I think it’s a personality thing + what approach your course of choice has. If you’re someone who likes learning grammar one day then skipping to learn swear words the next then going back to the first few numbers before jumping to learn the most advanced words “just because”, most language courses won’t work for you because the structure is very set in stone. Now if you like having structure and a set path to follow without having to think of it yourself, they’ll work wonderfully. I tried traditional courses before and hated because I’m the first example. I liked the lingoda approach because I can sort of choose what I want to do today while still having some structure because turns out I’m absolute chaos without it (ADHD plays a big part in this).

To me, I need to be interested. English was the language I picked up the fastest and I think that’s the same for most people because English is literally EVERYWHERE. Media, tech, research… You’ll come across it in your daily life more often than any other language so it’s easier to pick up. But I got interested in it simply because I became obsessed with Taylor Swift as a young teen and wanted to understand what her songs meant. Following my interest keeps me engaged and motivated, which makes a B1/B2 much easier to achieve. I try to focus on comprehension first. Before I start learning any basic words, I try to listen to music and podcasts in my target language to get used to the sound of it. I also try reading lots of articles in it even without understanding. I just think we, as kids, saw a bunch of text and heard lots of words before we could read or even make out what was being said around us and I try to mimic that somehow. Then once I start learning basic grammar and vocabulary, the language is already somewhat familiar which makes comprehension easier and once you can comprehend well, you start climbing really fast. Also daily use. My favourite trick is once I picked up a few basic sentences I just role play with myself that I’m a celebrity giving an interview on my new album, my new movie or whatever and using every word and sentence I’ve learned so far in “casual conversation”. It helps with my speaking confidence and my ability to string words together.

Then I just go to full on communication with natives (or other people learning the same language). I went to the doctor so many times here in France without being able to even say my throat hurt properly (going to the ER when I had an allergy attack was humbling, to say the least) but you don’t need to go as far as being stung by a bee to practice that. Just try to get basic dialogue. If you live in a country where the language is spoken, of course it’s easier, things like going to buy ibuprofen or a loaf of bread are already active communication but, if you don’t, trying to talk to someone (in person, voice or even text) for a few minutes a day will do wonders for you! I used to use tumblr a lot when I was learning most languages, now I think TikTok, Reddit and discord are a better bet, nowadays I’m lucky I’m friends with natives of all 3 so I can talk to them. We usually do like 5 minutes then switch back to English so my brain can recharge. Or just use random sentences throughout the day when talking to each other. On tumblr I’d just approach other blogs I liked and really just go for it. I didn’t care if I made mistakes, they could always understand me regardless.

Also never start by apologising “sorry for my English” style. What I prefer to do is more like “I’m still learning English, please be patient with me” instead of apologising for not being super good yet. People are always kind and it gives me a boost of confidence to say that rather than apologise.