Do the basics right
The first step towards learning any language right is learning the characters or symbols. Telugu borrows its alphabets from the Brahmi script just like various other Indian languages. The script is syllabic in nature. These syllables form the basis of writing in the language. When the consonants combine with the vowels, their sound is denoted orthographically. In order to be able to read, write and even understand Telugu, one must know these vowels and how they are stressed in certain ways to denote and mean something. Without doing that well, there is no way you can move forward with the language and it will just feel very difficult.
Maintain a Journal
Maintain a journal from the very first lesson. You will definitely be needing one to learn the symbols, consonants, vowels and their sounds, but apart from that you can use this journal to note down meanings, some points to remember while learning, new words, phrases, proverbs, etc. That is the best way to learn and remember something that is completely new to you. You can also make it fun by adding some creativity. You can make some sticker notes of words and proverbs and change them every day so you keep learning new things or a word each day and will also be able to remember them. Maintaining a journal will also help you in the future.
Read! And Watch!
As a beginner, try reading lots of children’s storybooks and textbooks. As they have a simple vocabulary. Once you are comfortable and at ease with this, you can move forward with trying to read the newspaper, magazine, and easy books. Reading will help you acquire words, it will also help you in understanding the grammar and syntax of the language better. One must remember that Telugu has a different grammar and syntax even from the fellow Dravidian languages, so practicing it is important, and learning how to frame sentences correctly can be easily learned through these books. You can also watch movies, listen to songs, etc to make it interesting and fun and at the same time, it will also help you with your listening and speaking skills. Remember that this will take time. And you must not have to rush yourself.
Evaluate yourself and set goals
Once you are thorough with reading and understanding Telugu try taking quizzes in it. You can also download apps and games that are meant for Telugu learners, they are a fun way to test yourself as well as improve your reading, writing, and speaking skills in the language. While evaluating focus on where you go wrong and how you can improve it. Self-evaluation helps in bringing quicker changes.
Practice your way out
Lots of practice is the only thing that will keep your boat sailing. Because practicing on a daily basis is very important. As the proverb rightly goes “ Practice makes a man perfect”, fluency will come only with practice. These tricky vowel sounds and the numerous rules that go around them can only be remembered through practice. Another important thing is to keep revising from time to time.
