In this post we’ll discuss how to make time for language learning.

In this post we’ll discuss how to make time for language learning. One of the most difficult tasks when hoping to learn something new is ensuring there is ample time to study and reach your goals. Here are a few tips to carve out time for that language you love!

How to Make Time for Language Learning

To make time for language learning, first evaluate your current daily schedule or create a basic one with your regular necessities. Once this is done, see where you can make time in the mornings or evenings, during your commute, or during your down time. Your practice can include a range of activities, from listening to music or shows in your target language, or dedicating extended periods of time to work on educational books, programs like Rosetta Stone, or apps. Below we will discuss these different tools more in depth, but the best place to start is by reviewing what your doing on a daily basis, then seeing how you can make space.

Audit your schedule

Before jumping into the details, it is essential to review and audit your daily schedule. What are the things you absolutely need to do each day? How can you streamline certain activities to make space for the language you want to learn? It is okay to have a different schedule from day to day, but when it comes to doing something consistently, its best to know ahead of time how a certain practice would fit into your schedule. Before seeing where you can make time, first evaluate what your normal day-to-day looks like, and press on from there.

Early in the morning or at the end of the day

Taking time to wake up earlier or spending time at the end of the day to study a language may work best for some. Lets say you started spending one hour each morning or evening to practice Spanish every day, by the end of one year you would have 365 hours of language learning under your belt. The average amount of time it takes to become conversation in Spanish is considered around 600 hours, which does vary wildly on your actual practice and cognitive function. However, this means that with consistent practice, you’ll slowly build up your understanding and ability with the language of your choice (Imagine if you practiced 2 hours each day, once in the morning and once at night, I wonder how far you would go!).

In the car & on public transportation

Another way to make time for language learning is in your car during commutes and when out and about. You can use this time to listen to music in your target language, explore podcasts about language learning and goals, or even listen to educational tapes. We spend so much time in our vehicles or in transit to different locations. This could be a great way to spend just a little bit of time each day on your practice. If you are driving, you can really only listen, but on the train or your daily bus trip you could easily listen, read, or write if you have a steady hand, even apps and flashcards are great options when on public transportation!

During your down time & on breaks

While it may seem a bit counter productive to use time meant for rest to study, there are subtle and less invasive ways to still get your language practice in while taking a moment to enjoy your favorite media. The easiest way to do this is to begin putting subtitles onto shows, videos, and other content you enjoy, or simply by watching shows steeped in your target language. This way you can still watch your favorite show and practice either listening to or reading the language you’re hoping to learn.

Another way to do this is to follow speakers of your intended language on different social media accounts. These could be artists, academics, or just normal lifestyle creators that appeal to you. That way when you are scrolling on your Tik-Tok, Instagram, or even YouTube, you’ll have moments to hear and focus on your language practice! These are also great practices to help support language learning by keeping you motivated through different media and tools.

Conclusion

Making time to learning a language is ultimately up to you and your schedule. Don’t worry if you are unable to immediately work consistently, it takes time to build up habits. But with one of these time slots or a combination, you slowly develop a practice that feels like second nature! Check out our other posts on language learning here.