How can someone like me take 5 years of a foreign language, but still be so far from fluent? The answer is simply not making the most of the time you spent learning it! Now you might be wondering: How do you make the most of it then? If you are, then this is the perfect list of tips and tricks to help you go from a first timer to fluent and have fun along the way!
Tip one: Make It Enjoyable
Mr. Walker, one of our iUP french and spanish professors, shares with us our first tip in saying, “Remember, have fun! It is normal to make mistakes and hit roadblocks. Just remember that the goal is to communicate. Smile, laugh, and enjoy the experience. Every experience you have will be a learning opportunity that you will benefit from!!” This is a valuable reminder to not be too hard on yourself, but to use every opportunity that comes your way to be engaged in working on your skills! One example of this is when I first started learning French, I would practice with my dad who is conversant in French, and he would teach me random words to make meaningless sentences. That’s when my learning stuck the most, because it was amusing and made memories.
Tip Two: Use Accents In Your Native Language
Our second tip is from Kenzie Coleman who made a video on her TikTok account,
@kenzie.greeene. Kenzie says, “When you are learning a language the first thing that you need to do is learn the accent in your native language.” This unique idea is practical for refining your technique, which can drastically change the sound of your inflections, and your overall authenticity of speech. In order to do this effectively, you first need to learn where in your mouth your target language is spoken from. Now, I know that could sound like a bunch of hooey, but bear with me. Two common examples of this are: French speakers talk more tightly from the front of their mouth. On the other hand, German speakers talk deep from the back of their throat. Once you decide where in your mouth your chosen accent is spoken, apply it to your native language to get practice, and soon you will be able to blend in with the locals!
In a similar video on Kenzie Coleman’s TikTok, she helps you fully master the idea of learning the accent in your native language. She advises that you, “Find a Swedish Youtube girly, or find a French Youtuber and watch their vlogs. Because not only will they probably vlog in English and you can learn the accent, but they will also sometimes have vlogs in French or in Swedish that they will post for their Swedish followers or their French followers. Then you can learn both!” This is a simple way to immerse yourself in the accent and language! You can put on a video even if you don’t know the words or aren’t paying attention to the accent. This is because even if you’re listening while folding laundry, you’re still hearing it and processing it to some extent, whether you realize it or not.
Tip Three: Consume Content From Your Target Language
With a similar idea, our third tip is yet again from Mr. Walker! He shares with us that, “I like to suggest that students also find storybooks or short comics in the language they want to learn so that they can practice seeing how the language works and also learn new vocabulary.” This is a very effective method! Just like in reading in your native language, you are bound to come across words or phrases you aren’t familiar with. This way you can see firsthand how the things you learn are being implemented, as well as learn new words and culture specific phrases! An example of a slightly different but practical way to do this, is rewatching your favorite show, but switching the audio to the dubbed version of the language you are learning. Grab a notebook and pause every time there’s a word you don’t know, and write that down with the newfound definition! This is a fun way for you to learn without it seeming like real work!
Tip Four: Be Consistent Through Busy Schedules With Educational Apps
You might be thinking, these are great ideas, but I’m a busy person and don’t have time for this. Don’t worry, there are ways for you as well! Mr. Walker also gives suggestions to use platforms like Duolingo and Babble. While those are probably tools you’ve heard of, they really can help aid in making sure you keep your skills sharp. A lesson of these online classes takes only a few minutes, so if you have a phone, there’s truly no excuse not to participate! Do it on car rides, during lunch, or whenever!
The point is, there are plenty of options for the busy learners! Even if you are stressed with other classes and obligations and can’t practice hours a day, Mr. Walker reassures us by saying “At the end of the day, any practice is good practice. So picking something that is of interest that you will be able to stick with every day is the key. Just like working out, learning an instrument, practicing a sport, etc., the key is consistent practice in order to make good progress.” Consistency and determination will be your biggest tools in this learning endeavor. Practicing five hours one day and not at all for another month won’t get you much of anywhere. Be sure to set aside intentional time for learning, even if only 10 minutes a day, but be sure to pick something you enjoy doing. It will be much easier to stay consistent with something you look forward to!
Tip 5: ASL Specific Tips
While lots of these tips are applicable to ASL, there are a few differences between ASL and other languages. So here are some ASL specific tips and tricks!
Mrs. Tammy Long, our ASL professor here at iUP has our first ASL tip in saying, “Study every day, even if it’s just for 15-30 minutes, to build momentum. Consistency is often more important than cramming for long periods. Your hands will get tired when first signing. So, many small sessions is ideal to build up strength and flexibility.” While this tip is applicable to all languages, it is especially important when you are using your hands to communicate in order to build endurance and strength in your hands!
Mrs. Tammy goes on to tell us to “Find a language partner: Connect with a native speaker through language exchange apps or websites to practice real conversations. Even teaching a family member to practice with will give you a practical way to use your new language daily.” These examples of partnering are amazing, as well as deaf socials! Deaf socials are a great atmosphere for learning and communicating with others within the ASL community. These socials are widely available so find one near you and plug into a community!
Overall, these are great tips and tricks to help you make the most of your time spent learning, and set you fast on your way to being fluent! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and really put your full effort, because it can be so rewarding! Happy learning iUP students!
Works Cited
Coleman, Kenzie. “Make Your Day.” Another Hack for You Besties!!!, Tik Tok,https://www.tiktok.com/@kenzie.greeene/video/7527773330829544717?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7567484114560894494 . Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
“Make Your Day.” Seriously My Best Kept Secret If You Don’t Want to Sound Americannnnn, Tik Tok, www.tiktok.com/@kenzie.greeene/video/7524480548245409038?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7567484114560894494. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
