{"id":23569,"date":"2018-04-02T11:39:51","date_gmt":"2018-04-02T15:39:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/?p=23569"},"modified":"2021-04-27T11:14:13","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T15:14:13","slug":"how-to-learn-a-foreign-language","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/how-to-learn-a-foreign-language\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Learn a Foreign Language"},"content":{"rendered":"

Technology can connect people from the very opposite ends of the globe today in a matter of seconds. However, it is one thing to connect and another to communicate. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to Russell A. Berman<\/span><\/a>, professor of German studies and of comparative literature at Stanford University and former president of the Modern Language Association, Americans\u2019 overwhelming dependency on English alone is making Americans fall behind their global counterparts in their ability to communicate in more than one language. <\/span><\/p>\n

For example, while most European students must begin learning their first foreign language <\/span>between the ages of 6 and 9<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>only 7 percent of American<\/span><\/a> college students are enrolled in a language course. <\/span>Consequently<\/span><\/a>, while 54 percent of Europeans can speak more than one language, only 17 percent of Americans can. <\/span><\/p>\n

As native English speakers, some may think they can get by in their English-dominated world and brush this off as another statistic irrelevant to their personal lives. However, more than ever, U.S. companies, schools and governments are collaborating with international citizens in our homeground as well as theirs. <\/span><\/p>\n

So really, anyone living, working and socializing in this globalized generation can and will at some time face difficulties because of a language barrier. Of course, not everyone needs to be a polyglot to survive, but here are some of many reasons why we might want to learn a foreign language.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"language<\/p>\n

1. For Career<\/b><\/h2>\n

Being a bilingual is no longer just an addition to our resumes, but essential in some industries. According to a recent <\/span>report<\/span><\/a> by New American Economy, in just five years from 2010 to 2015, job postings aimed at bilingual workers in the U.S. more than doubled. This means that many employers, with a choice between two candidates with generally similar skill sets other than language, will very likely hire a bilingual over a monolingual. Particularly, the report found that Chinese, Spanish and Arabic are the top three languages most demanded in job markets. And beyond simply getting a job, learning a language automatically helps with understanding culture, which will leave a much mindful impression on foreign business partners or fellow employees. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. For Brain<\/b><\/h2>\n

Learning a foreign language is an amazing exercise to our brains. Numerous studies have proved cognitive benefits of dual-language learning. According to <\/span>NPR<\/span><\/a>, experts agreed that, compared to monolingual students, bilingual students have higher attention rate, social and emotional skills, school performance and even protection against cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer\u2019s. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. For Travel<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re a frequent traveler, you would know that knowing even just a few simple phrases in the language of the land can make your travel cheaper and easier. This means saving time and money, while gaining more authentic experience. Rather than heading straight to a restaurant that a hotel concierge recommended, asking around and finding your way into a local cafe will make the experience more memorable and, most likely, give you access to tastier foods.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. For Fun<\/b><\/h2>\n

People who can only think of heavy grammar rules when asked about learning a foreign language might laugh at this. But, I assure you, it can be — when you actually communicate with it. Bogged down by foreign grammar rules that never make sense or words that never sound like their meanings, many people give up all their hard work before tasting what it\u2019s like to understand a song in a foreign language or talk with locals in a foreign country. When the things you learned in books are actually used in the wild, that\u2019s when you can confidently say, \u201cI can speak in such language.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

[divider]<\/p>\n

Now that you are aware of the wide spectrum of benefits of a foreign language, let\u2019s go through the five easy steps you need to learn a foreign language.<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Start Easy<\/b><\/h2>\n

Just as kids learn their native languages, start easy. Label physical objects in your house. Read a short children\u2019s book every day. Whatever way it may be, remember to start with learning the most basic, yet useful words and phrases. You won\u2019t be prepared for the next great debate or a page long essay yet, but you will feel confident having basic conversations. And being able to communicate is the most important and rewarding part of learning a foreign language. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Keep a Balance<\/b><\/h2>\n

Studies suggest that people master a foreign language not by heavy grammar study and memorization, but by comprehending what they hear and read in that language. Obviously, you won\u2019t be able to comprehend anything without at least having some knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. However, don\u2019t think you need to know every grammar rule before going into actual reading and talking. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Use Free\/Cheap Resources<\/b><\/h2>\n

With so much resources available online for free, I dare say there really is no reason for beginners to spend money when trying out a language. Make use of different media platforms and build a studying routine that best fits you. <\/span><\/p>\n

Online lessons<\/b><\/p>\n