I know a majority of the world is still stuck in quarantine, or maybe you’re not. Whatever the situation is, there is always a good time to start learning a new language. With the invention of the internet, we have access to so much information. Many people probably think that you have to pay upwards of $100+ to access a language learning program, but that’s simply not true. There are paid applications that you can use, but the free stuff is endless. If you're interested, keep reading as I tell you everything you need to know about learning a second language.
Picking a Language
Languages rank from easiest to hardest, some part of this is based on what you already speak. The Romance languages (derived from Latin) are definitely the easiest like Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. They are also the most spoken languages in the world. Which is usually one of my goals when I learn a new language. If I’m going to spend this much time and effort on something, I want it to be useful. Then there are Germanic languages like Norwegian, Scandinavian, and Dutch that are relatively close to English. Lastly, the hardest languages to learn are Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. I will give you props if you want to attempt any of these, seriously. It’s harder for English speakers to master because of the character-based writing system, and some sounds in these languages don’t exist in English.
Where To Start?
Now that you have an idea of what language you want to learn, I can give you helpful tips on how to get the ball rolling. The most important place to start is the alphabet. That way, you can nail the phonetic sounds of the language. Next is to learn the most common phrases and vocabulary ( I suggest learning between 5-10 words per day), then you can start adding on verbs such as (to sleep, to eat, to be, to talk). The grammar concepts shortly follow this, but I wouldn't worry about it just yet. If you are aiming to be conversational first, I'd only put focus on speaking from the beginning. The only exception to this is if you are trying to learn the language formally, then getting into the grammar is a must. Personally, from what I've learned with languages is that the way native speakers use the language depends on the setting. I learned Spanish in a formal, academic environment, so that is how I speak it. However, when you use it in a casual setting, no one really talks that way.
Mediums to Learning a Language
The internet has a wealth of sources to kick start your language learning journey. I already laid out the basics to build your foundation. When it comes to language learning, you need to focus on the main areas of; speaking, listening, reading, and writing. I want to suggest 6 places to help you create a schedule. Creating a language learning schedule is so important because it develops consistency. And consistency is crucial when you want to see results from anything you do. Keep in mind, none of these sites are perfect, nor should you rely on one source for all your language learning. Each site provides a different kind of structure and benefit:
Duolingo: Listening, reading, and writing
Everyone knows this app from its adorable owl logo. I have been using Duolingo for years. The app makes learning fun, addictive, and the best part, it's free! Duolingo offers over 5 languages (including endangered languages like Navajo and Hawaiian). It’s definitely improved a lot over the years with challenging material for more advanced learners. You can take a placement test if you’re trying to brush up on skills in a language you've previously studied, which will then place you at a certain level of the tree. You also have the option of starting at level one. The language tree varies in levels and exercises so it becomes harder the more you progress. Duolingo also provides interactive stories that help build reading comprehension skills. If you like to learn with flashcards, you can download Duolingo’s TinyCards app (I use it to build my vocabulary). Lastly, they have Duolingo podcasts (download in the podcast app for iphone) which are available in Spanish and French as of right now. The podcasts are geared towards intermediate level with the host speaking in English for extra context if you get lost. This app is a great way to build a base and immerse yourself.
HelloTalk: Speaking and writing
https://www.hellotalk.com/?lang=en (IOS and Android available)
I used to use this app a lot and I still think it’s fantastic. It’s basically an instant messaging app for language learners. You make your profile, add up to two languages (get premium for 2+ languages), add your level of ability to each language, then you’re connected to native speakers from all over the world. This app allows you to make video and voice calls with whoever you want to. There’s also a feature that allows users to correct grammar and spelling mistakes when messaging, and also a translator. HelloTalk is such a great way to become conversational, especially in a less formal way. I think it's especially important because you can learn to use the language authentically.
Netflix and Youtube: Listening
A lot of my foreign friends have told me that they learned English from watching American TV shows. I had never thought about this method till I tried it. You are able to hear natural speech because a lot of our slang was developed on TV shows and movies. Plus, you can really get a feel for the natural pace of the language. You can even watch your favorite American TV show with subtitles of the target language. That definitely helps more because you’ll already have an idea of what they're saying. Pro-tip for this one; when using the subtitles make sure to put the audio and subtitles in the target language. Because if you just simply put the audio in the target language and subtitles in English, your brain will be naturally more drawn to that rather than focus on the listening part. If you’re learning Spanish, I highly recommend a show called Elite, it is a drama in European Spanish which is different from Latin American Spanish. It’s like a cross between Degrassi and Gossip Girl, very entertaining and perfect for learning at a more intermediate-advanced level.
The Spanish Experiment: Reading
This is another free website that I got hooked on recently. I use it on my practice days when I want to focus on my reading comprehension with more in depth material. Of course it looks kiddish because it has nursery rhymes and fables. But these stories will introduce you to more vocabularly. I highly recommend listening to the audio and reading along. They also have free lessons where you can learn anything from basic greetings to the informal/formal “you” (yes, Spanish has that). If learning Spanish isn’t your cup of tea, they do have a French and Italian version of the site.
Study Spanish: Writing
This website is great if you want to get down to the nitty gritty grammar stuff. It literally has everything you need from the indicative to the subjunctive mood (every Spanish learner's worst nightmare). It has a bunch of free resources from study guides, practice quizzes, and exams. You can register for a free account and start where you're most comfortable. Each time you take a quiz or do an exercise, it will save your progress.
Coffee Break Spanish: Listening
My last and final medium for language a learning is Coffee Break Spanish, which is available for free in the podcast app in. It is a fantastic resource to get accustomed to the speed and accents of many Spanish speaking countries. It's hosted by a couple and discusses real-world topics. Again, I emphasize the use of authentic language which is so crucial for any second-language learner. Listen to this when you’re in the car or just walking outside. Any exposure you can get while doing everyday activities will help over time. This is also available in Italian!
This was a lot of information, but I do hope all you aspiring language learners can get something out of it! If you have any suggestions or methods on how to learn a language, comment below. Ser bilingüe es un superpoder! See you on my next post.
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