There has never been a better time to refresh or build language skills at home.
By Kylie Sparks, Information Services Librarian at Chantilly Regional Library
Changing Tools and Times
Language learning has changed a lot in the past 20 years. It is now possible to learn a language by talking with teachers in different countries using video conferencing or practicing written language skills using shared Google Docs. E-books and audiobooks make reading in another language easier, too, and watching YouTube videos or shows on Netflix in other languages provide endless possibilities for practicing listening comprehension.
You may remember language learning as boring grammar drills in a textbook, but it has come a long way from just that. With this in mind — and with many people currently having extra time at home — now is a particularly good time to start or continue your language learning.
Free Library Databases
The extensive collection of databases accessible to FCPL cardholders covers a wide range of topics, with language learning among them. Mango Languages and Rocket Languages both provide great resources for adults learning another language, including interactive lessons.
Mango Languages presents short dialogues for you to listen to, then asks you to repeat phrases and respond to queries. You can view the written phrases with the parts of speech highlighted in different colors and click on any word to hear it pronounced. Interesting cultural notes accompany the lessons, too. Rocket Languages provides similar learning tools plus vocabulary lists, exercises and flashcards. Learning through these online databases is especially good for beginners, helping them establish a foundation in the new language.
Find Mango and Rocket Languages by searching the A-Z Online Resources list.
Connect with Tutors Around the World
Another one of my favorite resources for learning languages is the italki website. Through italki you can either set up free language exchanges with people in other countries or book paid lessons. Lessons —which vary in cost based on their length and whether you choose a professional teacher or a community tutor — take place using Zoom, Skype or italki’s own video-conferencing software.
Think you don’t speak well enough to talk to a teacher in a new language? Many teachers are skilled at working with beginners, so it’s never too soon to start having conversations. Itaki teachers will provide learning materials (often making use of Google Docs for notes and writing exercises) and can help you to get started the right way. Remember: the fastest way to learn a language is through practice!
Having short daily conversations in your target language — with a fluent tutor to help you make corrections as you go along — is the best way to achieve proficiency. I have now studied three languages using italki and made new friends all over the world.
Phone Apps Put Practice in the Palm of Your Hand
Many great phone apps — including both free and low-cost options — exist for learning languages. Duolingo offers listening exercises and flashcards. Forvo lets you hear the pronunciation of words or phrases by native speakers. Linguee allows you to see multiple written examples of a word or phrase in use and to hear the pronunciation.
These apps offer content for multiple languages, and, depending on the language you study, other apps may be available, too. Look for ones that allow you to read books in your target language to instantly look up words and hear pronunciations while you read.
Find eBooks and eAudiobooks in your target language using free library resources like OverDrive or through paid services like Audible.
Maintaining Motivation and Progress
In order to make progress in any language, learners need to master four different skills: speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing. Working on all four skills at the same time provides the most beneficial method of study. It can be a bit of a juggling act, but it does not require massive amounts of time. The most important thing is to find learning materials that are interesting and methods that are fun for you.
Many people quit learning a language because they feel bogged down by following only one approach. If you get bored with your practice, try to shake up your approach. Perhaps start listening to music in your target language, and study the lyrics. Or watch your favorite show in your target language, with subtitles in that language. Try reading children’s books in that language, using your preferred videoconferencing tool to do a language exchange, or downloading phone apps like those mentioned above.
Dealing with Interruptions to Your Learning
One thing that throws many learners off is a time gap. You stopped taking that language class five years ago, and now you want to start again. You will likely find beginner materials boring, but you have no idea what level at which to start back up. What can you do?
In this situation the best thing to do is to find someone to talk to in that language. The gaps in your knowledge will quickly become apparent. You may find that you remember a lot of vocabulary but have forgotten the verb tenses, or vice versa. A tutor can help you pinpoint those areas of weakness to guide your study. And you may be surprised by how much you do remember; it usually takes only a few weeks to reactivate your language skills.
Parting Advice
Above all, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You will make a lot, but that is the only way to learn! If you are willing to try and you put in some effort, you will be amazed at how quickly you can progress. Try to do a little bit every day, as opposed to spending a huge chunk of time at once. Follow what is interesting to you in learning, and take advantage of any opportunities to speak your target language.
Keep in mind that plateaus are a normal part of learning a language. For weeks at a time you may feel like you are getting nowhere, and then, suddenly, your skills will take a huge leap forward. The payoff for all the hard work comes when you have a real conversation in another language — when you laugh, you connect with another person, you help someone, you make a friend, or you learn something new using that language.
Those connections and conversation will make your world so much larger and richer, so don’t hesitate to take the first step in your language learning journey. You don’t even have to leave your couch!