learner and gain the skills you want.
Read on to learn how to study a language and how to practice conversation, including conversation guides organized by topic and level to help you gain practice and confidence in your real-world communicative skills.
How to Study a Language
Developing a Memory System
Learn to make high-quality flashcards and develop a system for keeping track of new material to remember and build on what you’re learning.
Learning Writing, Sounds, & Grammar
Read our suggestions for how to approach learning a new writing system or grammatical structure to make it accessible — maybe even fun.
Tracking Your Progress
Stay motivated by understanding how to gauge your progress and set attainable learning goals.
Learning Beyond the Textbook
Are you ready to engage with your language beyond a formal textbook? Learn how to use media, search engines, literature, and other sources to enhance your skills.
How to Practice Conversation
Principles of Effective Conversation Sessions
You have a language partner; now what? Read on to learn what to expect and how to prepare so you can make the most of your conversation sessions.
Improving Your Speaking
Do you find it scary to use your language out in the real world? Review our tips to improve your speaking and listening skills and use your language with confidence.
Conversation Guides
Guides by Topic: Basic Skills & Necessities
Use our guides to learn practical conversational skills on topics such as numbers, colors, currency, telling time, restrooms, and more.
Guides by Topic: Social & Family Life
Practice discussing social and family topics and storytelling skills using these guides.
Guides by Topic: Logistics of Everyday Life
These guides will help you prepare for everyday conversation on food, health, directions, transportation, lodging, and more.
Guides by Topic: Academic & Professional Life
Engage in conversation on your academic classes, study abroad, and professional goals using these materials.
Guides by Topic: Culture, Media, & Public Life
Using these guides, you can practice conversation on major events such as weddings, holidays, natural disasters, political events, and more.
Guides by Level
Looking for guides appropriate to your level? View our offerings for Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced learners.