Becoming bilingual is a huge life goal, albeit one that takes a serious amount of time and dedication. Here, language teachers list some fail-safe ways for building up your vocabulary and fluency in a new language as quickly as possible

How to Learn a New Language: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

1.  Make a habit of speaking the language
2.  Listen to native speakers
3. Learn more vocabulary
4. Practice reading in the language
5. Get a tutor 
6. Watch TV shows in the foreign language

Make a habit of speaking the language

Now, this may seem like the most obvious thing in the world, but if you want to start learning a language properly, you need to begin speaking. After all, this is one of the best ways to ensure you'll retain the vocabulary you're currently learning, and the best way to learn how a language works. Of course, this is easier said than done, as many language learners worry that they'll be out of practice after a year. But just because you're not fluent right now, that doesn't mean you can't be within a couple of months, or even just a couple of days. That's where just about any native speaker comes in. Talking to them will help you pick up vocabulary and grammar (one of the best ways to learn a language, after all), and it'll also improve your accent and speed of speech.

Listen to native speakers

The best way to learn a new language is to actually do it, not sit at your laptop or in front of the TV. "Use the recorder app on your phone and listen to the native speakers," says Chloe Blackmore-Ellefsen, a Spanish teacher at the University of California, San Diego. "Put on headphones to really immerse yourself in the language. It's like speaking in your head. A phrase can be spoken a million times, but once you hear it, it can stay in your brain forever." Practice and listen at home, as well as outside of class Another popular tactic is to practice alongside a native speaker. "When you're not studying in class, do what you normally do — go grocery shopping, walk to work, etc.," says Betsy Jones, a Russian teacher at Purdue University.

Learn more vocabulary

Start with your most popular, basic words. When we speak a language, we don’t tend to use common words for one thing, as they take up space. We need to commit to a level of specificity and vocabulary. “High-frequency words are the building blocks for fluency,” says Jennifer R. DeGeorge, an instructor of Spanish at Brigham Young University. “Once you have access to more than one common word that you can use to express yourself, you’ll be able to express yourself fluently.” In the study “How to Learn a New Language Faster,” author Traci Hinterberger writes: “When you can make words fit into your sentences, you get confident that you will be able to use them, which contributes to your ability to communicate more quickly. This is the cognitive process behind speed.

Practice reading in the language

Chances are that when you were learning English or French as a child you memorized words for common objects like cars and food, but you never actually read in your target language. Read aloud to yourself and read books aloud Even a little practice will significantly boost your vocabulary and make it much easier for you to comprehend words. Simply read aloud to yourself or listen to a native speaker read out loud. It can be much easier to make mistakes when you’re reading out loud. Encourage students to write in their new language What do you think we learn in school: French? If so, you learned how to do this in English. Remember, you’re not taking the same class with the same classmates. Sit down with your students and work on writing practice.

Get a tutor

Online tutoring sites are a goldmine for language learners of all abilities. One of the best is Rosetta Stone, which offers a comprehensive free package or for $30 a month. After signing up, choose from four levels of study — from beginner to advanced — depending on your desired pace. That month-to-month fee covers all languages in which the software is available. You can either go through a local teacher or use your local language school. Online tutors often have local contacts who can help you find local teachers and courses for your intended language. Sign up for a local language exchange Many language exchange programs exist, whether organized by native speakers in the country you are visiting or local people learning another language in another country.

Watch TV shows in the foreign language

Find some shows in your target language that you like to watch and then watch them, commentate on them and so on. Not only will you be improving your skills by a huge amount but the immersion will help you understand the language much better. Read in the foreign language This one can be a bit tougher but a lot more rewarding if you’re actually enjoying a novel in the target language. At the very least, you’ll get to learn some new words and phrases.