The Subtle Art of Being Fluent in Any Foreign Language

It may help you say Hi, goodbye, and thank you while you are traveling abroad, but if you really want to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn the language, and connect, it is even essential for you to understand the subtle art of it. Chatting with peers at an overall pool, co-workers at a new location, or trying to make their way abroad as a digital nomad is a perfect thing, but how can you put these words into the original language you have memorized?

Below are several tips from a linguist and language educator who offers a secret for you who need to learn a new language, keep information and actually speak, read and live effectively beyond English.

Start with a class

For the starter, almost every linguist interviewed suggested starting learning a new language with an introductory course that can help guide you in pronunciation, conceptual rules, and vocabulary. You can find some classes at local universities, bookstores, private language institutes, or online, with programs and applications like Babbel, Verbling, or LingQ.

Combine with Passion

Dr. Jason Jolley, Head of Department and Professor of Spanish, Missouri State University, also suggests choosing a language you're particularly interested in — if you're going to Germany for work but don't want to learn German, good luck pronouncing those diaereses with passion.

Immerse yourself

Exposing yourself to parts of the new vocabulary that you will understand, "is key to learning," says Dr. Jolley. He recommends getting "authentic" exposure through reading (children's books and blogs can be a good introduction), interacting with native speakers, listening to music, and watching shows and movies in the language you're learning. This will also help you learn how to use the language and what words, idioms or slang is famous, as opposed to just developing an understanding of the textbook.

And while actively listening is encouraged, engaging in your new language is essential, no matter how restricted your ability to express yourself.

"Practice should be viewed as interacting with the language.

Interaction and creating and expressing context are the keys, so anything that allows learners to interact with other second-and third-language users can lead to more learning, improved retention, and faster retrieval," Dr. Jolley said. He recommends sending emails, texts or voice messages to native speakers or interacting through social media such as Instagram or Snapchat.

Learn relevant words

"There's a lot of second language acquisition, SLA, research supporting the claim that language acquisition happens faster when content is important," said Vera Rapcsak, applied linguist.

"Learn the vocabulary you'll be using, and it'll relevant in your life."

She noted that language learning takes a lot of time and dedication; practicing at least three hours a day can also help improve your skills. And yes, that's a big-time commitment, but the immersion strategies above can certainly help. Watch your favorite show with dubbing and subtitles in the language you're learning, switch to a podcast in your new language, change the default language of your laptop and phone, and immerse yourself in practical, ordinary ways.

Start early

While everyone learns at different paces, it may be ineffective to cram thousands of new words and grammar structures into your brain weeks before you leave overseas — especially while planning an itinerary and settling all your homework obligations. Dr. Jolley recommended starting your target language one to three months before engaging with t. "People have realistic expectations," he said. "Gaining intermediate and advanced skills takes thousands of hours of training, practice, and interaction. Just think how long to learn your first language!" Your skills goals may also decide how much time you need to learn your language— would you like to be able to order fish on the Greek market or talk to locals in a Parisian café?

Socialize

The easiest way to improve language skills? "Go, meet people!" Said Rapcsak. "There's a concept in SLA called the noticing hypothesis, essentially that we pick up certain foreign words or vocabulary objects because they're labeled, meaning they stand out when someone uses them." For example, in a language other than your native one, you're more likely to notice a slang word or phrase because you haven't heard it before. "Then you figure out the meaning and start using it yourself."

And when you've done traveling, Rapcsak suggested continuing to practice your current language skills as not to lose them. "Continue to use and learn the language," she said. "Even if that means listening to a radio show or podcast. Ensure it's incorporated into your daily routine."

Add to your international dictionary

You've already mastered Spanish and understand French, ready to take Italian? Adding your language arsenal may be easier after learning a new language. "Learners discover learning strategies that they can translate to other languages, and if the third or fourth language is close to the first or second successful translation, it can improve learning rates," Dr. Jolley said.

This is particularly true if languages are linguistically related to those listed above, So let’s begin our language learning journey and start preparing a big Euro trip now!

Pages