4 Most Popular Language Learning Styles: What Type Of Language Learner Are You?
4 Most Popular Language Learning Styles: What Type Of Language Learner Are You?
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What's The Big Deal With Language Learning Styles?
Which language learning style suits you best? Do you prefer to learn in a classroom setting, or do you like to be more independent?
If you're anything like me, you've probably tried your hand at learning a foreign language or two in the past.
But if you're also like me, you may have struggled to find a method that works best for you. There are many different ways to learn a language – so which one is right for you?
Why Is Learning Styles Important?
It all comes down to how you learn best. Each person learns in a different way, so it's important to find out which style works best for you. Thankfully, there are many different ways to learn a language, and by understanding your own learning style, you can find the best way for you to learn.
Once you know what type of learner you are, it becomes much easier to find the right method & materials for learning a language. With the right tools, you can make significant progress in your language learning goals.
Each person learns differently, so it's important to find out which type of learner you are in order to maximize your language learning experience.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at four of the most popular language learning styles and help you determine which one is right for you. So, which type of learner are you? Let's find out!
What Is A Language Learner?
A language learner is someone who is working to learn a foreign language. This can be in a classroom setting, or on their own. There are many different ways to learn a foreign language, and each person has their own preferred method of learning.
There are a variety of factors that can influence the way you learn a new language. Your age, your native language, your learning goals, and your personality all play a role in determining the best way for you to learn a language.
Formal Education vs. Informal Education
When it comes to language learning, there are two main types of learners – those who learn through formal education, and those who learn informally.
Formal education has been around for centuries, and is the traditional way of learning a language. Formal education is what you think of when you think of traditional schooling.
In a formal education setting, the teacher is responsible for teaching the language and providing students with a set curriculum and all the tools they need to learn. This can include textbooks, worksheets, audio recordings, assignments and exams.
Informal education is a newer form of education that has become popular in recent years. Informal education is any type of learning that takes place outside of a traditional classroom setting.
This type of education doesn't have one specific format – it can vary widely depending on what the learner is interested in. This could be learning through a language exchange program, online courses, apps, listening to music, reading books or even just watching foreign films and TV shows.
Which Is Better?
The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prefer structure and want someone else to be responsible for your learning, then formal education may be a good choice for you.
However, if you enjoy being more independent and want more control over your own learning experience, then informal education may be a better fit for you.
There is no right or wrong way to learn a language. Some people learn best in a formal setting, while others learn best through informal methods. It all depends on your learning style and what works best for you.
Many people find that informal language learning is more effective than formal instruction, as it allows them to learn at their own pace and in a way that is more natural for them.
The 4 Different Types Of Learners
Traditional Learner
If you're the type of person who learns best by sitting in a classroom and listening to a teacher lecturing, then you're probably a traditional learner. You might find that you learn best by taking notes and memorizing vocabulary lists. If this is the case, then traditional language lessons are probably the best way for you to learn a new language.
There are many different ways to find traditional language lessons. You can sign up for a class at a local community college or university.
Self-Taught Learner
If you're more of a self-taught learner, then you probably don't do well in a traditional classroom setting. You might find that you learn best by listening to language learning audio programs or watching foreign language films. If this is the case, then self-teaching might be the best way for you to learn a new language.
There are many different ways to self-teach a language. You can find online lessons or purchase audio programs. You can also find foreign language films and TV shows to watch.
Total Immersion Learner
If you're the type of person who likes to jump into things head first, then you might be an adventurous learner. You probably learn best by total immersion in the language. This means surrounding yourself with the language as much as possible.
One way to achieve total immersion is to travel to a country where the language is spoken. This can be a great way to learn the language, but it's not always possible.
Another way to achieve total immersion is to find a language partner or tutor. This is someone who speaks the language you're trying to learn and who is willing to help you practice. You can usually find language partners through online directories or community groups.
On-The-Go Learner
If you're always on the go, then you might not have time to commit to traditional language lessons or total immersion. You might find that you learn best by using language learning apps on your phone or tablet.
There are many different language learning apps available. Some of them are free and some of them are paid. There are also apps that focus on specific languages or language learning styles.
