RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – When it comes to foreign language skills, the United States falls considerably short compared to other nations. In fact, only around 20 percent of Americans report being able to speak more than one language. This stands in stark contrast to places like Europe, where more than half the population has proficiency with a language other than their own native tongue.
However, it’s not all bad news when it comes to bilingualism in the United States. Approximately 43 million residents are native speakers of Spanish, with around 15 million more boasting a basic comprehension of the language. Spanish is also one of the fastest-growing languages in the US, making it the obvious choice for late learners looking to brush up on their linguistic skills. Although tackling language learning outside of a classroom can be difficult, it’s by no means impossible if you know where to begin.
- MAKE USE OF LANGUAGE APPS
If your schedule is particularly tight, you’ll want to adopt a more flexible approach to language learning. Language apps are therefore a great place to start. The best apps are user-friendly and boast streamlined interfaces, making them accessible even for those with limited technical ability. There are countless language apps out there to consider, but the most useful will break down learning into bite-sized segments that can be slotted in around your routine. Premium apps will introduce you to new vocabularies and grammar rules while making it simple to track your learning progress.
2. ONLINE LEARNING AVENUES
Apps are useful in supporting language learning, but you’ll need to look further than these services if you intend to develop more than a basic understanding of a new tongue. Many people prefer the formality of language courses, with designated learning modules and a regular schedule of exams. Language schools can be found in almost every major town and city, although course costs often prove too expensive for most budgets. A more affordable alternative is online learning. The internet also provides would-be learners with the option of connecting with language tutors virtually, providing them with essential face-to-face interaction and the ability to practice their newly acquired skills with a native speaker.
3. Use It or Lose It
It’s important to nourish even the most basic understanding of a foreign language. Therefore, regular exposure to the language you’re looking to master is something to work into your everyday life. If you know someone with a good command of the language you’re eager to learn, practice conversation topics with them whenever the opportunity arises. If your social network is dominated by monolingual speakers, seek out foreign film and television, international podcasts and non-native literature. Even adding one or two tracks from foreign artists to your usual playlists can prove hugely beneficial.
4. Repetition is Crucial
Learning a new language in later life can be particularly difficult. If you want to improve your chances of locking in a new vocabulary, repetition is crucial. When people encounter a word or language concept regularly enough, the brain is more likely to recognize it as something important and commit it to long-term memory. Don’t be alarmed if you struggle to attain new language rules in the short term. Regular practice and repeated review sessions will ensure new words, rules and exceptions eventually cement themselves in your memory.