Learning a new language has been a goal of mine for the past 8 years or so. I have always been interested in other languages but it’s only really in recent years I have started to take it more seriously.
The past 5 years I have traveled to a lot of new countries including France, Greece, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands.
These countries all have such different sounding languages compared to English, yet when I traveled there a lot of the natives could speak relatively good English.
This was so useful as I could get by without knowing any of their language. At the same time though I also felt useless myself as I couldn’t even hold a conversation with them in their language.
Why I want to learn a new language
I have my own selfish reasons for wanting to learn a new language, but as I developed this interest I realised that there was so many more positives than I realised.
My main reason for wanting to learn a new language was to be able speak and connect with people properly when I was in a foreign country. Too many times I have been travelling and I have tried to talk with people in broken English only to be left confused and wondering ‘I wonder if they understood what I really meant’?
It’s funny because those moments are also what I enjoy as it’s all part of the travelling experience. There is simply too many languages out there to learn so your always going to encounter a situation like that.
I’d just love to be able to speak a language well enough to have a general conversation with someone.
Why you should strive to learn a new language
Okay so why should you strive to learn a new language?
So apart from creating new connections with people there are a sh*t ton of other reasons to learn a new language which include:
1. You can actually get smarter
No need for an NZT pill just learn a new language….. Joking obviously, if only it was that easy.
Although there are studies out there that show how learning a new language can improve brain function.
2. Can make you more employable
This is especially true for start ups who want to break into less known markets. Seeing as resources are limited, someone who can speak an additional language may give them the edge when going for that dream job.
Any company who deals with customers internationally will benefit from someone who can speak multiple languages.
3. Learning a new language makes learning an additional one easier
Okay so now that you know one additional language you can become the next polyglot.
Joking obviously, unless this is a goal of yours. I respect anyone who can speak 10 languages fluently. Studies have shown that bilingual people find it easier to learn a third language. Although maybe 2 languages is enough for you!
4. Can delay the effects of dementia
Learning a new language has been proven to help delay the effects of dementia.
This horrible disease effects 1 in 6 people over the age of 80, meaning it is a lot more common than initially thought.
5. Can help you understand culture on a deeper level
Personally this is probably the most attractive feature of learning a new language.
When travelling to another country as a tourist you always have a similar perception when you can’t speak the language.
When you know the language you can get a deeper understanding of the culture and create a more authentic experience.
Ways to learn a new language
Thanks to the power of the internet, learning a language doesn’t just involve sitting in a classroom for hours listening to a teacher blabber on about another language.
Now there are countless resources on the internet available to us which can be learnt from the comfort of your own home.
Below I have complied a list of useful resources which all help with language learning. Some are apps on your phone while others are online classes which would be more formal. Either way if you want to start learning a language these are a good place to start.
Duolingo – Language learning app which helps users learn a language using a series of interactive challenges
Skillshare – A learning platform with online classes prerecorded
Babbel – Similar to Duolingo only not free. See here the differences in detail.
Meet-ups – A less conventional way of learning a new language but probably one of the most underrated. Meet up with locals who speak the language and attempt a conversation with them. There are groups organised weekly.
italki -This is a more formal method of teaching as it is a live lesson online with a registered teacher. Schedule a time that suits and for a fee you can book lessons as often as possible. A great way to learn if you have a little extra cash around and do not live in the country.
Okay so now you have the complete guide on how to get started on learning a language. I know this is something I am going to work on in 2020 as I have trips booked for Malta and Madrid already.
Thanks for reading.