What Is A Language Learning Style?
A language learning style is the way that you prefer to learn a new language. There are four primary language learning styles: visual, auditory, linguistic and kinesthetic. Each individual learns differently based on their preferred method.
To find out your own learning style, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you prefer to learn by seeing things in writing or pictures? If so, you may be a visual learner.
Do you prefer to learn by hearing things spoken aloud? If so, you may be an auditory learner.
Do you prefer to learn by reading and writing? If so, you may be a linguistic learner.
Do you prefer to learn by doing things physically? If so, you may be a kinesthetic learner.
Once you know your preferred language learning style, it becomes much easier to find the right method(s) and materials.
4 Language Learning Styles: Which Type Is Yours?
Step 1: Determine how you learn best by understanding your learning style
The way you prefer to learn should be the main deciding factor in how you go about learning a language. Don't waste your time studying in a way that won't help you progress.
Not sure what your learning style is? No problem! Take this fun learning style quiz to find out. Be sure to read all of the results for a more specific approach!
What Are The Different Language Learning Styles?
1. Visual Learner
Photo Credit: Eiko Tsuchiya/Shutterstock
How To Identify This Type Of Learning Style:
Visual learners learn best by seeing things in writing or pictures.
You understand and remember things when you see them.
You prefer to see information in writing or pictures rather than hearing it spoken aloud.
You are analytical and like to see things step-by-step.
You learn best when information is presented using diagrams, charts and other visual aids.
You may also enjoy drawing diagrams and making charts to help you learn new information.
Tips For Visual Learners:
Use flashcards to help you memorize new vocabulary words. Write out the word on one side of the card and the definition on the other side.
Create visual aids to help you remember grammar rules. For example, you can make a chart with all of the verb conjugations for a particular tense.
Find foreign language films and TV shows to watch. This will help you learn new vocabulary words in context.
Best Ways To Learn a Language:
Watch a movie or TV show with subtitles on LingoPie or use Netflix.
Using a VPN is the best way to unlock and access content from anywhere in the world. Not only does this give you an extra layer of safety while surfing the internet, but it also protects your IP address (ie. your actual location). It's always a good idea to use a VPN, and investing in one is definitely worth it. I personally use NordVPN on my laptop and iPhone.
Create flashcards or even post-it notes and place them around your home.
Repeat the words out loud as you pass each object, or if it's a question, answer it. After you master them, replace the old words and phrases with new ones.
RELATED: How To Learn A Language By Watching TV: The 13 Best Tips & Resources.
2. Auditory Learner
Photo Credit: Daxiao Productions/Shutterstock
How To Identify This Type Of Learning Style:
Auditory learners learn best by hearing things spoken aloud.
You understand and remember things by hearing them.
You prefer to hear information spoken aloud rather than seeing it in writing.
You learn best when you can hear the correct pronunciation of new words and phrases.
You will likely enjoy learning through audio recordings and dialogues.
You may also enjoy participating in group discussions and practicing your language skills with others.
Tips For Auditory Learners:
Record yourself speaking the foreign language out loud. Then, listen back to the recording and identify any areas that need improvement.
Practice dialogues with a language partner or tutor. This will help you get accustomed to hearing the rhythm and flow of the language.
Attend foreign language meetups or conversation groups. This is a great way to practice speaking in a relaxed and informal setting.
Best Ways To Learn a Language:
Podcasts are a great way to practice your listening skills.
Pimsleur is an excellent language learning program for auditory learners. It uses a unique method called spaced repetition that combines audio lessons with interactive exercises. Pimsleur is one of the most popular foreign language learning programs out there. It's great for auditory learners because it focuses heavily on listening and speaking. You are seconds away from starting to actually speak a foreign language. Speak like a native and start your 7-day FREE Trial With Pimsleur!
Bluebird Languages is another great app for auditory learners. This app provides audio lessons that are based on real-life conversations using the spaced repetition method as well.
If you're making progress with your language learning by listening to podcasts like Coffee Break Languages, then stick with that method. Keep it simple - extra workflows will only make things more complicated.
