A comprehensive guide on "how long does it take to learn a new language"

Learning a new language is a spectacular journey for a person. But do you know how long does it take to learn a new language? When learning any new language, we encounter this question on several occasions. The answer is quite simple. Time and effort matter a lot. It’s all about practice which is coupled with immersion and commitment. But what about the time efficiency in learning a new language? 

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With Effective Strategies “How to Learn a New Language Fast”? 

Here are some steps for learning a language quickly:

  • Immerse yourself: When you’re constantly exposed to the language through the use of media, conversations, and day-to-day having to utilize the language.
  • Set realistic goals: Make precise, achievable goals to stay motivated.
  • Practice Regularly: Daily practice yields better results than infrequent, intense practice sessions.
  • Use Language Apps: Take advantage of the many apps and online tools available now to help with interactive learning.
  • Engage with speakers: Speak with native speakers to enhance your fluency and pronunciation.
  • Take Language Classes: If you want to learn a new language fast, then join kochiva language classes where you can practice and learn from the professionals.

 

Different Key Factors Describe “How Long Will It Take to Learn a New Language?”

Learning a new language is a great experience, but many wonder, “How long does it take?” The answer isn’t straightforward because the time needed depends on several factors, including the language you’re learning, your native language, your study habits, and your goals.   

Let’s explore these factors to help you understand what it takes to learn a new language:

 

1. Language Complexity

The biggest factor in how long it takes you to become fluent in any language is, of course, how hard the language is. People generally break languages down according to how closely—or not—they resemble your mother tongue. English speakers sort languages into categories by difficulty. 

Easiest Languages (Category I): Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese are the easiest languages for English speakers to learn and reach Level 2: Understanding (noun verb sentences). They take roughly 600-650 classroom hours to master.  

Intermediate Difficulty (Category II): Languages with Similarities to English, such as German, with grammatical and/or lexical features which are a little bit harder to learn than those languages in Category I. German language study would approximate this level of difficulty at between 750 hours of classroom study. 

Harder Languages (Category III): For example, Russian or Greek will require more hours of study to master than Category II languages, as they generally require about 900 – 1100 hours of study to master. 

Most Difficult Languages (Category IV): Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese and Korean are the most difficult languages to learn for English speakers. It takes around 1100 – 2200 hours or more to achieve proficiency 

 

2. Personal Factors

The complexity of the language does not mean that learning it will take you long only; there are personal issues too. 

  • Native Language: You’d cover ground faster if your native language is closely related to what you’re trying to learn.
     
  • Previous Language Experience: Learning other languages before might help someone who is trying to learn another one now: you probably have developed some successful strategies.
     
  • Dedication of Time: How much time you dedicate on a daily or weekly basis will determine how fast you will progress. 
     
  • Motivation and Goals: Your motivation for wanting to learn a language well must be strong, and your goals must be specific. 

  

Related article: Benefits of Learning Spanish in India

Effective Learning Strategies

Here are some practical ways to learn a language faster:

  • Indulge Yourself: Immerse yourself in the language by watching movies, listening to music and reading books. It helps contextual understanding as well as cultural subtleties comprehension.
     
  • Practice Speaking: It is possible to speak with native speakers or participate in a language exchange program.
     
  • Speaking Exercise: Speaking exercises make you become bold and perfect your voice.
     
  • Use Technology: There are language apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone that give you lessons and exercises that can be done anywhere.
     
  • Enroll for Courses: Kochiva language class is a structured way to learn that has experienced trainers to help you through.
     
  • Set Realistic Goals: Divide your study into doable chunks. For example, if you started to learn a language, realistic goals could be learning new words every week or passing a level over a reasonable time. 

 

Related article: CLB/NCLC 7 in French: Complete Guide to Canadian Immigration Language Requirements

 

Different Levels of Language Proficiency

Language levels indicate the proficiency you have in a particular language and can help to give you an idea of the kind of time and effort required to learn it. 

Language proficiency is divided into levels. This measures how someone uses it effectively. 

The CEFR, which stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), has six levels of language proficiency. 

  • A1 (Beginner): Can use and understand basic phrases and expressions only at the beginner level (A1)
     
  • A2 (Elementary): I can understand everyday phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate personal relevance.
     
  • B1 (Intermediate): Can identify the main points from clear input. Can speak at a coherent level on topics familiar to them.
     
