10 ways to learn a new language
If you’re going on a study abroad for university or moving to a foreign country where the language is different, you’ll have to find the best ways to learn a language!
As someone who has learned 3 foreign languages in the past few years (Danish, Turkish, and Spanish) I’ve learned a lot of different ways to diversify my language studying. Remember, that different things work for different people, and some of these options may not be available in all languages. Regardless, hopefully these tips will help you find something that works for you!
1. Start somewhere
If you haven’t already had classes or a foundation in the language, it’s best to find somewhere to start learning the basics. I personally recommend using the website Babbel, because it is structured like a class and you can choose which topics to focus your studying on. Duolingo is a free option that teaches vocab and sentence structure. Rosetta Stone is a more expensive online subscription option with a strong track record, but there are ways to buy older versions as CD’s or check them out from a library.
All of these are great because they combine written and listening language skills. If you are familiar with the pronunciation of the language, purchasing a workbook is also one of the best ways to guide your learning of the language.
2. Learn the top most spoken words of the language
Instead of learning specific vocabulary, I always focus on the most useful words, since these are what I will use the most! Almost all languages have lists of the “most commonly spoken words,” that can be found with a quick google search, many of which are listed in order of top usage. This is a great resource to use - start with the first 50-100 and make your way down the list, making flashcards as you go. This will really help you increase your vocabulary quickly!
3. Netflix studying
This is a personal favorite study tactic for me - it’s fun and effective! The most effective way to learn the language is to change the sound AND subtitles to the foreign language, then pause every frame to translate the words you don’t know. This takes a lot of time at first, but teaches you conversational vocab and the context it’s used! This can be used for any streaming service, such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
For an easier experience, you can listen in the foreign language with your native subtitles (which helps for getting used to hearing the language) or listen in your native language with foreign language subtitles (which helps with learning new words)
The bonus is if you are watching a series that originates from your study abroad country - then you pick up aspects of the culture as well!
4. Changing your phone language
An easy way to integrate the foreign language into your life with little effort is to change your phone’s language to the foreign language: likely you know what the buttons mean, so reading the new language reinforces new vocabulary. The vocabulary you learn is also very relevant, since we speak a lot about social media and technology. Beyond your phone language, you can change any game’s language on your computer to your foreign language. For instance, The Sims is a fantastic option, since it has the words for furniture, actions, and more.
5. Flashcards or Quizlet
For me, this is the “secret sauce” that puts all of it together. Once you find the vocabulary/phrases that you want to remember, write them into physical flashcards or make virtual flashcards with the website Quizlet. I always advocate for Quizlet, because it syncs between your laptop and the phone application, so you can practice anytime that you’re free. It offers multiple ways to learn the words beyond the virtual flashcards, like through games and quizzes. Plus, it’s fully free.
6. Finding an excuse to speak the language
While reading and writing in the foreign language is useful, a lot of people struggle actually speaking the language - any practice you can get will help!
If you have friends that are learning the language, invite them to get coffee or a drink and speak only in the foreign language. Setting this time aside can give you confidence in speaking the language, and friends are a great resource since you can learn from each other.
Many cities have events for a “language exchange” where you can speak different languages with foreigners and locals. The ones I’ve gone to have you write the languages you speak on your nametag, and then you find people with the same languages to practice. This is also a great way to meet new people!
Check out websites like Cambly and Italki, where you pay a small fee and can speak one-on-one with a native speaker of the language.
7. Dating Apps
Okay, I know this one isn’t for everyone, but hear me out: if you’re in the foreign country already (or using the Passport feature on Tinder) dating app conversations are basic, interactive, conversational, and use colloquial vocabulary. For those of you not looking to date, Bumble BFF can be a great alternative. Beyond language skills, these apps can give you the opportunity to meet someone new in real life!
8. Listening to music or podcasts in the foreign language
Listening to music in the foreign language always helps me learn vocabulary subconsciously while I’m taking a walk or doing another task. For extra language learning, listen to the songs while reading the lyrics. A great way to start is by going on Spotify or another music streaming service to listen to the Top 50 songs in your foreign country. For me, the true asset of this tip is that you learn all the songs that you’re going to hear in the bars/streets/cafes!
Apart from listening to music subconsciously, a more in-depth alternative is to listen to language learning podcasts. Many music streaming services (such as Spotify) have podcasts that will teach you new words or phrases, or tell stories with basic vocabulary. I find this is a great way to feel productive while I’m cooking, cleaning up, or shopping!
9.Reading a Children/Teen book
Reading a book is another great option - and it pairs well in a café on a rainy day! I encourage starting with a children/teen book, since they have less complicated vocabulary. When reading the book, have a phone nearby to translate and a notebook/pen to write down the new words. While I haven’t done it before, I’ve heard that reading a play script is a great alternative, since it focuses on dialog.
If you choose this type of language learning, I have two tips. First, make sure to choose a book that isn’t too far out of your language level, otherwise you might spend an hour on only a few pages. If the book is too hard, you might also completely miss the storyline, so reading a book you’ve already read in your native language can be helpful. Second, make sure the book’s setting/topic is fairly neutral - I tried reading a book about castaways on an island, and learned an unnecessary amount of jungle vocabulary.
10.Learn idioms, colloquial terms, and fun phrases
For me, a challenge is learning to be funny in a foreign language. Specifically googling “idioms in ___ language” or “expressions in ___ country” can bring you to websites that show the phrases and how they are used. This teaches you to speak more like a local, and can help teach some funny phrases. For instance, I could easily say “I don’t care” in spanish, but it’s way more fun to say “me importa un pepino” which means “I give the same importance to a cucumber.” Iconic.
Does moving to a foreign country and integrating seem hard? The Ned Lon can help.
The Ned Lon wishes you the best of luck with learning your new language! We are a relocation and concierge service that can help you with the complicated logistics of moving abroad, such as helping you find the right housing accommodation, arranging transport for weekend trips, and helping you move in. We also offer well-being and mentoring services, to provide you with support throughout your journey. Learn more about our services to see if we can help!