Whether you're new to language learning or not, there are always new ideas to consider that can make a difference to how well you cope and how successful you are. Motivation is key. Why do you want to learn?

Being aware of your reasons for learning and reminding yourself of these from time to time can help you keep focused and keep going when things get tough. Previous experience of language learning helps. If you've already learned one language, you will have picked up some techniques which you can apply to a new language. If you studied languages at school some time ago, you'll find that current approaches are a bit different.

Nowadays, you need to learn how to really listen to the language without always seeing it written down. This can be hard at first but it really pays off when you come to speak it. You won't always be trying to pronounce it like English. And you'll find there is much less focus now on structure and grammar and more on understanding. Once you understand the message, the structure is more easily made sense of. Generally, people are pleased to hear you trying to speak their language and will make allowances if you don't exactly get it right. Don't be afraid of trying out different approaches, e.g. to learning vocabulary, then take a step back and see which worked best for you. Set aside a regular time each day or each week - say 2-4 hours per week - to study your language.

Keep a check on your progress. At the end of six months, you should really begin to see some progress. Once you have a basic vocabulary of about 2,000 words, you'll find that picking up more becomes easier. If you have a good memory, remembering your new language is easier, but there are lots of things you can do to help yourself, such as making lists, labelling objects, and so on.

Learning a language can develop your communication skills in general, making you more confident about speaking to a group, helping you to let go of your inhibitions. If you have an interest in languages in themselves, including English, you'll make a good language learner. Don't be afraid to have a go and try out your new language at every opportunity. This is a way of reinforcing your learning. And remember that language is a part of people's identity and culture, so speaking the language opens up the culture and begins to break down cultural barriers that exist when no-one understands each other's language. Of course lots of foreigners speak English and may well be keen to try their English out on you. But we don't agree with the notion that the British are no good at languages - it's simply that we have less exposure to foreign languages in our day-to-day lives and fewer opportunities to speak them.

If you're thinking of using your language in a business context, find out more information on languages for business and exports.