How to Learn a Language to Actually Understand It
There is a big difference between leveling up in a language learning app and being able to speak and understand the target language when you arrive in a new country. Rather than wondering which application or approach is the “best,” consider learning your language from different angles.
Use apps for structured practice
Duolingo is free, has tons of content, and works well for a lot of people, so it’s a natural first step. Mango takes a more conversational approach, and while it’s a paid product, many public libraries can give you access for free. (See your library website for details.) Babbel is another paid conversation-focused app.
When I am learning a language, I like to learn the other strategies that I will mention, but I like to have one approach that I test every day. For me, that’s usually Duolingo.
Practice listening with podcasts and audio lessons
If you only practice writing, it will be very difficult to understand speech (especially from native speakers who can speak quickly and who may have a regional accent that you are not familiar with).
There are many podcasts in almost every language, but the challenge is finding ones that you can understand as a beginner. The Duolingo Spanish podcast really bridges the gap in a wonderful way: the Spanish speaker tells the story of what happened in his life, and every few sentences the English speaker takes over and provides some context. You can follow the story without getting lost, but the more you understand Spanish, the more details and nuances you can grasp. (Unfortunately, it is not available in other languages.)
Another approach that I like is where the facilitators teach the language lessons with most of the content in English (at least at the beginner level), but with lots of dialogue and advice on the target language. The Pod101 Spanish and Spanish Notes do this well.
Meet real people in person
This may be the scariest option at first, but it is also probably the most rewarding. You can enroll in a class or simply go to Meetup.com, Facebook, or your local library to find chat groups in your target language. I found groups for beginners, where most of the conversation is in English, as well as intermediate and advanced groups, where people just chat in the target language – sometimes over a meal or after watching a movie in a foreign language.
Since the group is for language learners, you can join even if you are unsure of your skills. People will help you! I also found my discussion group to be a great place to learn about books and applications that I could practice with at home.
Chat with people online
Video chat, again, can be intimidating. But when people speaking your language are literally one Skype call away, all over the world, it would be a shame to miss out on this extremely rewarding learning tool. Italki can find you a professional language teacher, informal tutor or partner for an hourly rate. (I paid about $ 5 to speak with someone in Costa Rica for half an hour.)
Duolingo also offers chat in some languages, in which you spend about five minutes meeting with the teacher on the other end, half scripted.
Even more informal (and less intimidating), Tandem lets you chat with other language learners for free. You just open the app and text a stranger. Video chat and other options are also available.
Watch TV
Do not watch any TV programs in your target language; many will be difficult to understand. Look for shows that you can follow concepts to practice your listening skills.
For example, if you’re familiar with the baking show Nailed It, try Nailed It Mexico, where the structure is exactly the same (people try to bake pies but fail) so you never have to worry about losing the plot. In a recent episode of The Fluent Show in English, I learned that some of the best shows for language learners are extremely formulaic, like reality TV and real crime dossiers.
When we asked for your language learning tips , some commenters mentioned Extra! a sitcom series designed for American foreign language students. They are stupid, excessive and … in fact, they are very easy to follow.
Follow social media in your target language or country
To practice reading and writing short passages in your target language, find social media accounts or hashtags to follow. You get a small dose of this language every time you scroll on Instagram, plus you get a tiny window into culture by seeing what a country looks like, what people are doing, what news they are discussing. It’s also a fun, simple language exercise that allows you to comment or reply from time to time, allowing you to apply your new language skills to the real world from the comfort of your home.