One of the most beneficial skills to have in life is the ability to understand and speak multiple languages. If you think about it, language is the most standard form of communication. There are over SEVEN BILLION people on Earth, and there are over SIX THOUSAND different languages spoken across it. If you only know one language, think of all the people you are unable to communicate with.
Especially in America, learning multiple languages is a skill that is not enforced or promoted often. One thing that most people abroad think about Americans is that they only speak English and expect everyone else around the world to speak it as well. While this can be true for some, this isn't the whole truth. There are several exceptions, like those who do know another language. But, most of the time that is because English is their second language or their family is fluent in another language. How many people do you know that were born and raised speaking English who happen to also learn another language just because they wanted to? Sad to say that number is not very high.
For those groups of people who have only spoken one language their whole life, they're missing out on an amazing life skill. While learning a language is a great skill to have especially if you like to travel, it can also help you in so many other ways. If you know multiple languages it helps strengthen your brain. Think about it, the more languages you know, the higher functioning your brain is, plus it helps strengthen your memory. Knowing an additional language is a skill that employers LOVE. Some employers specifically look for candidates who are capable of speaking additional languages. In the end if you know more languages it makes yourself more marketable. Needless to say, it is quite impressive when someone knows more than one language.
Taking the plunge into learning a new language can be difficult and challenging, but thankfully we live in the 21st century, Knowledge is right at our fingertips and learning new information and even a new language is just a click away. Here are some great ways to learn a new language or even brush up on a language you learned previously:
Take A Class. If you're still in high school or college, sign up to take a foreign language. Depending on what your school's requirements are, you may have already have to take one. If it's not a requirement, why not give it a try? Learning in a classroom style is one of the best ways to pick up a new language, especially if you have a great teacher. Even some universities offer online courses for foreign languages. If you're done with school and feel like it's too late to enroll in a foreign language class you're completely wrong! They're are plenty of alternatives, especially for free! Anki is a website that has a free computer program that allows helps with memorizing vocabulary words and so much more. It can help with learning a new language or even using it in your daily life! If you want more use Open Culture for an additional resource. It lists 48 different languages and various ways to learn them!
Rosetta Stone. If you want to teach yourself a new language but not be surrounded by a bunch of students but still have that classroom feeling, Rosetta Stone is a great option. Rosetta Stone is known as one of the best and probably the most famous language learning software. Over the years, it has gotten very user friendly. Before you had to purchase all the CD disks. Now you can purchase and download the software straight onto your computer, and even download an app for your phone! The only terrible thing about Rosetta Stone is the cost. But if you're willing to make the investment, it would be worth it!
Download An App. With today's technology, information is at our fingertips, literally. Our smartphones have an app for everything, especially learning a new language. Downloading an app is probably the easiest and most inexpensive way to learn a new language. Some apps may cost money, but have no fear, some of the best apps are 100% free! If you're looking for a fun way to learn a new language Duolingo is the best app out there. It is fun, interactive and almost like a game! Also, Mindsnacks is another great app that makes learning a new language into a fun game. But if you're looking for something a little more serious and structured apps like Busuu, Memrise, or TripLingo! However, lots of people are a fan of the app Babbel but I'm not a fan. When you download their "free" app, it looks like you have access to all their lessons. However, this is not the case. For each category you are only allowed one lesson, you must purchase a subscription if you want to access the other lessons. But if you're willing to invest in the lessons, then it might be worth it. Personally, I'll be sticking with Duolingo.
Flashcards. This method is really old school, but sometimes the old school methods just work best. Buy a English to Foreign Language dictionary and just go crazy! Make flashcards for important vocabulary words. And when it comes to learning conjugations, some bookstores sell books just to help you learn about the verbs and how to conjugate them. However, if you don't want to spend money on any books you can always use the internet. Looking up a word in a foreign language is so easy thanks to the internet. Plus websites like Verbix will conjugate a verb for you. Be careful with Google Translate though, most of the time their translations are not 100% accurate. Once you have access to the information, making the flashcards is super easy.
PRACTICE! It's cliche to say, but practice really does make perfect. Spend time on your app, read your vocabulary, take your lessons, all it takes it just a little bit of your time. Dedicate what you think works best for you. Whether it's five minutes or an hour, any practice is better than none. If you're dedicated and determined to master a foreign language, then you can do it! Nothing can hold you back!
Learning a new language can be fun but it can also be difficult. You'll make mistakes at first, but that's okay because you'll be able to learn from them. So what are you waiting for? Pick whichever method works best for you and let's get to it! Rome wasn't built in a day, but with a little time and practice you'll get better each and every day.
Until next time.
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