Nowadays, learning foreign languages is undoubtedly an asset. But many students are often put off the prospect, regardless of its obvious benefits, and the excuse most often listed is lack of time. And they always have the right reasons to explain.
When we were at school, Almost everyone studied a new language by sitting down with a textbook for a couple of hours a week, but the increasingly fast-pace of our lifestyles, as well as the necessity to be able to learn a language a lot quicker than before, can be construed as a problem.
5 great ways to learn a foreign language
Here is our list for 5 creative ways that have been proven to be the most effective foreign language learning methods, for any kind of learner.
Watch movies
One of the ways many people learn languages is by watching TV with the subtitles on. Explore the different language subtitles on the show you are watching. This is a more relaxing and entertaining way to learn a language. You can sit there, chill out, enjoy a good movie and absorb the words and phrases without having to actively take part in learning.
For example, the Swedes and the Norwegians speak such excellent English partly because they only get TV shows and movies in English with no dubbing or subtitles. Watching foreign movies and television programmes will get you used to hearing the spoken language.
Listen to music
Although the majority of songs tend to be in English, you are bound to discover some fantastic ones in the language you are learning. This method not only gives you the chance to expand your musical horizons, but it is a demonstrated method of absorbing a foreign language a lot quicker
Exposure to oral displays of a language is the most common method that language teachers usually suggest to their students, because it is an accessible means of having your brain adjust to the sounds and words. Apple Music, for instance, offers playlists of songs in French, Spanish or Italian, which are easy to play while you’re at the gym or during your daily commute.
Enroll in a traditional class
Some people prefer to learn languages by being in a classroom because it gives them a place to focus and a physical building where they can go to learn. Learning in a classroom has many benefits: you can meet other people, you are being taught by someone who has been trained for teaching and you can get support if you are having trouble. If you have a low learning budget then budget little money to spare then this can be a good option.
You can learn at your local college, take a night class, or a summer class. Learn at a pace that suits you, whether that’s a quick intensive course or a long-term course, andcoursedone over a longer period of time and make sure you enter at the right level. Make sure you’re constantly progressing and that you won’t feel like you’re being held back.
Taking online courses
If you’ve ever taken a language online class, you likely already know the benefits. First of all, they offer the ability of being developed to be well-rounded and to balance your skill set. Plus, they’re more budget-friendly than traditional classes, you can save a considerable amount of money by opting to learn a language online.
For maximum effect, you might try pairing a foreign language online course with another method to maximize your learning. For instance, a lot of students benefit from learning through a course and then giving their skills a workout by interacting with native speakers.
Language learning apps
Since we are using apps for almost everything nowadays, why not use one in language learning? There are some outstanding mobile apps designed specifically for learning the key elements of a language in short increments of time. The one we have found most efficient is Duolingo, it would be an ideal companion during a long commute. If you want a more academic approach, Memrise – the flashcards-based app, may solve the case. Many language apps often offer free online language courses for first-time app users, so now you can take advantage of it and start learning without any charge.
Another means of immersing yourself in a new language using your phone is changing the phone’s language to the one you’re learning. It always helps to be constantly introduced to it.