How to Learn a New Language Before Moving Abroad
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The language barrier is the main problem when moving abroad for most people. You can learn the language for moving abroad before you arrive or while you are already in the new country. In this case, the learning process will be much faster and easier. Here are the best ways to learn a new language
Changing the place of residence is always filled with pleasant excitement and expectations. At the same time, moving to a new country can be quite a scary and stressful period in the life of every expat. In addition to processing permit documents, finding housing, work, you also need to learn the language of the new country.
Knowing the language will reduce the excitement of moving, make it easier to find new friends, and save time when communicating with colleagues and neighbors.
How to learn a new language before moving abroad? We have collected for you the best ways to learn a new language and useful tips from experienced expats.
Find the cheapest countries to live in in 2023 here.
• Find a language learning partner
It is quite difficult to learn a new language on your own. It is much easier to do it in a pair with someone. To learn the language faster and more effectively, you should find a person with whom you will attend courses and practice speaking. It is important that your partner also has a strong motivation to learn a new language.
• Buy a pocket dictionary
This simple tip will help you learn new words and phrases anywhere. Bilingual dictionaries come in different sizes, but we recommend purchasing a pocket-sized dictionary that can fit in a small purse or briefcase. You can buy it on the Internet or in a bookstore.
• Watch movies in a foreign language
Watching foreign films and TV shows will help you understand accents, dialects and pronunciation. You can also immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a new language while listening to songs. You can pause the movie or song to practice pronunciation. This tip will come in handy after you've learned the basics of a new language.
• Keep a word journal
Each time you study, write down new words in a notebook or online diary - this will help you remember the words and allow you to repeat them when necessary.
• Sign up for language courses
Attending face-to-face courses is one of the best ways to learn a new language. Individual language centers or courses at universities operate in many cities.
Advantages of language courses:
- you can practice communicating with classmates;
- will help to learn the correct pronunciation and accent of the teacher;
- enrolling in a language school will encourage you to study because of the course fee you pay, the learning environment, and the competition.
However, having a large number of students in a class can deprive you of individual attention. For personalized training, we recommend hiring an individual teacher.
• Ask your future employer about the company's policy on language learning
Many foreign companies offer future employees access to language courses. The employer can cover the costs of a language course or individual tutoring before or after your move. Please contact Human Resources for details.
Some countries also offer expats free language courses.
• Visit the country before moving
A good tip would be to visit the country of future residence before moving, such a simple step will help you familiarize yourself with the area, find accommodation and test your language skills. You will be able to practice your language skills while ordering food in a restaurant, taking a taxi or public transport, going to the store, etc.
• Set aside time to study every day
Learning a language requires daily practice and repetition. The best way to learn a new language is to spend time every day testing and practicing your language skills. We advise you to do this for at least one hour a day, you can do it more. Avoid distractions such as social media while learning a language.
• Use language cards
Flash cards are a great way to self-test when learning a language, and they will also help you learn how to translate words and phrases.
• Download language learning apps
Learning a foreign language with the help of language programs is easy and economical. You can use such training programs even on the go. You don't need a fixed schedule to learn through a language app compared to a traditional classroom. In addition, each lesson can be completed in 10-30 minutes.
You can choose from many language programs, many of which are available for free.
Don't be afraid of mistakes
Learning a new language is always a difficult process. Grammar, norms of spoken language, cultural features - speaking a new language is always difficult. The only way to learn a new language is to try it. So talk to your friends, family and your language partner as often as possible in your new language.
Knowing the language is important not only for free communication, but also for processing documents when moving. If you need to sign a contract, rent an apartment, open a bank account, but you do not speak the language well, we advise you to consult a highly qualified lawyer. A specialist will help you avoid the language barrier when signing important documents.
Which languages are the easiest to learn?
Learning a new language is a difficult task. However, there are certain languages in the world that are much easier to learn. If you have not yet chosen a country for your future move, then read the list of the easiest languages to learn and the countries where they are common.
English is the most widely spoken language in the world. It also has short words, no gender or word agreement, and verbs change only in the third person. There are 360 million speakers of English in the world, and approximately two billion people speak it, which is 30 percent of the world's population. English is the official language in Great Britain, USA, Canada, etc.
French is the native language of more than 100 million people in the world and the official language of 28 countries of the world, it is spoken on almost all continents. Linguistically, it is very close to English. French is used in France, Switzerland, Canada, Belgium, etc.
Spanish - Latin and Arabic have influenced the Spanish language the most. It is an official language in Spain, Argentina, Mexico, etc.
Italian is spoken in Italy, Switzerland, Malta and Argentina, as well as in 25 other countries around the world. It has a grammar similar to other Romance languages, but fewer verb forms than French or Spanish.
Follow these simple rules and learning a new language will be quick and easy.
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