Most people take a language class while in school, but they also have so many other subjects to learn simultaneously. You might not have learned well from your instructor’s teaching methods when you were a student, or maybe you needed to take things at your own pace. Maybe you never got the chance to pursue a language course in school, or maybe you’re looking to take your language skills to the next level for your travels.
Whether you’re starting from an intermediate level or from scratch, it’s never too late to learn a new language! Now you have more freedom to personalize your learning process and lesson plans.
The Best Methods for Learning a New Language as an Adult
1. Travel the World:
Immersing yourself in a new culture is one of the best methods for adult language learning. You’re of a legal age to rent cars and book hotel rooms, so why not travel the world? Staying in a new country for longer than a week introduces you to native accents and forces you to use the language to navigate daily life.
2. Sign Up for Classes:
Anyone interested in learning from an instructor can sign up for a virtual course. You’ll have guided lessons that you can take whenever you have time. Compare what each course offers, like video conferencing with tutors or a lifetime membership for a single fee. Think about how much you know about your desired language to match yourself with a course that matches the difficulty level you require.
3. Download an App:
Wondering where to learn a new language as an adult? Look no further than your phone. If your lifestyle is constantly on the go, check out the numerous language learning apps available for Android, iOS, and Windows phone users.
They’ll include a variety of languages to choose from if you’re undecided. You might practice Spanish while picking up your kids from school or study Mandarin while you’re in line at the grocery store. Given that 14.4% of the world’s population speaks Mandarin and 13% of the U.S. population speaks Spanish, you’ll gain a valuable skillset by studying any leading language.
4. Watch Foreign Films:
Watching television might not seem productive, but it’s among the best methods for adult language learning. Turn on the subtitles for foreign films to match the translations with what you hear. Afterward, you can turn off the subtitles and learn through active listening. It’s an entertaining way to productively continue your education even while relaxing in your free time.
5. Get Involved in Your Community:
If your town has a local Mexican bakery or an authentic Italian restaurant, ask your waiter to explain the menu items that look most appealing to you. Volunteer to build houses for impoverished families that speak a different language in your hometown. You’ll make new friends that challenge your language skills and bond with your neighbors.
6. Find Language Exchange Sites:
Use the internet to your advantage by finding a language exchange site. They include tools to learn new skills while practicing with native speakers who don’t play the role of a teacher. There’s no pressure to pass tests and quizzes with high grades. If you want to know where to learn a new language as an adult, an exchange website can become your favorite tool to read and speak fluently within a year.
7. Pick Up a Book:
You can always challenge yourself by reading a book in the language you want to learn. After grasping the basic concepts of conjugations and sentence structure, find a short book. Make notations on the pages to translate as you read. Your intense focus and the joy of reading will help you pick up the language more quickly if you are already a reader at heart.
8. Download a Podcast:
Listening is another excellent way to learn a language, but you don’t have to speak with strangers if that makes you nervous. Download an educational podcast or episodes spoken in your desired language. Either option will help you interpret fluent speakers and potentially tap into a new learning tool that might help you more than words on a page.
Learn a New Language
Anyone can figure out how to learn a language as an adult. Think about which language you want to learn and try these tips to experiment with new learning styles. With time and practice, you’ll find the best study resources and excel in your language skills.
About the Author:
Ginger Abbot is a learning, lifestyle and education writer who loves helping students, graduates and professionals achieve their personal goals. She has a special interest in travel, language learning and self development. Read more of her work on her educational publication, Classrooms, where she serves as writer and editor when she’s not freelancing.
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