Did you know December is Learn a Foreign Language Month? While it’s not realistic to master a new language in only a month, December could be a time to commit to resuscitating your rusty high school French skills or to finally start learning Portuguese.
The benefits of learning a foreign language have long been touted; research has even suggested that becoming bilingual might help protect our brains from cognitive decline associated with aging. Beyond the physical benefits, learning a new language broadens our horizons and allows us the opportunity to connect with new people.
It can be daunting, though, to figure out where to find the time to devote to taking on a foreign language. Fortunately, technology offers us more ways to learn than ever before. It’s no longer necessary to sign up for an evening language course or to devote your weekends to pouring over Spanish a textbook. Below, are a few ideas on how to incorporate learning a new language into your existing routine.
Apps
You’ve probably heard of language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Pimsleur. Browse the existing language apps to find the one that most appeals to you. For instance, Duolingo gamifies the process of learning a language and delivers snack-sized lessons, while Pimsleur’s lessons are 30 minutes long, but include a mode for use while driving.
Learn through entertainment
If boosting your language skills while lounging on the couch is more your style, check out Lingopie. Lingopie streams television shows in foreign languages and incorporates interactive subtitles depending on your level of fluency.
If you already have basic foreign language skills, reading a children's book or comic book written in a foreign language is a fun way to practice your comprehension.
Finally, listening to a podcast or music in another language while you’re taking a walk or commuting is yet another way of boosting your fluency.
Take a Class– from home
Taking an online class is another way to learn a foreign language. Sites like Coursera and edX offer a variety of asynchronous language classes, some of which are free. If being in a class with other students energizes you, though, consider a class that meets in real-time.
Meetup
Sites like Meetup or local adult education classes allow us to connect with groups of people with common interests in our geographic area. The possibilities for fun, in-person gatherings are vast– examples include holding a potluck featuring German cuisine or playing Scrabble using only Russian words.
Plan a trip
Incentivize your foreign language project by planning a trip to a country that speaks that language. There’s no better– or more fun– way to learn the nuances of a language than to immerse yourself in that culture. To make your vacation more affordable and have a more authentic experience, consider using a site like HomeExchange, which allows you to temporarily swap homes with someone in a different location.
Talk to your school’s foreign language teachers
Chances are you have a hidden treasure trove of resources in your school’s foreign language teachers. Ask them for recommendations, and leave us a comment if you discover any brilliant tips!