Whether you’re just going for a trip to another country or wanting to learn more about the culture, languages are a great thing to learn!
I am going to cover the basics of learning a new language for anyone wanting to practice before they go on holiday or wanting to learn a new language! The two will be a bit different, as in my eyes 'tourist language' and actually wanting to be fluent in a language are a little different, however both are a good place to start. This post won’t go into the actual languages, but more tips on learning a new language!
Tourist Basics -
Learning a language is important when going on holiday. Whether you’re going into a cafe or getting directions, a lot of natives will appreciate you speaking their language and not everyone speaks English!
It is best to learn a few greetings and helpful phrases when going to a new country, so here are some you may want to write down and learn.
Hello
Goodbye
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening.
Excuse Me
Please
Thank You
I Need Help
Do You Speak _____ ?
Where Is _____ ?
I Am Going To ______ .
(Please) Can I Have ______ .
Train Station / Airport / Hotel.
Numbers 1 - 10
Yes
No
These phrases will come in handy if you are lost, in need of directions or in a shop/cafe!
Language Basics -
Of course learning several phrases first is handy, however I find learning the language from word and grammar basics is easiest.
I am a sucker for Duolingo when it comes to learning a language, but there are more apps/books that can be helpful too! Duolingo will start you out with the present tense and basic nouns, and from then on you
will progress through the language. It will send you daily reminders, test your knowledge and weaknesses and allow you to share progress with your friends and family!
Below I have listed some tips for when learning a new language.
Little and often every day - Don’t cram loads of information on one day as it is less likely to stick. Try and get into a routine of doing at least 30 minutes a day!
Write down what you learn - I have always liked to keep a notebook of the words and language rules I learn as I find it tends to stay with me!
Go back to the basics every so often! - Duolingo will certainly make sure of this and it can be annoying at times, but it is important to go back to old topics so you don’t forget them.
Watch a series/ film in the language - There are loads of great shows on Netflix or Disney you can watch in other languages. This will also really help in conversation too, as most shows use slang or more commonly used phrases, as opposed to formal speech.
Immerse yourself - If you’re able to just throw yourself in the deep end. Go to that country and immerse yourself in the culture and the language. You’re more likely to pick up a language if everyone around you is talking it!
Keep a diary - Keeping a diary will expose you every day to the language and will highlight which words you do and don’t know best!
Watch interviews or youtube clips - Almost anyone can pick up a few phrases, however getting the accent right is important too! Watching fluent speakers will really help this and will make your skills sound even more impressive!
This is a great link I found through pinterest. This shows you the 650 helpful words to know in a language. Of course this doesn’t follow my words of starting from the grammatical basics, however I still think it is really helpful!
Helpful Apps -
Google Translate
Everyone’s favourite homework cheat! But it is really great too as you can download a language and take it with you. Great if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere with no service or wifi! You can also take a photo if things and it will translate it all for you. For example a sign or a menu!
Duolingo
I don’t think this needs an introduction, but I love that scary green owl.🦉
Babel, Lingodeer & Mango
Some more language apps! I personally have never these, but I know other people love them!
I hope these tips help! I don’t claim to be a linguistic expert, but I really enjoy learning new languages and about new cultures! I hope this inspires you to maybe pick up a new language or learn a few phrases :) It's also great to show off a few phrases you've learnt!
Happy Monday everyone! <333
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