It is often said that immersing yourself in a new language is the quickest way to learn it, and this is true! But once you have arrived in the country of your target language, where do you begin? Here are three tips for quick language learning once you arrive in your new country.
1. Food First!
Everybody eats. Once you have arrived in your new country, find out what the people like! And even more importantly, pay attention to how they order it. This will of course take time, so don’t be afraid to fumble through many, many interactions. But going to a coffee shop or local cafe a few times a week is great practice at low-stakes learning and speaking in your new language. And if you feel you have somehow embarrassed yourself beyond social repair (unlikely!), you can always visit a new shop next time.
2. Do Those Errands
If you have just relocated to a city, there is a good chance that some app exists to bring your food and your groceries directly to your door, with nice pictures next to all the items. This can be really convenient, except when it comes to learning your target language. The absolute best thing you can do is to get out and do those errands! Shops are your best friend for vocabulary. You can peruse the aisles at your own pace, and find out what your favorite everyday items are called in your new language. Pretty soon you will find that you have built a great base of vocabulary to build on.
3. Listen Up
This is perhaps what is most commonly meant when people say to “immerse yourself” in your target language. Simply, it means engaging your ears. This can be done through the previous two tips by paying attention to cashiers and people around you in cafes and bars. But it also means consuming the entertainment of the people with whom you wish to integrate. Watch local TV shows! Listen to podcasts and the top-of-the-charts singles. Anything where you will find how people talk naturally. You will find yourself picking up on jargon and local vernacular that you won’t find in translator apps or dictionaries. But of course, all three of these tips can and should be supplemented with at-home learning.
Nick Denardi 