  • B2 (Upper- Intermediate): Can easily talk with everyone, understand everything, and read complicated stuff.
     
  • C2 (Proficient): The logic of language and clarity of thought are close to the native level. It is important for you to pay close attention to the modes of expression in the sentences above and be able to use them when writing your own texts. 

 

It is just an approximation of the time needed for how long it takes to learn specific languages. You may have a different experience. It also requires practice, strategy and a love of learning to turn the process into something enjoyable and gratifying. 

 

ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines via American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Competency Guidelines:

  1. Novice: Basic communication, usually with limited vocabulary and grammar.
  2. Detailed: Allows you to consider topics in some detail.
  3. Superior: Being able to speak accurately and gently about things that are complicated and not absurd.
  4. Distinguished: Outstanding in this included not just the ability to use language creatively, subtly, and using a native-sounding accent.

There are six main categories that divide the ILR scale: 

  1. No Proficiency: The person is helpless to understand or to use the language.
  2. Elementary Proficiency: This refers to learners who are at the very beginning level and can understand and use only basic sentence structures and vocabulary.
  3. Limited Working Proficiency: The person can handle simple social & work situations but cannot handle complex language tasks.
  4. Professional Working Proficiency: People can use language effectively in their professional life.
  5. Comprehensive work ethic: People who can function well in most types of situations.
  6. Civic Knowledge: The person knows the language like a native.

Interesting Blog: Levels of Spanish Language – A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2

 

How many hours do you need to learn the language?

Hours to learn a new language depends. Also, the language and learner speed. According to the FSI, here are some rough estimates:  

 

These calculations are for making efficiency of employees. That is basically use of languages in an effective way.

Related article: How to Learn French Language

 

How long does it take to learn a new language and become fluent? 

It depends on many things. What language you learn, What’s your mother tongue? How much time do you spend learning the language. But on average people can start speaking the language in months and years to master it.

Many people come up with this query: “How long does it take to learn a new language and become fluent in it?”

Join a Kochiva language classes. We provide music, movies and a book filled environment to help.

Informative blog to article: How to Learn Foreign Language Fast in 2024

Conclusion

Learning a new language takes time. There are many variations to this. There are so many factors involved in this. It depends on how complex the language is, what approach you take to learning it, and why you’re doing it. Plus, consistency.

It generally takes 600-750 hours to learn how to speak Spanish or French. In German, it generally takes 750-900 hours. 

Related Blog: Is French Easy to Learn? 5 Reasons Why French is Easy to Learn

The best way to learn a new language quickly and fluently is by taking Kochiva language courses. Language learning can be made easy and fun with some good strategies.  

 

FAQ:

Ques1: Approximately how long does it take you to learn a new language?

Learning a language takes a different amount of time at different times. Depending on how difficult the language is, how you go about it, and how committed you are, there are anywhere from 600 to 800 class hours to gain the gift of a gab. 

 

Ques2: How long will it take to learn Spanish? 

Spanish is a language that generally takes 600-750 hours of practice for an English speaker to speak. That was somewhere in the range of 6 months to a year worth of post graduate education. 

Read more: How long does it take to learn Spanish Language?

Ques3: How long does it take to learn German?

Learning German typically takes between 750 and 900 hours. 

Similar Blog: How Long does it take to Learn German?

 

Ques4: How long does it take to learn French? 

It takes 600-750 class hours to gain Basic fluency in French. Source(s): Like Spanish, around 6 months to a year. 

Read More: How Long does it take to Learn French Language?

Ques5: How many hours does it take to learn a language? 

The number of hours needed depends on the language and your learning pace. For example, Spanish and French generally require 600-750 hours, while German might need 750-900 hours.  

 

Ques6: How long does it take to become fluent in a language? 

Becoming fluent in a language can take months to years. It depends on the complexity of the language, the techniques you use and the time you spend. Getting it right usually requires a lot of practice and participation.

 

Ques7: How do you learn a new language quickly?

Practice every day, use language apps, and communicate with native speakers. Consistent, focused and practical learning is essential. 

 

Ques8: What are the different levels of language proficiency? 

Language proficiency levels are A1 (Beginner), A2 (Elementary School), B1 (Intermediate), B2 (Upper Intermediate), C1 (Advanced), and C2 (Proficient). 

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