How To Learn A Language Quickly

Being able to speak some of the language of a country is the easiest way to get the most out of your trip. The trick to learning a language is to find a way that works for you and fits in with your lifestyle and time available. We give you the lowdown on a few speedy language-learning methods.

Before you start...

It’s important to have realistic expectations. Unless you shell out for an intensive course you are not going to become anywhere near fluent in a couple of weeks. Even then, it is only repetition that brings fluency. So, don’t be too hard on yourself, set realistic goals and try to enjoy the journey as you learn.

Think about how you learn best. Do you work best to deadlines and need homework to spur you into action? Or do you like lots of games and graphics so that it doesn’t feel like you are learning? Do you need structure and like to see how your knowledge is building? Do you want to learn more about the country and culture too? What sort of learning will you find fun or interesting? Think about all of these questions before you start to learn.

If you’re short on time...

If you’re very short on time and would like to pick up some useful phrases; know the basics like counting to a hundred, asking for directions and exchanging greetings, then a CD-based programme may work for you. You can use it on the tube, bus or car (be careful not to start speaking out loud!) or even while you work out. Big brands include Michel Thomas and Rosetta Stone, but the Earworms brand has a novel approach, setting words and phrases to music, which is meant to be easier for the brain to take in. With catchy little tunes, you can even jig about to them in the kitchen while you prepare dinner. This method also suits those who learn well in an auditory way.

Structured learning

A book and CD course like BBC or Berlitz works well if you like to repeat what you are learning as you go along, but build on it at the same time. The best advice is to go to a bookshop and browse the books on offer as they can vary tremendously from traditional and concentrating on lots of grammar to modern and funky.

Take it seriously

If you’d like to keep learning beyond your immediate holiday, or have a long lead time in which to learn, then a course is the best option. You will have no choice but to speak the language aloud (which is easier to avoid at home) and you’ll have a teacher on hand to correct your mistakes. Regular lessons help build on your knowledge and usually include some form of homework, which can be helpful to keep you on track and motivated. A Google search should point you in the direction of a local education authority or private language school. For the really serious, there is always an option of a course in the country you are studying.

Learn online

There are plenty of excellent online resources to help you pick up a language. The BBC has a number of language learning programmes that take you through stages as you progress, and does this mainly through stories, exercises and short films. For those that prefer games and bright coloured graphics, a popular site is Busuu where you can master vocabulary and grammar online through games and exercises, as well as message native speakers to hone your language skills. There is also an App so you can keep up even when you’re not in front of your computer.

Sociable Learning

But the real key to learning a language is to speak it regularly, which none of the above really force you to do. Meeting a native of that country on a regular basis is the best way to build your fluency. You can ask around your friends and contacts for suggestions, or go onto sites like CouchSurfing.com or Meetup.com that have many groups based around language exchange.

The basic idea is that you find someone who wants to speak your language and you spend some time speaking each other’s language to each other. Not only will you learn linguistically, but you’ll also learn culturally, as no doubt a lot of your conversation will be about your respective countries.

Use your skills

The most important step in studying a language is to use it. Try not to be shy and instead speak it as much as possible while you are away. If they reply in English, don’t give up and take that as your cue to abandon your new tongue. Persevere. It feels good and is a huge boost to both your learning and confidence.