Audible is another great option for auditory learners. With Audible, you can download audiobooks in the language you're trying to learn and listen to them anywhere. Listen to an audiobook while you're exercising or doing household chores.
Let songs teach you. Lirica lets you listen to music in your target language using rapid-fire exercises based on memorable hit songs to help you master the language.
To supplement your group language classes, I also use italki (an online teaching platform) where I get one-on-one lessons with a native speaker. Italki is great if you’ve got a busy schedule and need to fit in a lesson where you can.
If you sign up here for italki, you will also get $10 of italki credits for FREE after you book your first lesson. That’s basically a free lesson! So book your first italki lesson here.
Film or record yourself during italki lessons or whenever you are speaking the language then watch it later. Notice any areas you may be struggling with, especially pronunciation and make a note to focus on improving it. Being able to go back to older videos and recordings is a great way to see your progress, which is especially important when you feel like you’ve hit a plateau.
Find a language exchange partner. If moving or traveling abroad is not possible, the next best thing is to find a native speaker of the language you are learning and talk with them as much as possible. This often requires finding someone who wants to improve their English. For an hour each week, spend half of the time speaking English and the other half speaking in your target language.
Online, there are services such as HelloTalk that help connect English speakers with speakers of other languages and apps like Tandem are excellent too.
In-person, most large cities and some smaller communities have websites or community organizations that can facilitate this. Meetup is great for this as it has countless events to choose from where you can join language learning meetups.
3. Linguistic Learner
Photo Credit: Alex Ragen/Shutterstock
How To Identify This Type Of Learning Style:
Linguistic learners learn best by reading & writing.
You understand and remember things by reading and writing.
You prefer to see information in writing rather than hearing it spoken aloud.
You learn best when you can analyze the grammar rules of a new language.
You will likely enjoy learning through grammar books and dictionaries.
You may also enjoy writing essays and stories in your target language.
Tips For Linguistic Learners:
Keep a notebook or journal to write down new vocabulary words and phrases. Be sure to include the correct spelling and pronunciation.
Write out grammar rules in your own words. This will help you better understand and remember the material.
Read books, articles and other texts in the foreign language. This will help improve your reading comprehension skills.
Best Ways To Learn a Language:
Read articles, blogs, magazines, comic books, and novels in the language you are learning.
Learn how to read and write in your target language using Living Language.
I’m currently reading Short Stories by Olly Richards (available in over 15 languages) to help me learn a language. Looking at words, especially conjugated verbs, will help you understand how they are used in sentences and how the language sounds.
RELATED: 15 Powerful Reasons To Read Short Stories For Learning A Language.
4. Kinesthetic Learner
Photo Credit: Thanakorn.P/Shutterstock
How To Identify This Type Of Learning Style:
Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing things physically.
You understand and remember things by being very tactile and using all of your senses when learning new information.
You prefer to learn through hands-on experience rather than simply reading or hearing about something.
You learn best when you can physically practice new skills or movements.
You will likely enjoy learning through immersion programs and using interactive tools like flashcards and games.
You may also enjoy activities like role-playing and singing songs in your target language.
Tips For Kinesthetic Learners:
Get up and move around while you study. Take breaks often to walk around or do some light exercises.
Use props or gestures to help you remember new vocabulary words. For example, you can act out the meaning of a word with your body.
Play language-learning games and use other interactive tools. These can be found online or in apps.
RELATED: 30 Insanely Fun Ways To Learn A Language (So You’re Never Bored).
Best Ways To Learn a Language:
Anything that requires hand-eye coordination is going to benefit you, including electronic games.
You can practice languages through play and virtual reality by using Mondly.
- Diversify your learning methods. As a kinesthetic learner, you likely are an active person who doesn't enjoy sitting in one place for too long (which probably sounds familiar).
- Using a variety of language learning apps and programs will help you learn faster and keep things interesting.
Step 2: Develop your plan for becoming fluent in a foreign language
Now that you know your preferred learning style, it's time to create a roadmap to fluency. This will help you determine the best way to learn a language based on your specific needs and goals.
