The 6 Stages Of Learning A New Language

Every language learning journey is unique. However, the beginning usually looks somewhat like this…

1. Your first lesson

Let’s hope enjoy performing tasks on repeat because you’ll be saying “Hello, my name is…” about a million times. Some of the expressions you’ll learn at this stage are never used in real life but who cares, right?

2. Absolute beginners

Learning how to spell is an absolute nightmare and your vocabulary is poorer than a five-year-old’s. On the plus side, you get a huge confidence boost when you get something right…

3. Your first real life conversation

… until you try speaking the language outside the classroom for the first time.

4. Your first successful real life conversation

But don’t give up just yet! One day, when you’re least expecting it, the language gods will grant you the power to understand and speak the language you’ve been learning.

5. Your first exam

AKA the time when you discover it is possible to know everything and nothing at the same time.

6. Post-Beginners

Congratulations! You’ve survived level 1 and you’re moving on to the next stage of your language learning adventure.

Marta is a Warwick graduate with a Masters for Research in Italian Studies. Fluent in three languages, she is passionate about people, research and intercultural communication. Find her on LinkedIn and her personal blog.

Inspiring Interns is a graduate recruitment agency which specialises in sourcing candidates for internships and giving out graduate careers advice. To hire graduates or browse graduate jobs, visit their website.