September 7, 2011
The answer to that question is simple: whichever one you need to right now. If you have an upcoming trip to Spain, then learning a little Spanish should be what you’re looking at. If your office is sending you to the Indian branch, then brushing up on some Hindi should be in order.
In case you don’t have a pressing need to study a new language, but you still want to, then it’s probably wise to consider what languages will actually be beneficial to learn. Here are some things you can take into account:
- Will you have business travel opportunities in the future? If your office has branches in China and Germany, then there’s a likelihood that you may have to go to some of those places in the future, so it could be a good idea to learn the local dialect. Even if you don’t travel, having those languages in your pocket can also help when communication with the foreign branches are needed.
- Is travel among your life or career goals? If you want your office to send you to China when a position opens up, then learning Chinese (even if you don’t need it now) should be in your best interest. Do you plan to retire in the Philippines or Indonesia? Maybe you should consider brushing up on the vernacular now.
- Do you want new career opportunities? If there is a sizeable population of Spanish speakers in your city, then learning Spanish might put you at an advantage the next time you’re hunting for a new job. Should there be a good number of Chinese-owned businesses going up in your city, learning Mandarin might give you a leg up, too, since you are in a position to foster relationships with those new establishments.
January 25, 2011
When you’re in a foreign country, it only pays to learn the language. That process, of course, takes time. As such, those who find themselves immediately thrust upon an unknown locale often need to make do with a crutch, while they continue their work with their foreign language software.
Crutches can come in many forms. Some of my favorites include:
- Survival phrases. Keeping a memorized set of survival phrases is one way to get by in a foreign land. Start with ten critical phrases (e.g. “Where can I get a cab?”) and build up your stock one at a time. This way, you can get around freely while still working on the rest of your language skills.
- Written phrases. Before a trip to South Korea, I printed up a bunch of survival phrases I found on the web and pasted them on small index cards. At the back, I wrote the translation in English. Every time I needed to ask someone on the street, I simply stopped them and showed them to card. It worked…most of the time.
- Picture books. I’ve found some books and fold-out posters that have drawn images of common activities for foreigners to use when they’re abroad. Instead of phrases, you just point at the pictures to communicate. It sounds even sillier than written phrases, but some people swear by it.
Of course, nothing beats learning the foreign language. That’s why we encourage people to find, purchase and use the best language software available to them. In the meantime, however, the crutches above should let you stay afloat.
April 16, 2009
When studying a foreign language, it’s natural to run into bouts of frustration. Even with the most dynamic language learning software, the difficulty of understanding the rules of grammar and memorizing the vocabulary does get to you at one time or another.
During these times, it might actually benefit you to take a short break from active studying and look for ways to pick up the language naturally. Instead of following a course, just begin immersing yourself into it more. Try these activities on for size:
Converse in it every chance you get. Try to get into as much conversations using the vernacular as you can. If you don’t come across a lot of folks who speak the language, intentionally seek them out. Find a local community of people who speak it (if you’re practicing Hindu, for instance, find a local Indian community) and patronize their businesses (restaurants, groceries, etc), practicing your skills whenever you come in. Most will appreciate your learning efforts and help you out.
Watch movies and TV shows in that language. Instead of watching another cat video on YouTube, why not spend the afternoon watching entertainment clips in the vernacular you’re trying to learn? You might even chance upon something you like.
Immersion can feel a lot less like studying and more about enjoying yourself. Most of the time, it’s got a social component that makes it even more interesting. As such, it usually feels less restricting and more open, possibly re-igniting your fire in learning the new language.
March 30, 2009
Mastering a foreign language is usually marked by an ability to utter words and sentences the way a normal speaker would. Even when you’re not a native speaker, you can learn to speak it in a way that comes close to it.
While books, lessons and language learning software offer the best platform for learning a new language, mastering its pronunciation is usually best accomplished by tuning in to those who speak it well. As such, listening to native speakers on a regular basis will be the best activity you can take part in.
If you have access to them, try to converse with native speakers regularly. While it’s fine to practice with your peers on the same level as you, you’ll just end up acquiring each other’s mistakes, most of the time. Native speakers, can easily correct any pronunciation mistakes that you make, apart from being a treasure trove to listen to.
Listening to media in the foreign language – songs, movies, audiobooks and TV shows – are a great way to learn proper pronunciation. However, they usually work best when you already understand what the context behind the material is, so that you can focus on pronunciation. As such, it is recommended that you choose those materials with which you already have context, such as foreign dubs of movies you’ve already seen or English songs translated into another language.
Does that sound hard? Well, it is. Nobody said mastering a new language is going to be easy, right?
March 22, 2009
“I just don’t have the time,” that’s what most people say when the idea of learning a foreign language pops out. In fact, even those who have already started on the path often employ the same excuse as an impetus for quitting.
Truth is, there are plenty of times throughout the day that you can use for practicing a new language, whether you use a phrase book or a language learning software to do it. When are good times to squeeze in a lesson or two?
1. Multitasking
You can read a language book while you’re on a commute, listen to an audio course while performing house chores or even power on your netbook for a quick lesson on your language software while having lunch. Many activities that don’t require much of your mental faculties are prime ground for adding an extra task and learning a foreign language should easily fit the bill.
2. Music and Radio
While working on your PC at home or at the office, you can always access online radio stations in the language you’re trying to get familiar with. Even if it’s not a formal lesson, listening to the way the dialect is used in song can really help you get more familiar with the language as well as see it used in less formal settings.
3. Flashcards
Many people studying language carry flashcards with bits and pieces of the new language written down on them everywhere they go. Anytime you find free time, simply pull one out and get a quick 15 second lesson.
4. Incorporate the Language Into Other Things You Do
If you’re learning French and are cooking at home, why not print out some French recipes and prepare them for your meals? Studying Japanese? How about walking into a Japanese restaurant the next time you’re eating out with your friends. Find a way to integrate the culture of the language in things you’d normally be doing anyway and learn a new thing or two while you’re at it.
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