4 Tips That Will Change The Way You Learn Languages

Posted on Feb 23, 2016 | 0 comments

4 Tips That Will Change The Way You Learn Languages

Learning the local language vastly improves your social life as an expat and makes you qualified for so many more professional positions. Don’t waste another second! Start using these tips to turbocharge your language learning.

 

1. Find a buddy.

There’s no way around it: learning a new language can be challenging. Having the support of a coworker, friend or family member can make it fun! Whether you go to classes together or practice together after work, knowing that someone else is facing the same challenges that you are can make all the difference. Just don’t be tempted to speak with your buddy in your native language all the time.

 

2. Join a conversation group.

One of the most important (and arguably most difficult) parts of learning a new language is building the confidence needed to hold a conversation. Joining a conversation group is a great way to practice in a low-pressure setting and to make connections in your new city! You can look for conversation groups on local Facebook groups, websites like Meetup.com or through a cursory Google search.

 

3. Immerse yourself with media.

Listen to talk radio programs, popular music, podcasts, or watch television in the language you are trying to learn.  This will strengthen your immersion into the language and help cue you into the local dialect and popular culture.  You may pick up words and phrases that can help you connect more quickly with your colleagues and neighbors.  Just be sure that you actually understand what you are saying!

 

4. Go digital!

You can sign up for a “Word of the Day” email in the language you are trying to learn, like this one from Transparent.com, or download some great free apps such as Duolingo! This is a great way to expand your vocabulary both in the language you are trying to learn and in your native language!

 

What tips or suggestions do you have for your fellow language learners?

Are there strategies that have worked particularly well for you?  Send us a tweet @passportcareer or comment on this post!

 

If you are a member of Passport Career…

There are three ways you can get additional language learning support:

  • You can find detailed language learning tips in the Global Topics section.
  • You also practice the language of any of the 80 countries covered by Passport Career by selecting the Country Portfolio and looking under the Language menu for free language learning resources!
  • Passport Career has a language translator at the top of every page. You can translate any page by selecting one of the 50+ languages in the translator. This is a great way to practice common phrases!

 


WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE?

Passport Career provides more detailed career information and extensive resources about networking, finding a job, internship, alternative career opportunities as well as information on writing CVs, cover letters and interviews. If your organization, embassy, university/college, library, or other institution would like access to our country portfolios (15,000+ pages of expert content for 80+ countries and 250+ cities) to share with your students, employees, spouses/partners, and others managing a national or international career transition, please contact us (or email info@passportcareer.com) regarding a free, live, online demo and details on how to obtain a license to access Passport Career.

 

Written by: The Passport Career Team
Edited by: Anna Sparks, Expert Global Career Consultant

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