Communication is a crucial part of our everyday living. Without communication, we wouldn’t be able to anything. Language is key when it comes to communicating. It’s therefore pertinent that we understand the language that we intend to communicate in.
At times, we find ourselves in an environment where we may not fully comprehend the language that people around us are using. It can be quite stressful since you can't do much and you end up feeling frustrated. For a student studying abroad, the feeling could be worse, especially if the language in which your teachers or lecturers are using is foreign to you.
Well, you needn't worry anymore. We're going to discuss some tips on how to learn a new language should you find yourself studying abroad. Different individuals have different learning styles. It's up to you to establish what works well for you. Check out these 10 ways and pick the ones that work for you:
1. Use Apps
The advancement of technology has brought about easy ways of doing and knowing things. This is mostly by the use of phone applications. There are a number of language learning applications like Duolingo and Memrise that you can use to learn new languages.
Some of these have audio so you have no excuse when it comes to pronunciation too.
This makes the use of applications a very easy method because you carry your phone around everywhere hence you can always have access to the application.
2. Take a Dictionary
This might look like an outdated and old-school way of learning a new language but it’s really helpful. Having a pocket dictionary gives you the ability to check any new vocabulary that you hear around and get to know its meaning. You can also use the dictionary to learn new words and even get to know how to use them in a sentence.
3. Enroll in a University/College Programme
Audio and online learning programs work well but they cannot be compared to a classroom setting. This is because there’s interaction in a classroom which makes it easy for someone to grasp a new language. Not all universities offer foreign languages but you can still apply for course in another university or college.
Learning a new language in college is interesting and interactive since you can practice what you learn with other classmates. The classroom setting also helps you learn quickly since you meet people who speak a different language. This will push you to use your new lingua franca. An added advantage of learning a new language in a university is that there will be up-to-date reference books available for you that you can use during your study.
4. One on One Learning / Private Lessons
The difference between a private lesson and a university lesson is the number of students involved and less of a classroom structure. In this case, the number of students will be minimal and instead of a classroom or lecture hall, a more informal setting will be involved.
The advantage of having private lessons is that they bring about the one on one interaction between the teacher. Therefore, the student can get all the attention that he/she might require. There is also some freedom that you don't get with a university class. The disadvantage is that costs more and you may not have up-to-date reading materials.
5. Buddy Programmes
Buddy programmes is more of an informal method of learning a new language. It involves an exchange of lessons with a foreign friend. This can be done online or you can meet up for a one in one session.
From this method, you can learn accents and slang of the language since you’re interacting with someone who is a native speaker of the language you want to learn.
This method is easier than reading from a book or listening to an instructor. Buddy programmes are free in terms of money but do cost a lot of time. This is because it’s a give and take situation where you also have to teach the other person your language and this requires a lot of patience.
6. Make Learning a Fun Activity
The conventional way of attending lessons, reading and writing may prove to be so boring and make you disinterested in learning the foreign language altogether. Well, the good news is that there are an unlimited number of activities that are enjoyable to engage in and that can assist you with your learning.
Frankly, there is something for everyone. For example, if you love listening to music, then you could learn a thing or two from listening to music in the language you want to learn. You could also watch a movie, go to football matches, concerts, play games etc. There are many things you could do.
7. Use the Language Whenever You Can
The trick to perfecting your language skills is to always practice speaking regardless of whether you’re perfect or not. That helps build your confidence and makes you more comfortable reading, writing, or communicating in the language. It’s crucial to be confident in your learning.
Always incorporating new vocabulary in your speech is an excellent way of learning a new language. Why? Because you get to familiarize yourself with how different words fit into different contexts.
8. Have a Go-To Place That Helps
We all have our favorite hangout spots where we go whenever we need to relax or get something to eat. These spots will help you familiarize with the people of the country you’re in while at the same time improve on your mastery of the language. If you go to restaurants or gyms, you’ll get to meet different people, listen to them speak and ultimately end up being fluent yourself.
9. Read! Write! Speak!
The only way to master any language is by constantly using it to communicate. Be it through reading, writing, or speaking. Reading materials based on the language that you’re learning is important as it improves on your understanding. Writing and speaking allow you to practice using the language. You get to understand what words are used under different scenarios.
You also get to identify what mistakes you’re making and work on improving on them.
10. Avoid Using English
English is more of a universal language, therefore spoken in a majority of countries worldwide. The problem with this is that if you study abroad, you may fall into the trap of using English and fail to learn the new language. Try to use the foreign language as it is the only way to learn effectively. If you insist on using English to communicate, then you may as well give up learning a foreign language.
Be careful of getting comfortable using English as you may end up not seeing the point in learning the language.
Learning a new language may appear to be difficult but it’s quite simple if you're dedicated. Passion and drive are very much needed. These tips will help you out. Write your daily schedule to incorporate the foreign language learning tips that you find will work for you. All the best!
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