Learning foreign languages contributes to brain development and improves cognitive abilities, making it an excellent brain exercise. Additionally, it opens up additional opportunities for communicating with people from different cultures, broadens horizons, and allows for new experiences. Furthermore, learning foreign languages can significantly enhance career prospects and open doors for working with people from different countries.
For some people it is a great challenge. And the first question that arises – how to begin learning a foreign language? I shall try to answer this question.
First of all, set achievable goals. Start by creating realistic and specific language learning goals. This can help you define your progress and stay motivated.
The second step, find your motivation. Discover what inspires and motivates you to learn. This could be a love of music, movies, or a strong desire to communicate with friends and family.
The third step, celebrate achievments. Don’t forget to celebrate milestones and progress. Positive reinforcement can help keep you motivated and engaged in the learning process.
Here are some tips for overcoming language learning challenges:
- Consistency is Key – make language learning a consistent practice and routine. Set aside time each day or week to focus on your language goals.
- Embrace Mistakes – don’t let mistakes discourage you. Embrace them as an opportunity to learn and grow in your language skills.
- Practice, Practice, Practice – find ways to incorporate language learning into your daily life. This could be through music, podcasts, or chatting with native speakers.
- Ask for Help – don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are many resources available, from language exchange groups to online tutors.
I possess two foreign languages: English and German.
English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and many international companies use it as the official language of communication. Knowing English can help improve communication with colleagues and clients from different countries around the world.
I have been studying English since childhood, when I really wanted to study in another school, where my friends studied. In my school, I studied German, but all my friends studied in the school, where children did not study German. My stubbornness and strong desire to study with my friends led me to the fact that at the age of 11 I learned the English alphabet, learned to read, and could tell about myself and my family, as well as why I wanted to study in a specific school. My friend helped me. We studied the language all summer long, using her textbook.
I failed in my idea for the reasons I couldn’t influence that time. But since then, the English language has been my main tool in building my life and career.
But there is also German, which I use rather seldom in work and life, but I like it, and for several years I have been working with a tutor to maintain and improve my level of this language.
The German language is also one of the official languages of Europe, and its knowledge can be useful for traveling and exchanging experience with colleagues from Europe. And yes, while traveling around Germany, I tried to talk to people in their native language as often as possible.
By the way, in addition to my private classes, I watch various programs, films, and TV shows in German. As for programs, they are mostly educational and entertaining programs. Let me tell you about two of them, my favorites.
So, the first program is called Wer weiss denn so was. This is a popular German TV show in which participants answer questions on various topics, such as science, history, culture, and sports. The hosts of the program ask guests questions that they must answer correctly, using their knowledge and intuition. The correct answer will earn points, and at the end of the program, the participant with the most points becomes the winner. This program is very interesting and informative, and I always learn a lot of new things by watching it.
For example, did you know what to do with a pineapple to make it sweeter?
Answer options:
- To make the pineapple even more delicious, it should be held over steam for a few minutes.
- To make the pineapple even more delicious, it needs to be turned over for a day or two.
- To make the pineapple even more delicious, it needs to be placed overnight in a fabric soaked in grapefruit juice.
What answer will you choose?
The correct answer is the second option: it needs to be turned over and left for a day or two, so that the sweet juice is evenly distributed throughout the pineapple.
Thanks to this program, I learn a lot of new and interesting things while training my language comprehension and learning new words and phrases.
There is another program that I like – Bares fuer Rares. This is a German television show dedicated to antiques and collecting. The host of the program invites various experts and collectors to evaluate the antique items presented on the show. Participants can sell their items at an auction that takes place at the end of each episode. The show is very popular in Germany, and I love it because I learn a lot of interesting things about various items, their origin stories, what they are made of, when, by whom, about artists, jewelers, and other people and eras, expanding my vocabulary of German words.
You can easily find these programs in Youtube.
As you can see from my experience, learning foreign languages is very cool and useful. Learning a new language can be a transformational experience. It can lead to new friendships, exciting travel opportunities, and personal growth. By embracing new cultures and perspectives, you can expand your horizons and push yourself to new heights.
Learning a new language is a lifelong journey. By using effective strategies and staying motivated, you can achieve your language learning goals.
I would be happy if you tell me, what foreign languages are you studying? What benefits do you see?
Do not hesitate to contact me on Telegram or at LinkedIn – just click one of these words.
