Mastering a New Language with iBestTravel

Brushing up on your Spanish? Want to master Chinese? Whether you’re still isolating or just have some downtime over the holidays, there has never been a better time to learn that foreign language that has been on your to-do list.

Orla Neligan maps out the best ways to master it without having to leave your house.

Set Goals, Build Habits

Like anything we want to master, language learning is best when broken down into manageable, achievable goals. There’s no point declaring your wish to be fluent by this time next month if you’re going to fall at the first hurdle and give up entirely. Ask yourself what you want to achieve and by when, then incorporate it into each day. Phil McGowan, director at verbMAPS, recommends setting a tangible goal, such as being able to read a foreign newspaper or magazine article without using a dictionary. Choose topics that interest you; if you don’t normally read Cranes Today or Fashion Doll Quarterly, you likely won’t enjoy it in a different language.

The Basics

You probably don’t need to memorize phrases like “Are you allergic to llamas?” which may not be of any help. In fact, with over 170,000 words in the Oxford English Dictionary, a native speaker only uses around 10% of those words. Studies indicate that the most common 100 words in any language account for about 50% of all spoken communication. You can find a list of more than 600 essential words on fluent-forever.com, organized by themes to facilitate easier memorization.

Deconstructing

Famous hyperpolyglot Cardinal Giuseppe Mezzofanti was believed to speak 72 languages in the 1700s, largely due to his method of learning the Lord’s Prayer in different languages, which helped him understand their natural rhythms. Tim Ferris, known for speaking five languages fluently, employs a similar strategy: by mastering 12 basic sentences that disclose the structure of any language.

Ferris remarks, “I eat the apple; John gives me the apple; it is his apple – these sentences allow me to grasp the architecture of any language, including past tense and pronouns.” Additionally, he emphasizes that what you study is more vital than how; prioritizing high-frequency words can yield better results. He suggests using 10–20 flashcards daily, easily found on platforms like ankiweb.net.

TV

Many Major League baseball players from South America credit the TV show Friends for their English proficiency. Similarly, Spanish telenovelas, with their repetitive plots and clear emotional expressions, can help bridge the gap between geographical jargon and conversational language. If you often binge-watch Netflix, consider enjoying foreign films like Cinema Paradiso, Cable Girls, and Goodbye Lenin. The Language Learning with Netflix tool allows viewers to watch foreign films with dual subtitles, helping to absorb the language naturally.

Language Apps

While you may not be writing novels in French, utilizing language apps like Duolingo or Babbel for a few minutes daily can significantly improve your conversational skills. Since launching in 2012, Duolingo has attracted over 30 million downloads by delivering lessons through enjoyable gamified challenges.

Michaela Kron, lead PR manager at Duolingo, notes, “Learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Fluency is often misunderstood as the final goal; however, mastering a language involves much more than knowing every word. Our AI-driven approach tailors lessons to individual needs, making the process both enjoyable and effective.” Moreover, students receive immediate feedback on errors, which fosters understanding and retention.

Tune In

If multitasking while doing dishes appeals to you, Irish polyglot Benny Lewis recommends streaming foreign radio stations through TuneIn. Podcasts that cover various topics and speaking styles, like “News in Slow,” offered in French, Italian, and Spanish, provide insight into current events without overwhelming you. Additionally, “Slow Chinese” and “Slow German” can be suitable for beginners, while “Coffee Break Languages” presents casual lessons that feel relaxed yet informative.

Daily Routines

“Utilize every chance to immerse yourself in your new language,” advises Russian TED Talk translator Olga Dmitrochenkova. She suggests labeling objects around your home in the target language, reading children’s books and news articles, and watching subtitled TED Talks. Resetting your phone and browser language may also help, along with conversing with pets or responding to family members in your target language. These simple actions can drastically enhance your vocabulary.

Go Native

For invaluable perspective and feedback, engaging with a native speaker is irreplaceable. Thanks to the online platform italki.com, you can connect with teachers worldwide for personalized one-on-one lessons tailored to your pace and schedule. Guided conversations occur through Skype or FaceTime, typically from US$10/€9 per hour. You can also take advantage of 30-minute trial lessons to explore various teachers without commitment. Alternatively, immerse yourself in virtual reality with programs like Second Life, where you can interact with avatar teachers in practical scenarios.

This article was originally published in March 2020 and was last updated in December 2020.