Are you wanting to learn a language but don’t live in the country in which the language is spoken? Well, we are here to tell you just how to do that! Keep reading to find out more!
To learn a language without living in the country that the language is spoken in, utilize language learning software, tutors, and other studying materials. Also, speak to other native speakers of the language that is being learned, read books, and listen to podcasts in the language.
In order to become fluent before actually arriving or living in a foreign country, do the following things.
Living in a Foreign Country Does Not Make an Automatic Bilingual
There is often the old saying that “the best way to learn a different language is to live in that country.” Although total immersion can help with language learning, some people learn differently than this method. The minds of some students, whether they are children, teenagers, or adults, sometimes learn better with the following tactics of reading, writing, and practice.
The truth is that some people can live in a different country for multiple years without perfecting the grammar or language of the country. This is because they may not receive the correction they need from locals, and will simply use basic terms and wording that will allow them to scrape by.
Professional Language Learning Software and Tech
Some of the most popular language-centered apps that can be used on phones and tablets include Memrise, LinguaLift, Rosetta Stone, Babbel, Duolingo, HelloTalks, Mindsnacks, and Busuu. These have the benefit of being easy to access and easy to use for a wide range of ages. Some apps are even free to use or offer free trials!
Language apps like the ones mentioned above are very useful in learning, however, these apps shouldn’t be the only tools in a student’s tool belt. Whether someone is learning Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, or English, communication is a two-way street of interacting and communicating. For this reason, in addition to apps, the following resources should also be used.
Language Tutors
Tutor, iTalki, Preply, and Rype are websites that can either provide or connect students to tutors. Tutors are key to learning any language, as they encourage speaking with another person in real-time, which is key to learning any language, especially if you want to become fluent. However, tutors can be extremely expensive, especially if you hire an experienced tutor.
Informal Online Resources
These resources may come as a surprise in how extremely useful they are in picking up a new language. While famous applications like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone are more well-known, there are also very helpful tools like YouTube videos and even podcasts that can facilitate quick learning.
To get started, podcasts like Creative Language Learning Podcast with Kerstin Hammes, The Actual Fluency Podcast with Chris Broholm, 101 Series – Innovative Language, and News in Slow are all well-made podcasts that aid in language learning. Some of these podcasts can act as language lessons themselves, while some podcasts can be found that are literally in a new language entirely to listen to and get used to!
This video describes a bit more about how these resources can be meshed together to create the best learning approach!
Using Language Skills in Real Life
Although most people can’t directly travel to the country where the language that they are learning is spoken, that doesn’t mean that it is impossible to speak with a native. If you don’t know anyone that speaks the language you are learning, go to a Facebook page for your community and ask if anyone is a native speaker of said language. you will be surprised at how many people will respond. Doing so will also help you connect with other people in your community.
Media, Movies, and TV
For the average person, it is easy to say that you don’t have time to learn a new language. However, watching movies and TV shows can help you learn a language, and most people have time to watch TV almost every day. The next time you watch a movie or binge one of your favorite TV shows, consider putting subtitles on in a different language or even switch the audio to a different language.
If you have watched the movie or TV show in the past, this method will work even better because you will somewhat know what the actors are going to say and do next, which will help you connect certain words to certain English words.
Unconventional Language Learning Methods
You don’t have to follow conventional language-learning methods in order to learn a language. You can use games as well. Matching games, scrabble, and spot it games help encourage learning immersion. There are apps and websites that create and share these types of games.
Not only are there fun apps to deliver games and fun flashcards, but there are also interactive video games that throw players into language learning! Along the same vein, there are board games that can be played in person to help an entire family pick up German, Japanese, or Swedish! Even picking up a foreign newspaper physically or online can help you get the hang of a language. Don’t hesitate to create unique games that cater to your personal learning style as well!
Practice!
Practice is key to learning any language. After all, practice makes perfect. Find the best learning tools for you and use them often.
Many people recommend writing down daily blurbs about how your day was and what happened, as it helps you understand the grammar of the language you are learning and allows you to practice writing down words and phrases, which will help you remember them in the long run.
Overall, you don’t have to live in a different country in order to learn the language that is spoken there. You can easily learn a language while living in a country where most people don’t speak the language that you are learning. In fact, millions of people do it every year!