5 Best Ways to Learn a Language

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Learning a new language can open up doors for a student – whether it’s for future employment opportunities or as an experience that helps develop intellectual skills. In many cases, it can even be required for the diploma. However, it can be a challenging process, and serious thought and effort is required to reach a level of fluency.

For the student interested in the challenge of learning a new language, there are many paths to help reach that goal. Here are some ideas to help in the language-learning process:

Immerse yourself IN the country

There’s no better way to learn a language than to live and study in the country itself. Immersing yourself in the culture, speaking with people and feeling compelled to use the language (no matter how limited your knowledge) will push your abilities and quickly improve your skill in the language. If you’re looking to learn Italian in Italy or Spanish in a Latin American country, the best strategy to learn the language quickly is to live in the region while taking courses in a language school. This integrates both practical experiences with the learning of grammar, verb conjugation and increasing vocabulary.

Learn online

We live in a time when languages can be learned from the comfort of your home. Although it may be less beneficial than immersing in the culture, languages (especially language basics) can be learned online. Countless websites offer basic language courses that will go through the alphabet, reading and writing, pronunciation and teach basic vocabulary. Some courses delve deeper and increase in difficulty as you advance through the lessons. However these courses generally cost a monthly fee and are usually not one-on-one courses with teachers.

Hire a tutor

Hiring a tutor has a huge advantage over other options: working with a teacher on an individualized, one-on-one lesson plan. The lessons move at the pace the student can handle. Students are also able to acquire feedback from the tutor as lessons progress, which is invaluable in language learning. Tutors can be hired for in-person sessions or alternatively, can be hired online and hold sessions through Skype meetings, but always make sure to pick the right tutor for your needs.

Purchase language-learning software

There are hundreds of language-learning software for sale that encompass a variety of languages, from Swahili to Quechua and French. The more prevalent or popular a language, the more software (and likely the higher quality) to be found. Software is less personalized in that the student works without direct supervision of a teacher. However, it can be a good way to increase vocabulary and understanding of a language. Software such as “Rosetta Stone” has been continuously prized for its teaching methods, but it comes at a steep cost – either a monthly payment or one-time fee of hundreds of dollars. Other software options may be cheaper, but be advised that not all teaching methods are effective, so read reviews from other users before purchasing.

Find other practice routes

If, for example, you can’t currently travel to Italy to learn Italian, there are other ways to try to immerse yourself into the culture. Buy Italian books, listen to Italian radio online, read Italian blogs, or even find Italian friends who may be learning your language and are interested in language-exchanges. Try to hear the language consistently and even watch Italian shows if possible, as learning facial and body expressions are a big part of any language. Constantly hearing the language is a great way to pick up the correct intonation and slowly adapt your mind to understanding more and more vocabulary.

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Category: Travel