How to Learn a new language in a year
Make your next adventure a breeze.
Have you already got your next overseas adventure booked? or perhaps you just want to impress your friends next time you’re at that fancy soiree or having dinner at that Gambian or Moroccan restaurant.
There are many reasons people choose to learn a new language, and whatever your motivation, we believe the benefits are endless. It’s never been easier to learn a new language at your own pace. We take a look at how you can get started today without breaking a sweat.
Language experts advise that starting out with small achievable goals will set you up for long-term success. Which is what makes Duolingo such a great starting off point. This free language app will help you master the basics of any new language in a functional and interactive way. With gameplay at its core, Duolingo takes an enormous task like learning a new language and makes it fun and addictive. The best part? With just five minutes a day, you’ll master the basics and pronounce words like a pro.
While we love Duolingo, there will come a time when you outgrow it. So what do you do when you’ve accomplished all those small achievable goals and you’re looking for something more substantial? For those that need to learn quickly, there is no better place than Babbel. Created by over 100 expert linguists, this app relies on speech recognition technology and personalized review sessions to keep your pronunciation on point. Unlike Duolingo, Babbel is a paid subscription service. For those that have mastered everything Duolingo offers and want a more immersive experience, Babbel has been scientifically developed to help you speak like a local in no time.
““If you talk to a man in a language
he understands,
that goes to his head.
If you talk to him in his language,
that goes to his heart.””
Linguists agree that once you have the basics under your belt, nothing beats getting to practice with native speakers. This is where Rype comes in. Rype is a language learning platform that lets you pick from a range of native speaking tutors for live 1-on-1 classes. Each lesson is carefully curated based on your current level and goals, and gives you an opportunity to practice your pronunciation in real time conversations.
You’ve stuck to the lessons, you’ve mastered the pronunciation. The only thing left to take your language skills to the next level is to have an immersive experience.
No amount of online learning or 1-on-1 classes can prepare you for the fully immersive experience of learning to speak another language amongst native speakers. The beauty of language is in the nuances of casual conversation.
There is no better way to pick up conversational colloquialisms than being right there in the thick of it all, and practicing in real life situations. This is where you finally get to put into practice everything you have learned and refine your skills. This is where it gets really fun!
Plus, we think it’s a great excuse to get out of your comfort zone and have a real life adventure.
BONUS: Mandla created “to preserve and promote African cultures through language,”… for those who seek to strengthen their unbreakable connection with their African roots.” To learn more about African Language resources, click here
We’re sure that with these easy steps, you’ll confidently be speaking like a native by the end of the year and wowing your friends and family.
Do you know what the love languages of the African continent are? To learn more, click HERE
