There are many reasons to learn a new language – some people dive into it for work, while others just love exploring different cultures and want to connect on a deeper level. Whatever your reason is, there are tons of helpful ways to get you there quicker. Here are five effective methods and a few resources to learn a language.
1. Immersion
Immersing yourself in a foreign environment is a fantastic way to help you get a hang of the language you want to learn. When you interact with native speakers, listen to local conversations, and live in the area for an extended period, you naturally absorb the language. Everything around you becomes a learning tool – from reading street signs and supermarket items to menus at cute cafes and bus schedules. Stepping out of your comfort zone this way allows you to fully embrace the vibe and spirit of the language you’re learning. It’s like a fun adventure that also makes you fluent – how awesome is that?
The LA Girl EIC – Erika de La Cruz – in Vienna
2. Use Language Learning Apps
Technology might reign supreme when it comes to learning a language. Just a few taps on your phone and you’re on your way! No matter your schedule, budget, or learning style, there’s an app for that. Our Editor-in-Chief has been loving mastering Spanish with Fluenz. This app offers in-person and virtual immersion trips to really master the culture and language you want to learn. They have private tutor quality so you’re getting the most comprehensive lessons. Duolingo is another platform popular for ensuring commitment with their “streak” concept to keep you accountable of learning something new everyday.
3. Enroll in a Class
Enrolling in a class is such a great way to build a solid foundation in the language you’re learning. You get this structured environment with a super helpful instructor guiding you every step of the way. It’s like being back in school, where you start with what the teacher assigns – like completing worksheets and going through reading modules. It’s all about laying that groundwork in a supportive setting, which really sets you up for success. You can also sign up on language tutoring websites to access one-on-one online sessions. We recommend Preply and Rype to book those one-on-one sessions.
4. Consume Media in the Language
Movies, series, videos and free courses are widely available online. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by starting with short episodes so you can absorb the language better. Watch with subtitles and try to remember key words first. Then, play them again without subtitles to see if you can understand things correctly. You can also jot down new words and main grammar points in a notebook to help you remember them better.
5. Practice Communication Through the Arts
Sometimes you have to get creative to really expand your learning process. Some of us are more visual learners – and that’s ok! A concept may be unclear in its written form, but when you bring in visuals like diagrams or pictures, everything just clicks. Exploring art forms like sculpture, photography, and paintings help to learn more about the culture and history of your target language. Not only are you studying, but also get to express yourself creatively. And if you join a theater group where they speak your target language, you’re diving right into the heart of colloquial expressions and real-life language use! P.S. Art can fuel dopamine production, encouraging positive emotions and learning experiences all at the same time.
How to Make Learning a Language Easier for You
It’s easy to get frustrated or disheartened when your goal takes years to achieve. Setting measurable objectives is vital to successful learning – like knowing the basic greetings – to give you a sense of achievement. Having an accountability buddy is always a good way to stay consistent and makes for a fun learning experience for the both of you! Finally, short, consistent efforts will lead to significant results. The Pareto Principle says 80% of your progress comes from 20% of your efforts. The more consistent you are, the quicker you’ll become fluent in a new language. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. What works for others might not work for you. Trial and error is the best way to assess your preferred learning style.
So it might not be foreign, but if you want to master LA-specific terms and phrases, check out this list of LA specific terms before visiting.
