Learning a language is tough. Learning multiple languages is, well, tougher. But, for the dedicated, organized language learner, it’s not impossible. Here are 5 actionable tips to help you balance multiple languages simultaneously.

1. 5TIPS FOR LEARNING
MULTIPLE LANGUAGES
SIMULTAENOUSLY
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2. Learning a language is tough.

3. Learning multiple languages is, well,
tougher.

4. But, for the dedicated, organized
language learner, it’s not impossible.

5. You’ll just want to keep
a few things in mind…

6. 1Decide if it’s for you.

7. Some language learners strongly
advise against learning multiple
languages simultaneously.
Assess your goals and determine
if it’s a good approach for you.
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8. If your goal is to achieve fluency as quickly as
possible, stick with one language at a time.
Image by Chad Kalnz on Flickr.com

9. If you don’t mind progressing slowly in both
languages, please proceed!
Image by Chad Kalnz on Flickr.com

10. If you learn best by focusing intensely
on one thing, don’t put too many
languages on your plate.
Image by Jeffrey Beall on Flickr.com

11. If you find that your mind often wanders or
you easily tire of tasks, switching between
multiple languages may be a stimulating
refresher, so carry on!
Image by Jeffrey Beall on Flickr.com

12. In short, learning languages simultaneously
is possible, but not always practical.
Learning a language to meet a specific
deadline or need? Focus on one. Learning
for pleasure or general interest? Go crazy!

13. So, if you’ve decided to learn
multiple languages at once…
how do you do it?
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14. 2Pick languages wisely.

15. Put some thought into which languages
you’d like to pair together.
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16. Most learners will want to choose languages
that won’t overlap or interfere with one
another.
Choosing languages from different
families, like Spanish and Japanese, may
reduce your chances of mixing them up.

17. On the other hand, if you’re great at
compartmentalizing, you may be able to
tackle two very similar languages, like
Spanish and Portuguese.
It’s up to you, but give it some thought.

18. Similarly, you may want
to choose languages
of varying difficulty,
one that you find
“easier” and one
“harder” language.
Image by Celine Nadeau on Flickr.com

19. Similarly, you may want
to choose languages
of varying difficulty,
one that you find
“easier” and one
“harder” language.
Note: Perceived difficulty will vary
depending on your native language,
background learning languages, etc.
Image by Celine Nadeau on Flickr.com

20. That way, if learning the challenging language
becomes overwhelming, you can switch to an
easier language for a bit of relief.

21. 3Plan.

22. Many people find it hard to fit one language
into their schedule, let alone two languages.
To juggle two languages, planning is key.
Image by William Warby on Flickr.com

23. Keep a schedule or calendar and set aside
specific times and tasks to complete in
each language.
Image by William Warby on Flickr.comImage Courtesy of Lindsay Dow

24. Plan at least one specific activity in each
language—such as one lesson in Transparent
Language Online—and spread them out
throughout the day to avoid burning out.

25. Set reminders and timers on
your phone, in your e-mail or even
on sticky notes to keep you on
track and hold yourself
accountable.
Image by Pascal on Flickr.com

26. 4Make it a daily commitment.

27. You want to stay on track, but
don’t overdo it.

28. Have you ever crammed for several hours the night
before a test? Perhaps you aced the test, but you likely
forgot most if not all of what you “learned”.

29. Don’t cram! We learn best in short,
consistent bursts.
Commit to engaging with each
language for 15-30 minutes every
single day—it will yield far greater
results than one long study session each
week.

30. This practice will also help you
establish a routine, which will make using
both languages feel second nature
in the long run.

31. 5Network.

32. Chances are you’ve taken on multiple
languages not because you want to spend
all of your time learning languages…

33. Chances are you’ve taken on multiple
languages not because you want to spend
all of your time learning languages…
But because you’d like to spend your time
using them.

34. One of the best ways to practice any
language is to speak it—but talking to
yourself will only get you so far.

35. Alas: networking!
Image by Twentyfour Students on Flickr.com

36. Search for language partners with whom
you can use each language.

37. Make friends in a class, write to an
international pen pal, look for an exchange
partner on social media, or join the local
chapter of a cultural organization (like the
Alliance Francaise or the Goethe Institut.)

38. Speaking with a friend or colleague will give
context to each language. This will help you
improve and remember both languages
while keeping them separate in your mind.

39. An added perk? Having someone to use
your languages with will motivate you to
keep up with both.
Image by Nono Fara on Flickr.com

40. Learning multiple languages simultaneously
takes time and commitment.
For advice on fitting languages into your daily
routine, explore our free eBooks!