Languages are so fascinating! Languages are an important skill that I underestimated during my school education. As a young adult, I realized how important it was to be able to speak multiple languages. To truly understand a culture, you must be able to communicate with them in their language. It is truly mind-blowing to see how self-expression changes between countries. !
While we all dream about our next destination, there is a better way to start your adventure than learning a foreign language. It’s a great skill to learn, but it’s also an excellent way for travel enthusiasts to continue their learning of other cultures while we are at home dreaming about our next trip.
There are many apps available that will help you learn, but Duolingo is my favourite. It is important to practice! If you are consistent, you can hold a conversation in as little as 10-15 minutes per day. Are there any family members or friends who are interested in learning? It’s always great to have some healthy competition and someone to practice with to help you stay focused.
Here are my top tips for learning the language you choose while having fun. You will be more likely to enjoy your practice and make more time for it. Remember, practice makes perfect!
MUSIC
Listen to music in the language you prefer, choose songs you like, and then try to translate or understand the lyrics. It is amazing how you feel when listening to a song and understanding some of the lyrics months later!
MOVIES/SERIES
Netflix has so many movies from all over the globe, so make sure to listen in your native language with English subtitles. It will be easier to understand the language if you listen more and become familiar with it. Hot tip: Netflix has many Spanish series, including Elite, High Seas, and Money Heist, popular with Spanish-speaking viewers.
PRACTICE
Reach out to a friend or friend of a buddy who is fluent in the language you are interested in learning. You can have a short conversation via email, phone, or text each week. You can raise the difficulty level each week and improve your vocabulary immensely. You will be motivated to learn more every week. You’ll be able to associate the words fridge, door, and butter in your head and pick them up quickly if you go to the fridge for the quarantine snacks.
It’s important to remember to be confident. While learning, mistakes and incorrect grammar are normal. Don’t be afraid of saying what you can and trying to construct sentences. It took time to build Rome, and mistakes are the best way for you to learn. Half a kilo “polla” was what I ordered in the butchers instead of “pollo”. Those of you who speak Spanish will laugh at this one. For those who don’t know Spanish, “pollo” is chicken. Google translate the other word. It’s safe to say that I have never made the same mistake again.
This will hopefully inspire you to learn new languages. Your next adventure will be more memorable if you can communicate with locals. Have fun, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. !