Here are some things to consider when creating your roadmap:
What is your desired outcome? Do you want to be able to have basic conversations in the language, or do you want to be fluent?
How much time are you willing to dedicate to learning the language?
What resources are you willing to use? Are you willing to pay for a tutor or language course, or would you prefer to use free resources?
What is your motivation for learning the language? Is it for personal or professional reasons?
RELATED: The 7 Step Process To Creating A Useful Language Learning Plan.
Once you have answered these questions, you can begin to create your roadmap. Here is an example of what your roadmap might look like:
Goal: Be able to hold basic conversations in the language.
Timeframe: 6 months.
RELATED: Guaranteed To Reach Fluency: How To Learn A Language In 6 Months.
Resources: Free online resources, such as Busuu or Bluebird Languages.
RELATED: Bluebird Languages Review: A Proven Method To Reach Expert Fluency In Record Time.
Motivation: Personal interest in the language and culture.
With your roadmap in hand, you are now ready to begin your journey to fluency!
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide To Creating An Effective Language Learning Schedule.
Step 3: Learn the language by immersing yourself in it
One of the most effective ways to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. This means surrounding yourself with the language as much as possible.
Here are some ways to immerse yourself in the language:
Listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or music in the language.
Watch movies or TV shows in the language.
Read books, articles, or blogs in the language.
Practice speaking with native speakers as often as possible.
Attend cultural events or meetups related to the language and culture.
RELATED: 13 Ways To Effortlessly Integrate Studying Into Your Language Learning Routine.
By immersing yourself in the language, you will be able to pick up on new vocabulary and grammar rules more easily. This will also help you to become more confident in your speaking and listening skills.
Step 4: Consistency is key!
Now that you have a plan for how to learn the language, it's important to be consistent with your studies. Learning a new language takes time and effort, so it's important to stick with it.
Here are some tips for staying consistent:
Set aside a specific time each day to study the language.
After you create a study schedule, be sure to stick to it.
Join a language learning group or community to stay motivated.
Find a language learning buddy to help you stay on track.
Reward yourself for sticking to your studies.
If you can be consistent with your language learning, you will be well on your way to fluency!
How Do You Know What Type of Language Learner Are You?
Do you want to learn a foreign language?
The good news is that there are many different ways to learn a foreign language. And the best way to find out which way works best for you is to take this quiz to discover your language learning style.
Once you know your learning style, it becomes much easier to find the right method and materials for learning a language. You can choose from books, audio lessons, apps, videos – or even immersion programs where you live in a country that speaks the language you want to learn.
Click here now and take the quiz to discover your language learning style!
Conclusion
So there you have it! An exploration of the four main types of learning styles. Now that you know a little more about the different language learning styles, which one do you think you are?
By understanding your own personal learning style you can learn faster and more effectively. You will also be able to avoid those pesky plateaus that often plague language learners.
And while there is no "right" or "wrong" way to learn a language, certain methods may work better for you than others. It’s important to remember that we all use a combination of the four different styles when learning something new. The key is to find a balance that works for you and stick with it!
So if you're looking to take your language learning to the next level, why not try tailoring your approach according to your personal strengths? After all, nobody knows you better than yourself!
Once you have a better understanding of your personal learning style, you can begin to tailor your study methods and materials to fit your needs—which should help improve your overall experience and success while learning a new language.
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Question:
So, here’s the question: Do you know which learning style works best for you? How do you like to learn languages? What methods work best for you? Let us know in the comments section down below!
P.S. I want to hear from you today. No for real, get out from behind that keyboard and tell us more about yourself! Use the comment section down below and introduce yourself.
Hey, I’m Mara.
I am the founder and blogger of Sololingual helping anyone at any age, from any place, who wants to learn a new language. You can learn how to reach fluency in your chosen language fast, fun and easily studying a short amount each day and spending very little money using different language learning techniques, programs and resources at your disposal. Fluency isn't difficult to achieve. In fact, it’s easy when you find a solid method that walks you through every step of the way, and believing in yourself so that you can achieve your goal at becoming fluent in any language.
