Adopting BLEND method makes learning quickly and easy

For many, Sundays are known as a day of rest, whether it’s a chance to recuperate from a stressful week or to catch up on some well-deserved relaxation. 

For Mitchel Hamling, Sundays are filled with determination and resilience. As the clock strikes 5 p.m., Hamling settles down in front of his laptop with a pencil and notebook and a burning resolve to study; something that has become a weekly tradition for the past four weeks. This is not the typical type of studying as he is not enrolled in a college or university program, Hamling is studying Japanese with a tutor via Zoom. 

“I’ve always wanted to learn Japanese and now I have a really big reason why,” he adds.

Hamling has incorporated five key strategies called the BLEND method. This method is both practical and easy to fit into daily life and works for all types of languages. These approaches include building a foundation, listening, embracing mistakes, noticing patterns and doing it daily. Each step will be broken down and analysed to help you saying konnichiwa in no time! 

Step one: Building a foundation 

When it comes to building a foundation, it means to understanding why you want to learn this language. Establishing a clear goal will keep you motivated and dedicated. Hamling says he is learning Japanese to prepare for his future move to Japan next summer. 

“I want to be fluent enough to find a job and make friends,” says Hamling. 

His tutor, Kana Watanabe says the key to building a solid foundation is to be prepared, having a dedicated study space and the necessary materials. 

“I tell all my students during their consultation session what textbooks I will be using and encourage them to buy a physical copy,” says Watanabe.

Step two: Listening 

As you are building your foundation, it is important to also listen to the language in the beginning of your journey. By simply listening, you are learning the flow and rhythm of that language which will make speaking much easier. This can be done by listening to music, watching TV or listening to native speakers. Do not worry about not being able to understand it (yet!). 

Step three: Embracing mistakes 

Mistakes are truly the only way we learn, so learn to embrace them. Watanabe says making mistakes means you are applying yourself to the content which shows your dedication. 

“Mistakes happen and that’s okay. It prepares you for the real world and it will help you become confident,” says Watanabe. 

After a mistake, not only will you know the right way to say something but there is a high chance you will remember it. 

Step four: Noticing patterns 

There are patterns in everything, including language. It is important to try and observe any grammatical patterns as it will improve your language proficiency. Hamling noticed one of these patterns when studying Japanese, which helped when learning numbers. 

“Once you know numbers one through 10, you know how to count to 99 and than the pattern continues at 101,” says Hamling. 

These patterns can be applied with little to no effort and reinforces learning, so keep an ear out for them.

Step five: Doing it daily 

The final step in the B.L.E.N.D approach is practicing daily. Studying daily, even if it just a word or phrase a day contributes to consistency, which is vital to learning a new language. While studying for hours on end is great, practising a little each day is far more effective to help avoid burnout. 

“Me and my girlfriend say little words and phrases in Japanese to each other everyday and it has really helped,” says Hamling. 

Setting aside five to 10 minutes a day towards your studies will help you establish confidence in your abilities, and you will be surprised how fast you will be able to speak confidently. Learning any language takes time, but the BLEND method supports the process. With consistent practice, embracing mistakes and being observant of patterns, you can build a strong foundation and stay motivated as your work towards you work towards your language goals.